For an 8 day trip we enjoyed the California Coast at its best, not venturing further north than Morro Bay.  With school still out, we found the campgrounds full, but managed to snag great spots.

MC GRATH STATE BEACH:  When I think about going to McGrath, I’m never very excited about it.  But when we get there we remember how great it is!  Our campsite (below) offered an unobstructed view of the dunes beyond which is the beach (not very swimmer friendly).  The signs in the background mark the nesting grounds for the Least Tern and the dunes behind the signs are off limits during a few months a year while the terns are nesting.

CARPENTERIA STATE BEACH:  We were fortunate to have a spot at the Heron Group Camp reserved for employees of Brighton and their friends.  While many sites here are small and toe to toe, some sites are great!  Check out the camp map online and reserve a good site 7 months ahead of time.  Remember, reserved sites are “site specific” these days.

The water is cold but invites swimmers to ride the small waves and swim in the surf.  The beach is lovely and just yards from the campsites.  And, as you can see, sunset is a time to walk on the beach and count your blessings.

PISMO COAST VILLAGE RV RESORT:

Okay, we are getting spoiled.  This “campground” has a pool, beach access, a short walk to town, and an on-site restaurant.  Our campsite overlooked the lagoon where ducks and pelicans provided entertainment. 

 

THIS GUY HOPES YOU CAN’T READ THE SIGN. 

 

 

PISMO IS ONE OF THE FEW BEACHES WHERE YOU CAN DRIVE YOUR CAR ON THE BEACH.  SOUNDS PEACEFUL, BUT THEN YOU SEE THIS!  OF COURSE ALAN HAD TO PARTAKE WHILE HEATHER AND I WALKED ON THE BEACH AND COLLECTED SAN DOLLARS.

 

IT’S A GUY THING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORRO BAY:  Took a few hours to drive to Morro Bay to buy fresh fish at Giovannis and walk through the shops.  And, of course, had to stroll through Cambria.

BUELLTON: So, what’s in Buellton besides Andersons Split Pea Soup?  Well, we stayed at one of the nicest RV parks we’ve ever visited called “Flying Flags” and of course it is just a few miles from Los Olivos, Solvang and, unfortunately the Chumash Casino where we left a donation to the Native Americans.

GOT WORD IT WAS 103 IN DUARTE, SO WE STOPPED AT REFUGIO STATE BEACH INSTEAD OF GOING HOME.  THIS DELIGHTFUL PLACE IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR CAMPGROUNDS ON THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST, AND LANDED A GREAT SPOT ($45/NITE!).  THE CRESCENT SHAPED BEACH LINED WITH  PALM TREES RIVALS HAWAII BEACHS.  THE OCEAN WAS LIKE A LAKE AND FILLED WITH BOOGIE BOARDERS, SWIMMERS, BODY SURFERS, PADDLE BOARDERS AND KAYAKS.

THE BEACH CROWD HAS RETURNED TO CAMP FOR DINNER AND CAMPFIRE.  WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF A FEW PEACEFUL HOURS.