Months ago when my parents picked a weekend to visit Los Angeles, we decided to turn it into a mini-vacation with a trip up the coast to Hearst Castle. We planned to stay overnight to make the most of our time in Cambria and my mom found a cute place called The White Water Inn on Moonstone Beach.

After checking in, my sister, mom, and I dash across the street for some sunset photos.

Here’s me and Momma!

We ask the front desk for dining recommendations just down the road on Main Street in Cambria. The woman behind the counter suggests Linn’s Restaurant and it ends up being hands-down the best meal of our whole trip.

Of course we all order seafood and it’s good enough to rival any east coast competition (that’s high praise from a girl who spends her summer vacations on Cape Cod).

After dinner we walk around the charming Main Street area. Most shops have closed (with exception of the one in the photo below), but we scope out the window displays.

The next morning my mom, dad, and I rise before 8am for a seaside walk. My sister rolls over to get extra ZZZ’s.

Our early wake-up call proves worthwhile when we encounter a moody fog rolling over the coastline. In the quiet morning hours it’s a calming sight. It feels cinematic.

My parents are enthusiastic bird watchers, so binoculars are never far from their necks.

After enjoying a complimentary breakfast of freshly baked goods brought to our door, we head back to Hearst Castle for our final two tours (which I recapped last week).

But before we begin the drive back to Los Angeles, we stop at the coastline near Hearst Castle in search of giant elephant seals who make themselves at home here.

Where are the seals?!

I spy with my little eye…

We make a quick stop back on Main Street in Cambria to hit up a few of the stores that were closed last night.

I grab a latte from Cambria Coffee that hits the spot.

While we wish there was more time to explore this charming area, it’s time to move on to our next stops… Pismo Beach and Solvang! More to come tomorrow.