Visiting one of my favorite towns in Central Coast California!
If you're driving up the California coast, Cambria is a town you definitely can't miss. Cambria is perfect for a weekend stay or for a quick 24 hour trip, its a very small town with stunning coastlines and the gateway to Big Sur.
We spent 24 hours here and this is how to get the most out of your day in Cambria!
EAT BREAKFAST AT HIDDEN KITCHEN
Hidden Kitchen is a must try restaurant when visiting Cambria. Tucked away down a small alley in the west side of town, I know i'm describing it well lol, but the alleys in Cambria look cute instead of suspicious!
Hidden Kitchen is known for their blue corn waffles and is the only thing they offer for food in the AM. They offer Sweet or Savory waffles and I chose the Fiscalini Fruit. See the whole menu here. If you're in the area early enough for Breakfast you gotta hit this place.
WALK ALONG MOONSTONE BOARDWALK
Moonstone Boardwalk is probably the most popular destination in Cambria, it sits along Moonstone Drive and is the written on all the souvenir shirts and signs across town.
Moonstone Boardwalk stretches and covers about 2 miles of coast line and offers the best views you can ask for when visiting this part of the California coast.
This is a good place to visit any time of the day but also is one of the best spots for sunset, but more on that later.
WINE TASTE AT HEARST RANCH WINERY + EAT LUNCH AT THE CRUISER
Hearst Ranch Winery sits in the town of San Simeon, about 10 minutes away from Cambria. This is a super popular wine tasting location in the area so I suggest making a reservation about 24 hours in advance on their website.
We arrived at 12:00pm and got seated quickly, we chose to do a Legacy tasting which was $28 per person and that fee gets waived with a two bottle purchase, which is a great deal. We chose to split our tasting and bought two bottles so if you are planning on buying wine I think this is great way to do it. We bought the Chardonnay and Rose, both really light and not sweet at all.
They also have a food truck on site called The Cruiser by Field to Table. The food is great and their instagram shows their most up to date menu.
Another great spot for lunch is Sebastians, which is right across the street from Hearst Ranch Winery. Sebastian's General is a historic landmark that holds a significant place in the town's history. It dates back to the late 19th century when it was established to serve the needs of the Hearst Ranch and the surrounding community. Originally built in 1852 as a butcher shop, Sebastian's General Store has evolved over the years, becoming a much loved gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
The store offers a delightful array of goods, from locally sourced products to unique souvenirs and gifts. One of the highlights of Sebastian's General Store is its cafe where you can grab sandwiches and burgers.
HIKE SAN SIMEON BAY TRAIL
After lunch we drove down the main road and parked at San Simeon Bay beach to hike the San Simeon Bay Trail. The San Simeon Bay trail is about 4 miles but can be extended along the coastline. We took this out to the far point in the Bay. To find the trail head you need to walk along the beach for a couple minutes until you come upon a pathway to the right that takes you up to the start of the trail.
The hike is very gradual, making it a moderate-level trek suitable for hikers of various skill levels. As you make your way up you'll have panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the San Simeon Bay Pier. The trail takes you through eucalyptus trees and to the tip of the bay, which is my favorite part of the trail. There you will find a private beach and a open field to explore and watch the ocean waves. Its truly such a stunning area and this hike has sailed to the top of my list of favorite hikes in California.
CHECK IN TO FIRESIDE INN Sitting along Moonstone drive are tons of great lodging options for your stay in Cambria. We choose Fireside Inn and we're so happy we did. Fireside Inn just recently remodeled their property and rooms and did such a stunning job. They have a brand new hang out area with a tv, couch, and fireplace along with tons of games to play. They have a pool and jacuzzi and are walking distance to the beach and moonstone boardwalk!
EAT DINNER AT THE SEA CHEST The Sea Chest is a renowned seafood restaurant located in Cambria, California, that has been serving up dishes since 1975. It has become an iconic establishment and a must-visit spot for seafood lovers and travelers in the area.
One of the highlights of dining at the Sea Chest is its commitment to using fresh, locally sourced seafood, which ensures that every dish is of the highest quality and flavor. The setting at the Sea Chest is casual and inviting, with a cozy and rustic interior that makes you feel right at home. It's a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a relaxed meal after a day of exploring Cambria.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant Facebook Page Due to its popularity, the Sea Chest tends to get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. So, if you're planning to dine there, it's advisable to arrive early or be prepared to wait for a little while – trust me, the wait is worth it! The restaurant opens at 5 so get there at 4:30! They don't take reservations, so it's a first-come, first-served kind of deal. But that only adds to the charm and the feeling of being part of a local dining tradition.
WATCH THE SUNSET ALONG MOONSTONE BEACH
Moonstone Beach is located along Moonstone Beach boardwalk and is conveniently right across the street from The Sea Chest. This beach is the perfect place to grab a blanket and watch the sunset, also I highly advise you to bring a jacket because Cambria nights are not messing around. Nights can get cold here and sometimes windy, you don't want they to hinder your enjoyment so come prepared!
To me there is no other place i'd rather watch the sunset in Cambria than Moonstone Beach.
This closes my perfect day in Cambria, here's some honorable mentions of other great spots to hit in the area!
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Linn’s Restaurant
This place is famous for their Olallieberry Pie, a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry The Red Moose Cookie Company
This store is along the main road of Cambria and has surprisingly the best cookies i've ever had?? lol We bought the “Oh Joy” and it truly was hard to not leave with all of the cookies in the store. Check out their website here to look at all their different cookies. Oh did I mention you can sample ALL of the cookies for free??
Robins Restaurant
Perfect for lunch or dinner, this is right near Hidden kitchen
The Cow Tipper
Find this place at Oceanpoint Ranch, the very end of Moonstone Drive, they have great food and if you're staying at Fireside inn this is where they source their room service from!
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Serene preserve with pine forests, fields & oceanside bluffs featuring walking trails & wildlife. We didn't have time to stop here but it was on my list of places to return to when I come back up here
Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill
If you can't get a spot at The Sea Chest this is a great plan B. Good food and great views of the water!
Cambria Coffee Roasting Company
Every time i'm in a new place the first thing I look for is the best coffee spot in the area. This one took the number one spot for me.
Let me know if I left off any must do spots! Hope this helps plan your next trip up to Cambria!
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