Since moving to California a little over a year and a half ago, I have continuously been spoiled with a myriad of amazing views and outdoor activities. This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to partner with Roadtrippers & visit a new part of the Central Coast that I hadn’t yet been to before: Cambria and San Simeon. We took the famous Highway 1 – which is now open and as scenic & stunning as ever! In a 3 day span, I created some memorable moments that will assuredly be the reason that I’m beckoned back sooner than later. I’ve mapped out some worthwhile stops along the way for when you make your way there!

CAMBRIA

1.The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

This has to be one of Cambria’s best-kept secrets. After inputting the Point of Interest into the GPS, and arriving at the supposed location — I could tell that we hadn’t in fact arrived. There didn’t seem to be any signage within the area either. I decided to pull over and ask a local fireman for directions. He then explained to take a left onto Windsor Street (depending what direction you are coming from, you would turn onto Windsor Street opposite of the direction of the Town Center) and to go straight for about a mile and a half until you come to a dead end & see parking alongside the road. Voilà – we had arrived! I immediately felt envious of the locals who owned homes nestled alongside this hidden oasis. One of the incredible features of the preserve is the Ocean Bluff that runs a mile along the shoreline. There are breathtaking views in every direction accompanied by the occasional glimpse of sea otters, a variety of birds, and migrating whales.

2. THE OLD SANTA ROSA CHAPEL

The Santa Rosa Chapel is an intimate little chapel tucked away on a hill overlooking Cambria’s East Village. It is a well-known landmark in the area & was built in 1871 from local pine.

It was dedicated to St. Rose of Lima. Today, a number of people have been drawn to visit the charming chapel & some have even had their weddings held here!

3. LINN’S EASY AS PIE CAFE

Linn’s Easy As Pie Cafe is a must-do. If you find yourself craving some modern comfort food or just a mean slice of pie – then this is your spot! It may not be that easy to actually prepare some of these amazing pies — but it certainly is easy to devour them.

My personal favorite is the Raspberry Rhubarb! They’re also famous for their Olallieberry pie.

4. EAST VILLAGE

Cambria’s Historic East Village offers a large variety of things to do. While there are few modern elements, it has a distinguishable historical quality. It will undoubtedly make you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time. It offers an array of quaint Antique shops dispersed all throughout the area.

There’s also an incredibly delightful little Bed & Breakfast known as The Squibb House!

Some of the unique artisan rocking chairs (as shown above) are also sold in the owner’s shop next door along with a plethora of other high-quality, hand-made Amish furniture!

5. THE CURTRUZOLLA VINEYARD + TASTING ROOM 

The Cutruzolla Vineyard’s estate is tucked away in the hills just outside of Cambria & offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The tasting room is conveniently located on The Main Street of town.

They produce some amazing & award-winning boutique Pinot Noir & Reisling varieties (my favorite red & my favorite white). How convenient for me 🙂 I highly recommend the 2013 Pinot Noir, Gloria Estate!

6. The Oceanpoint Ranch

The Oceanpoint Ranch just recently underwent a huge renovation to all of the individual rooms!

The spaces are incredibly cozy and yet offer a funky, modern twist — not to mention they are affordable!

They provide a variety of games for their guests such as croquet and shuffleboard. They’re also mere steps away from Moonstone Beach.

I woke up to an ocean view out of one window & a majestic, white horse out of the other one. Highly recommended!

7. MOONSTONE BEACH

Moonstone Beach is one of those rare gems that will make you wonder how it’s so seemingly untouched & peaceful. It’s incredibly quiet and there is a wooden boardwalk along the cliff with benches to sit & relish moments like this.

There are also a number of tidepools all along the beach where you can find mussels, gooseneck barnacles, limpets, and periwinkle snails!

SAN SIMEON

8. THE PIEDRAS BLANCAS ELEPHANT SEAL ROOKERY 

The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery spreads over 6 miles of shoreline along Point Piedras Blancas. The viewing area is not only open to the public but it’s entirely free.

It also considered the only Elephant Seal Rookery in the entire world that offers such accessibility and up-close views of these amazing creatures! January + February are the breeding season months which means you can see a large number of baby elephant seals taking a little snooze along the beach!

9. THE PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHT STATION

The Piedras Blancas Light Station is maintained as a historic park and wildlife sanctuary.

It was added to the California Coastal National Monument in 2017. The area encompassing the lighthouse is surrounded by ocean views, marine life, and of course the elephant seals can also be seen nearby!

10. THE MORGAN HOTEL

The Morgan Hotel is conveniently located in San Simeon. It’s approximately 4 miles from the famous Hearst Castle and practically a stone’s throw away from the beach!

11. Sebastian’s Cafe & Hearst Winery Tasting Room

The Hearst Winery Tasting Room and Sebastian’s Cafe is the perfect marriage of drink + food. Sebastian’s General Store has carried on through many generations since 1852 and it’s still going strong.

It has continued on as not only a general store but also a cafe. The Hearst Winery Tasting Room offers incredible varieties such as Chardonnay, Rosé, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and many assortments of blends.

12. The Hearst Castle & Discovery Stewardship Celebration

The Hearst Castle will carry you back in time. I have always been in awe when stumbling upon photos of the castle but the architectural details are truly even more impressive in person. Julia Morgan was commissioned by William Randolph Hearst to design the castle & later became his chief architect. She was the first woman architect licensed in California and she overlooked almost every element that went into creating the castle over the span of 28 years: everything from the purchasing of European Art to finding exotic animals for Hearst’s property Zoo.

It was at this residence that Hearst would have his weekend parties and hosted guests such as Winston Churchill, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, and Charlie Chaplin. I was also fortunate enough to attend the Discovery Stewardship Celebration Event at The Hearst Castle and view the film ‘Oceans‘ –  incredibly befitting as the property is nestled high above on a hill that overlooks the ocean — & offers an abundance of opportunity to view many different types of sea creatures!

13. San Simeon State Beach Park + The Whale Trail

San Simeon State Park is considered as one of the oldest elements of The California State Park System. The 3.3-mile trail runs from The Washburn Campground to parts of the San Simeon Natural Trail.

The trail offers some incredible ocean views and even the possibility of a whale sighting!

Here are some of the peak months that offer a higher probability of seeing these marine mammals: March + April are the best months for possible gray whale sightings & humpbacks are typically seen in the summer months.