We got back last week from a wonderful trip to CA. Our main reason for going was to go to the vintage car races at Laguna Seca in MOnterey and the Concorso Italiano near Monterey. We drove there from AZ in our Audi TT convertible, and once we got to the coast, put the top down on the car and enjoyed the great weather.

First stop was Palm Springs - just to overnight. Stayed at the Hyatt Regency. It was ok. Don't understand why people love Palm Springs. I think the desert in AZ is alot prettier.

From there we went to Pismo Beach where we stayed at the Spyglass Inn. My husband says in August, "all roads lead to Monterey". The parking lot at the hotel was full of exotic cars on their way to the races, concourses, and auctions - which we enjoyed looking at. My husband is very into cars. I am not, but I can certainly appreciate the beauty of a Ferrari!

The only lodging we could get was in Salinas. We stayed at the Residence Inn there which was very nice. We ended up at the Outback for dinner the first night because we were tired, and it was right there. Typical Outback meal. The next two nites we ate at Ginos in Salinas which was recommended by some on this forum, and which was excellent. (That's why we went back the second nite). Our last nite we ordered in a pizza from a place recommended by the front desk clerk. It was average.

The Concorso Italiano was fabulous. Lots and lots of sleek, beautiful Italian cars. The people watching there was fun, too. Enjoyed the vintage races, as well. Unfortunately the traffic getting to these events gets worse every year. Once you get to the event, it's fine, but getting there can be a major hassle.

Next stop was Cambria. To me, this was the highlight of our trip. We stayed at the White Water Inn, across from Moonstone Beach and it was just wonderful. In the mornings, someone would clean the windows on all the cars in the parking lot. There was a gull that perched on the roof, too, and would wait in the mornings for people to put their breakfast trays outside (breakfast was delivered to the room) and then would swoop down and steal as much as he could before the maids came and retrieved the trays. That was entertaining.

Ended up eating all our lunches and dinners at the Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill. Food was very good but the main draw was the view. When you live in the desert, nothing beats sitting across from the ocean and enjoying a drink or a meal. Took tour #4 at Hearst Castle one day.

Oh, we also stopped off for lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur, both coming and going. Food not the greatest but the view makes up for it. Also drove to Pescadero from Salinas for lunch one day to eat at Duarte's. We've been there twice before and love it.

Now we're back in the heat, and I'm daydreaming that I'm walking along the boardwalk at Moonstone Beach. Sigh.....

Hi orangetravelcat, what a great trip and also a great travel report! How my SIL, a Roman who is enthralled with the Italian cars would have loved being there, wish he had known about this event. It is held annually perhaps?

Also, your comments on restaurants in Salinas was good timing, I just sent this to another Fodorite whose husband will be in Salinas for a month. Imagine knowing about some good places to eat at will be a great help to him. Have a good Labor Day Weekend!

BTW, I love your Arizona desert, especially in spring time.

How could I forget to mention that we also stopped off overnite on the way home in Oxnard, and ate at the Busy Bee Diner (great chili cheeseburgers).

LoveItaly - the Concorso Italiano is an annual event - every August. If your SIL loves Italian cars, he would enjoy it.

orangetravelcat, thank you!!! I know he would be in paradiso, lol.

LoveItaly: here is the link for the event http://www.concorso.com/