A Relaxing Trip to Cambria, CA

My children and I recently spent a long weekend in Cambria, CA.  To get there, we passed through the awe-inspiring coastline of Big Sur.  It was so lovely to not have to rush and to relax along the way.  It was our second annual trip to visit the elephant seals, and to discover the small town of Cambria.

Our first stop was the Whale Watchers Cafe.  We three had a lovely lunch on a warm and sunny porch overlooking the rugged coastline.  While the food was way overpriced for the price, the ambience was just right!

Next, we visited the elephant seals.  I always get so excited to watch them.  They are a true success story, having come back from near extinction.  We were lucky enough this year to witness a birth!

The elephant seals blanket the beach

A fence keeps human onlookers from entering the beach and thus disturbing the elephant seals

The seagulls flock to devour the nutritious afterbirth

We all love to hike and although we weren't able to take a long hike, we enjoyed walking along the coast through the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.  We were especially charmed by the whimsical benches.

We explored the town of Cambria, and we were charmed.  Import shops, garden shops, wearable art stores, and french inspired cafes were some of our favorites!

All restrooms should capture the local culture of the town

I love the colors of the buildings that form this courtyard

The garden shop was charming and magical for the kids and I alike

On our way home we stopped along the coast and discovered a beautiful new beach that we'll surely return to over the years.  It was such a lovely, warm January day, and we were lucky to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach before returning home.