Pacific to Peaks was a five-day women's journey designed to help us rediscover something many of us didn't even realize we'd misplaced: our joy, confidence, curiosity, and playful spirit.
It wasn't simply a vacation. It was a chance to step away from the constant demands of everyday life and create space for something deeper.
It was for the one longing for fresh air, beautiful scenery, meaningful conversations, belly laughs, and just enough adventure to remind herself she was capable of more than she thought.
For five days, we traded calendars for sunsets, obligations for connection, and routines for unforgettable experiences. We wandered charming coastal towns, soaked in natural hot springs, explored Yosemite Valley beneath towering granite cliffs, shared meals around the table, and found ourselves laughing with women who had started the trip as strangers.
There were no expectations. No roles to play. No pressure to be anything other than exactly who we were.
Just sunshine. Mountain air. New friendships. Space to breathe.
And somewhere between the Pacific Ocean and Yosemite's towering peaks, many of us found our way back to ourselves.
A small, intimate group of incredible women came together from across the country—California, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio, and Minnesota.
They ranged in age from their late 30s to mid-50s, but they all shared something much more important than where they lived or how old they were.
They were mothers/ aunties, nurturers, leaders, caregivers, and adventurers.
Some arrived on their own. Others came with a sister or lifelong friend. But every woman showed up with an open heart and the quiet hope of reconnecting with herself.
They were the kind of women who spend so much of their lives caring for everyone else that saying "yes" to themselves felt both exciting and unfamiliar.
By the end of five days, they were cheering one another on, laughing until tears rolled down their faces, sharing stories that mattered, and reminding each other that joy isn't something we find—it's something we remember.
They arrived as individuals.
They left as friends.
🌊 A Coastal Kickoff
Our adventure began on the Santa Barbara Harbor, where everyone chose either a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and explored the calm morning waters together. We followed it up with a picnic lunch and a relaxed wine tasting at Deep Sea Tasting Room overlooking the ocean—the perfect start to slowing down and settling into vacation mode.
🇩🇰 Strolling Through Solvang
We spent the afternoon wandering the charming streets of Solvang, popping into bakeries, boutiques, and wine shops before checking into our cozy wine country inn. Happy hour around the outdoor fire naturally turned into stories and laughter before we gathered for an unforgettable dinner together at Mad & Vin.
🦩 Unexpected Joy at Ostrichland
What many assumed would be a quick roadside stop became one of everyone's favorite memories. We laughed until our cheeks hurt while feeding the curious (and wonderfully dramatic) ostriches and emus, snapping hilarious photos, and browsing the delightfully quirky gift shop. It was a reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones you never plan.
🚲 Avila Beach Bliss
We pedaled beneath the canopy of ancient oaks along the peaceful Bob Jones Trail before spending the afternoon soaking up the laid-back charm of Avila Beach. As evening settled in, we shared an incredible dinner under twinkling lights and ocean breezes before ending the day exactly as it should end—with a long soak in the mineral-rich hot springs at Sycamore Springs.
🏞 Yosemite, Unplugged
The final chapter of our journey led us into Yosemite Valley, arriving by way of the historic Gold Rush town of Mariposa. After settling into our glamping cabins in Curry Village, we gathered on the deck beneath the towering trees to toast the adventure together.
The following day we explored the valley by bike, joined a guided tour, wandered beneath waterfalls and granite cliffs, and gave ourselves permission to simply pause and soak in one of the most breathtaking places on earth.
That evening, under a sky full of stars, we wrapped up in blankets and gathered our camp chairs as we laughed, shared stories, and realized what began as a group trip had quietly become something much more.
From coastal charm to mountain majesty, this 5-day women’s retreat blended relaxation, adventure, and connection.
INVESTMENT STARTED AT $1075/ PERSON
Santa Barbara/ Solvang
Morning Departure – Met the group at designated local pickup points.
Scenic Drive to Santa Barbara – Sat back and relaxed as we headed up the coast in our "mobile lounge" aka Edith the Sprinter Van.
Wander & Wonder– Arrived in Santa Barbara for a magical paddle and welcome picnic on the Pier.
Afternoon in Solvang – Explored the charming Danish village of Solvang—browsed boutiques, sampled local wines and olive oils, and enjoyed the fairytale vibes.
Evening Together – After settling into our Boutique Inn for the night, the grouped opted to dine together at one of Solvang’s most cozy restaurants.
Avila Beach
Breakfast before departure - Began our day with a warm breakfast in the cozy lobby of our inn.
Ostrichland, USA- Quick and quirky stop that had everyone delightfully thrilled!
Arrive in Avila Beach – Checked in to our cozy Inn and rented our bikes. We Pedaled the Bob Jones Trail – A peaceful, tree-lined path perfect for a leisurely bike ride!
Evening Group Dinner and Mineral Soak – Unwound with an incredible group meal under the twinkle lights and followed it up with a rejuvenating soak at mineral hot springs — the perfect end to a day of movement and magic.
Yosemite
Scenic Road Trip – Said goodbye to the coast as we head inland toward the majestic Sierra Nevada.
Historic Stop in Mariposa – Enjoyed lunch and a stroll in this charming Gold Rush-era town full of local character and Western flair.
Arrived in Yosemite National Park – Checked into our glamping tents at Curry Village, nestled beneath giant granite cliffs.
Settled In & Soaked It Up – Dropped our bags, exhale deeply, and let Yosemite's grandeur wrap us up. Gathered on deck of and enjoyed a drink as we felt the magic of the sacred place work its way into our souls.
Yosemite
Woke with wonder – Greeted the day surrounded by granite cliffs, pine-scented air, and golden morning light.
Guided exploration – Climbed aboard an open-air tram for a ranger-led Valley Floor Tour, visited iconic sites and learned the stories behind them.
Epic viewpoints – Marveled at Yosemite’s beauty from the Tunnel View lookout—an unforgettable moment.
Chose to spend afternoon together – We embarked on a scenic bike ride through Yosemite Valley.
A day to remember – This day was ours to connect, recharge, and soak in the magic of the mountains, we had an incredible time
Home
Morning reflections – Enjoyed a final cup of coffee beneath Yosemite’s towering trees as we soaked in the stillness one last time.
Easy departures – Group transported back to LA via our trusted Mobile Lounge, Edith
Carried it with us – Left feeling refreshed, reconnected, and ready to bring the peace and presence we found back into our everyday lives.
We Saw California in a Whole New Way
Pacific to Peaks wasn't just about visiting beautiful places—it was about experiencing them differently.
Many of us had walked the beaches of Santa Barbara before or stood beneath the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite. But this journey reminded us that a place can feel completely new when experienced with intention, curiosity, and the company of incredible women.
In the end, we didn't just see California.
We experienced it more deeply.
And somewhere along the way, many of us felt ourselves come alive again.
If you’re anything like me, life can get so full—of people you love, of work and volunteering you care about, of responsibilities that never seem to pause. But somewhere along the way, I realized I was craving something just for me.
Travel has always been that space where I reconnect with myself. It’s where I remember who I am outside of all the roles I play. It’s where I celebrate my spirit, my curiosity, and my wonder of the world. Every new place teaches me something—about life, about others, and about myself.
I created the Pacific to Peaks Retreat because I believe every woman deserves a chance to have an experience of her own. A moment to breathe, to explore, to laugh until her cheeks hurt. To come home not just with photos—but with a renewed sense of joy, clarity, and connection.
If you’ve been needing that, I hope you’ll join me.
With heart,
Janey Jewell