Things To Do
Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach is right off Highway 1 in Cambria. There's about a mile long boardwalk to walk on, a couple of rocky beaches, and some tide pools. Surfers to watch if the waves are good! Most of the hotels in town are on this strip.
Hearst Castle
If you have time we highly recommend you book a tour of Hearst Castle! This place is beautiful and filled with so much history.
Ragged Point
If you want to drive up the coast to Big Sur this is a good place to stop for pretty views! There's a steep trail down to the ocean if you're up for a challenge. We got engaged on the beach here.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trail
A trail overlooking the ocean with really pretty views. The entrance is tucked in a neighborhood that has some awesome houses, and we often see deer walking around.
Sand Dollar Beach
If you have time and want to drive up winding Highway 1 into Big Sur, this is a gorgeous beach! It's about an hour drive from Cambria.
Salmon Creek Falls
This is a popular, short trail back to some waterfalls and rock pools in Big Sur.
Elephant Seal Vista Point
There's a couple of parking lots off Highway 1 that have viewing areas overlooking the elephant seals on the beaches.
Covell’s Clydesdales
We've never done this but it looks cool! There's a ranch where you can ride Clydesdale horses.
Stepladder Ranch & Creamery
We've never visited, but we love their cheeses! Stepladder has farm tours where you can taste cheese and hang out with goats. You need a reservation to visit.
Town of Harmony
Harmony is a tiny, quaint town 5 miles South of Cambria. They have an ice cream truck, food trucks, and glass blowing & pottery shops located in the old creamery buildings.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is about a 20 mile drive South from Cambria. This coastal town has great restaurants, beautiful hiking trails, and a marina with kayak rentals and boat tours.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles is about a 45 minute drive inland from Cambria. Paso has tons of wineries and is known as a wine-tasting destination.
Madeline's on Moonstone - Wine Tasting Room
Madeline's on Moonstone is a wine tasting room with an outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. It's walkable from most hotels on Moonstone Beach and is a great place to watch the sunset!
Hearst Ranch Winery
This winery is across the highway from Hearst Castle near the pier. They have outdoor seating with a nice view of the ocean.
The Coastal Taproom
The Coastal Taproom has a wide selection of beer on tap and a back patio with seating and corn hole games. They have live music most weekends.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar
This place is a local institution! Located on Moonstone Beach, the Sea Chest has old school vibes, fresh seafood, and a great view. Get there when they open to put your name in (wait is usually 1 1/2-2hrs). They don't take reservations. We usually walk over to Madeline's on Moonstone for a glass of wine while we wait but the Sea Chest also has a bar inside and fire pit to sit around outside. Cash only, but luckily they have an ATM.
Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill
Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill is walking distance from all of the hotels on Moonstone Beach. They have seafood, tacos, and American dishes. They don't take reservations and can have long wait times, but there's an indoor bar and outdoor seating area where you can wait! Definitely a good place to watch the sunset.
Brydge
Brydge is an excellent restaurant located in an old house in Cambria. A lot of their ingredients are locally sourced, the menu changes seasonally, and the menu is shared-plates style. We recommend getting a reservation if you want to have dinner here!
Madeline's Restaurant & Wine Cellar
Madeline's is a nice French restaurant on Main Street in town. This is a great place for dinner and they have good wine. We recommend getting a reservation!
Cambria Coffee Company
This is the best coffee shop in town and the baristas are really friendly. Their spicy chai is the best.
Boni's Tacos
Boni's has the best breakfast burritos in town! It's a taco truck that parks next to the bank parking lot in town. We usually grab breakfast burritos from here then go sit on the boardwalk at Moonstone Beach and eat while watching the waves.
Soto's True Earth Market
True Earth is a small market in town with groceries and a deli counter in the back. Their BLT's are great!
Robin's Restaurant
Robin's is a great lunch spot in town. They have the cutest garden seating out back.
Linn's Restaurant
Known for their pies and pastries, Linn's is a great spot to stop for a meal or sweet treat.