Moonstone Beach

I walked in a zigzag pattern along the waters edge, sand between my toes, eyes searching for moonstones. A semi translucent, polished white rock that once littered the shore and gave it the appropriate moniker, Moonstone Beach. Located near the quaint seaside town of Cambria, this unspoiled coastline offered the nature lover in me a picturesque marine environment. Armed with sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat, strolling leisurely along the edge of the pelagic realm I soon discovered a tiny yet sturdily built beach bungalow. Seeing it unoccupied, I decided to take a closer look inside this intricately crafted driftwood dwelling. A makeshift marvel, this well balanced shelter was intended to offer inhabitants relief from the blazing Summer sun. Landscaped with shells, shore birds, and seaweed, this was a beach bums dream come true and I found it to be the perfect seaside play house, if only for one afternoon.

Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California

One Scoop of Motor Oil

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!!! Motor Oil, Rooster Tracks, Sour Green Apple Sorbet, Cherry Pie, Caramel X-plosion, Merlot Raspberry Truffle, Lemon Chiffon, Elvis Special, Mint Fudge Oreo, and Cinnamon Candy Hearts. These are a few of my favorite flavors scooped up by Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab, a unique ice cream shop with three California locations in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo and Orcutt. Doc B's is a Disney-esque frozen food eating experience for the child in all of us. This simply scrumptious sweet shop may create the silliest flavors of ice cream on earth. Melted molded sprinkle ice cream walls offset by glowing ultraviolet catawampus shelves compete with a mad scientist theme while a miniature toy train runs circles around customers, decor befitting Willy Wonka on a sugar binge. Feeling down? Treat yourself to this gooey wonderland... It's just what the Doc ordered!

Doc Burnstein's Ice Cream Lab

Morro Rock

Mariner Park

The air was moist and the ocean calm with sea otters drifting leisurely atop briny waves. Boats safely anchored floated serenely on liquid resembling crystal blue glass. Morro Rock sits solid and Buddha-like in this safe harbor. Long ago its seaward side was dynamite blasted to make the breakwater. Morro Rock was named by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo during his 16th Century voyage and the first glimpse will take your breath away. Wow!!! That is one massive ROCK!! Drive closer and you will get a true idea of the scale of Morro Rock, the last in a chain of extinct volcanoes, covering 50 acres at its base and towering 576 feet above the entrance to Morro Bay. See those little specs at the rock's base? Those are tourists campers and cars allowed to park, hike, and surf up close. Strong winds often make the beach area perfect for windsurfing and kite flying enthusiasts. Morro Bay's charming Embarcadero has many fine restaurants and shops with a mariner theme. For excellent fish and chips I recommend Giovanni's Fish Market with its casual outdoor atmosphere and view of the rock. And don't miss the Shell Shop, my personal favorite still drawing crowds after 61 years in business. If you love earthy succulent plants and elegant garden statuary the Garden Gallery is the shop for you. Wherever you wander you will find friendly fishermen and easy going locals who have time to chat in this cozy seaside paradise.

Morro Bay California the Home of Morro Rock