5 ROCKIN’ ROAD TRIPS FOR MUSIC
From the classic Hollywood Bowl to Paso’s newest vineyard venue, the Golden State offers an abundance of great outdoor concert sites that mix top-tier acts with starry nights, picnic possibilities and more.
So if you’re a music lover contemplating your summer vacation itinerary, consider this inspiration for a rockin’ road trip — or five. Here’s where to go, what to do — and what else to do once you’re there. Let’s get this show on the road!
The Hollywood Bowl
Nestled between the multimillion dollar homes of Mulholland Drive and the hustle of Hollywood Boulevard, this gorgeous 17,500-capacity amphitheater has been a California icon since 1922. It’s one of the world’s most famous venues, on par with New York’s Madison Square Garden and Colorado’s Red Rocks. You’ll understand why as you sit outside on a summery SoCal night and watch a marquee act perform under an arched bandshell that is every bit as famous around these parts as Mickey Mouse ears.
The summer season opens June 17 and includes such don’t-miss events as Reggae Night XVI with Ziggy Marley with Orchestra, The Specials, June 18; Kool and the Gang, Morris Day and the Time, Village People, July 21-22; and Bryan Ferry with Orchestra, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Aug. 26.
VENUE >> 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles; www.hollywoodbowl.com
EAT >> Reserve a spot at one of the 14 picnic areas here for the true Hollywood Bowl experience. Bring your own fare, pick up goodies from one of the Bowl’s marketplaces, order a picnic box ($37) or go luxe with one of Suzanne Goin’s three-course “Supper in Your Box Seats” feasts ($44-$68). Find details under the “food+wine” tab on the Hollywood Bowl website.
SLEEP >> Skip the inevitable showtime traffic and stay at one of the perfectly adequate chain hotels within easy walking distance of the venue. One option: The Holiday Inn Express Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1921 Highland Ave., www.hiexpress.com. Rooms $209 and up.
PLAY >> Catch a flick and peek at the famous handprints at the legendary Grauman’s Chinese Theatre — now known as the TCL Chinese Theatre — at 6925 Hollywood Blvd., tclchinesetheatres.com.
Santa Barbara Bowl
Savvy music lovers keep their eyes on the Santa Barbara Bowl calendar, knowing that many top-tier acts — who can easily fill 20,000-seat venues — include this intimate venue on their tour itineraries. And it’s absolutely worth the drive to see such acts as Phish, The Who, Wiz Khalifa, Florence and the Machine or Lorde light up this lovely 4,500-capacity venue.
The summer season opens May 25 and includes such not-to-be-missed shows as Air on June 24; Blondie, Garbage with John Doe and Exene Cervenka, July 7; and Depeche Mode on Oct. 2.
VENUE >> 1122 N. Milpas St., Santa Barbara; sbbowl.com
EAT >> The venue’s concessions menu includes mainstays such as bratwurst, pulled pork sliders and Rusty’s pizza by the slice, with prices that range from $4-$8. But we can’t resist the fajitas del mar ($18) at Santa Barbara’s Los Agaves, a half-mile away at 600 N. Milpas St.; www.los-agaves.com.
SLEEP >> This city, too, has a plethora of hotel options, including the Lemon Tree Inn, which offers 96 rooms and a pool at 2819 State St.; www.treeinns.com. Rooms are $185 and up.
PLAY >> Between the beach, the State Street boutiques and the wineries of the Funk Zone, there’s plenty to do here. But if you’re in Santa Barbara with kids, head for the Santa Barbara Zoo, considered one of the nation’s finer small zoos. 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara; www.sbzoo.org
Vina Robles Amphitheatre
This four-year-old venue is one of the newest additions to the Golden State’s thriving winery concert scene. It’s also among the loveliest — a state-of-the-art amphitheater with Mission-inspired architecture, nestled in the Paso Robles wine region. The pairing of live music and great wine — from Vina Robles Vineyard, of course — is the main draw, but the chance to explore California’s beautiful Central Coast is certainly a major plus.
