La Honda

Famous for its windy roads and hippie history, La Honda is one of my favorite little corners in the Bay Area. Nestled in the Sierra Morena mountains, I feel like the somewhat stomach-scrambling drive up there is a thousand percent worth it. Right down Highway 84, halfway between the electronic hum of Silicon Valley below and the sizzle of waves breaking on the Pescadero shores, lies my personal NorCal oasis. I’ve never seen more redwoods in one place in my entire life.

There’s one spot, though, that hikers, cyclists, and motorcyle lovers alike can all agree is an essential stop on your La Honda journey.

That would be the one and only APPLE JACK’S. When I tell you that this place has my heart, I mean it. There’s just nothing like driving back down from a four-hour set of Neil Young covers and singalongs (think “someone-brought-a-guitar-to-the-campfire” type of songs) to make you feel just so completely alive.

Whether I’m up there playing a show, hiking, grabbing a bite at Alice’s restaurant, or just taking in the amazing panoramic view of the Bay, I just keep coming back to La Honda.