The worst thing about visiting Cambria along California’s brilliant Central Coast is leaving. So, I tend to go fairly often. It is truly right in the center of LA and San Francisco at 240 miles south of San Francisco and 240 miles north of Los Angeles. The drive from LA is about 4 hours along the coastal 101 Ventura Highway and Highway 1. On the way, dined al fresco at Jeannine’s in Montecito just south of Santa Barbara, where I feasted on some delicious breakfast tacos.


Arrived in Cambria before sunset. Stayed at Cambria Pines Lodge on their Escape Package, which includes dinner and breakfast. There’s also live music every night. Saw Jill Knight in the lounge. Nice and mellow.


Strolled along wind-swept Moonstone Beach with amazing views of the Pacific just south of Big Sur. Hearst Castle and sea lions are just a few miles up the road. Skipped them this trip, but would definitely recommend a look.










The next morning, I took a must-see hike through Fiscalini Ranch strewn with vivid-colored wildflowers and everywhere you look, the shining sea.

Caught a glimpse of some Jurassic-looking birds resting on the rocks below.



Refreshed body and soul amid gardens and koi at the Cambria Nursery across from the hotel.



Lori in Wonderland.

I always visit my favorite horse, Mattie, high on a hill overlooking Cambria before heading out of town.

Had to promise myself further adventures to convince myself to leave. These included an hour or so in San Luis Obispo, where I followed my bliss to a little juice bar along a creek beside the historic Mission.




A bunny on a leash out for his pre-Easter trek.

Continuing south, I stopped in my favorite town of Santa Barbara, where I dined on a Volcano roll at Kai sushi on State Street before heading back to LA reality.