Like the Santa Barbara Bowl, this intimate 3,300-capacity venue often hosts acts who play much larger venues elsewhere. Vina Robles’ concert season opened
last week. Don’t miss REO Speedwagon, STYX and Don Felder performing on June 25; Doobie Brothers, Aug. 22; and Idina Menzel, Aug. 27.
VENUE >> 3800 Mill Road, Paso Robles; www.vinaroblesamphitheatre.com
EAT >> Paso’s dining scene is known for its spectacular restaurants, including the upscale Il Cortile, which offers housemade pasta, fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list. 608 12th St., Paso Robles; www.ilcortileristorante.com
SLEEP >> From the historic Paso Robles Inn to the luxurious SummerWood Inn and Winery, Paso has plenty of hotel options to choose from. Rooms at the Paso Robles Inn start at $149; 1103 Spring St.; www.pasoroblesinn.com. SummerWood rooms start at $300; 2175 Arbor Road; www. summerwoodwine.com.
PLAY >> The grandeur of William Randolph Hearst’s Hearst Castle — with 165 rooms on 127 acres — is an hour away. 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon; www. hearstcastle.org.
Weill Hall
This 5-year-old hot spot is the centerpiece of Sonoma State’s Green Music Center and a glorious addition to the Northern California arts scene. It’s modeled after Massachusetts’ fabled Tanglewood music venue and offers two distinct music experiences. Weill operates as a 1,400-capacity symphony hall with exquisite acoustics for most of the year. During the warm weather months, the venue’s back wall opens up to allow for another 4,000-plus patrons on the lawn.
The summer season opens with a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with Kathy Mattea and the Santa Rosa Symphony, July 4. Other don’t miss performances include Diana Krall on Aug. 4, and the Chick Corea Elektric Band and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on Aug. 18.
VENUE >> Green Music Center, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park; gmc.sonoma.edu
EAT >> Pre-order a Boudin picnic box ($16-$18 for sandwiches and salads) ahead of time, or grab a bite beforehand. We’re fans of the curry dishes at Tiny Thai, at 8238 Old Redwood Highway in nearby Cotati.
SLEEP >> Sonoma County has scores of hotels and B&Bs. One option: The Gables Wine Country Inn is a restored Gothic Victorian, built in 1887. Rooms start at $235. 4257 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa; www.thegablesinn.com
PLAY >> Spend the day with Charlie Brown and the gang at the Charles M. Schulz Museum at 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa; schulzmuseum.org.
Ironstone Amphitheatre
One of the Gold Country’s true treasures, this Calaveras County venue draws music lovers from across Northern California with its lineup of top rock, pop and country acts, performing in a gorgeous winery setting. We love the warm, laidback vibe here, as concertgoers stretch out on the lawn, sip Ironstone Vineyards wine and enjoy the show.
Adding to the charm: Ironstone is in cozy Gold Rush-era Murphys, a Sierra Foothills town with plenty of good restaurants, wineries and shops.
The amphitheater season opens June 10. Don’t miss Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie, and The Wallflowers, July 21; the Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, Aug. 13; Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, Aug. 18.
VENUE >> 1894 6 Mile Road, Murphys; ironstoneamphitheatre.net
EAT >> Start with the Baja-style fish tacos at Firewood (420 Main St., Murphys, firewoodeats.com) then satisfy your sweet tooth at Lila and Sage (219 Main St., Murphys; lilaandsage.com) of “Cupcake Wars” fame.
SLEEP >> Historic hotels and B&Bs abound in the Gold Country. One option: The vintage Cottages at La Honda Park at 2455 Murphys Grade Road, Murphys; www.lahondapark.com. Cottages start at $145 per night.
PLAY >> Head underground to explore the stunning caves at Moaning Cavern Adventure Park at 5350 Moaning Cave Road in nearby Vallecito; caverntours.com.