Come together and make memories with loved ones.
The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, investing in important relationships, and making lasting memories. Meeting in the middle is the best way to make that happen. Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cambria is the perfect spot for a cozy group vacation. We’ve collected seasonal details about great places to eat, stay, and have fun with your loved ones so you can start planning your holiday getaway.
Lodging for Groups
Rent a coastal home together
For your next Cambria stay, try renting a home where your entire group can stay together. There are many different choices, from traditional Victorian houses to rustic cabins to uniquely modern architecture. If everyone pitches in, this can be one of the most affordable options for large groups. Also, it can help with food costs by allowing you to prepare some of your own meals in the kitchen where you can whip up your favorite holiday recipes!
Stay at the Bunkhouse at Oceanpoint Ranch
For the right balance of simple and luxury, stay at Oceanpoint Ranch. With hotel rooms described as ranch-chic, crackling campfires, lawn games, and the delicious Canteen restaurant, this might be one hotel you don’t want to leave. The Bunkhouse, which can house up to six guests and has a full kitchen, is a great place for large groups and families hoping for an elevated holiday getaway.
Relax in a bed and breakfast
For more of an old-fashioned hotel experience, enjoy the comfort of a bed-and-breakfast! Cambria has many of these quaint inns throughout its coastal community. While rooms might be too small to share with friends, they can provide personal space and still give a sense of community knowing your group is just down the hall. Take advantage of the provided breakfast, spend the day adventuring, and then come back to rest.
Holiday Dining
Restaurants for larger groups
While Cambria is full of intimate restaurants, there are also options for large groups. Select seasonal menu items for the whole family without worrying about doing the dishes after! Plus, these popular dining establishments all take reservations!
Madeline’s Restaurant
Madeline’s, a Cambria staple for nearly 20 years, prepares French-inspired dishes. They are open on all holidays, and on those days, they serve seasonal menu items with a section of their classic crowd favorite meals.
Robin’s Restaurant
A local favorite full of international flavors, Robin’s Restaurant is housed in the historic Souza House, which makes it even more of a must-see. Make an advance reservation to enjoy their special Thanksgiving meal, which is served only on the holiday.
Cambria Pines Lounge
The Cambria Pines Lounge serves delicious food all year round, but on Thanksgiving they serve an all-you-can-eat buffet. Make a reservation to feast on holiday food while enjoying their beautiful garden.
Indigo Moon
Modern American cuisine, Indigo Moon serves delicious and unique meals. There’s sure to be something that everyone in your group will enjoy!
Takeout/catering for groups
Sometimes a long day of adventuring calls for takeout. When your group is tired, don’t push everyone to go out for a meal. Just order food to go from unique eateries all around Cambria, or even ask for delivery!
JBJ’s Round Up Pizza n’ Grub
This Western-style pizza kitchen serves pies baked in a traditional brick oven. If you aren’t in the mood to leave your cozy lodgings, order their food to go! There’s nothing quite as deliciously indulgent as staying in for pizza.
French Corner Bakery
If you’re in the mood for dessert, visit the French Corner Bakery and choose a few pastries for the road! This bakery does have a small dining area, but for larger groups, takeout might be the best option. Bring your desserts back to your hotel, or enjoy them as you walk around town.
Communal dishes
The Farmer’s Market and Soto’s True Earth Market
Whether your group wants to have relaxing lunch at your rental home or a fancy picnic on the beach, you can find charcuterie options at the Cambria Farmers Market and Soto’s True Earth Market! Taste local cheese from Stepladder Creamery alongside fresh produce. Don’t forget to bring a charcuterie board!
Linn’s Restaurant
For a seasonal dessert that is big enough to share with everyone, buy a family-sized fruit pie at Linn’s Restaurant. From apple to cherry to Olallieberry, there is sure to be a flavor that everyone will love. Please note, Linn’s Restaurant will be closed October 31-November 2. However, you can still stop at Linn’s Easy As Pie, which will be open with extra staff to accommodate holiday visitors.
As you plan to dine in Cambria in the months of November and December, make sure to double-check holiday hours by calling ahead! It’s also a good idea to see ahead of time if reservations are necessary.
Exceptional Experiences
Clydesdale horseback riding at Covell’s Ranch
Book a trail ride and ranch tour for your group at Covell’s Ranch. Clydesdales have been bred and raised at this family-owned ranch for over 40 years. Take advantage of the cool coastal breezes and beautiful scenery from the top of a horse while making lasting memories with your loved ones. The ranch can accommodate groups of up to eight people, so make sure you call ahead of time to get a spot!Take a wine tour
There is nothing Cambria does better than wine. The area’s microclimate results in coastal tasting notes that are delicious and unique. Explore and indulge by visiting local wineries and vineyards in the area. From Main Street tasting rooms like Black Hand Cellars and Cayucos Cellars to countryside locations like Cutruzzola Vineyards and the Stolo Family Winery, the options are endless. For bigger groups and same-day appointments, call ahead to secure a spot in their tasting rooms.
Explore the historic Hearst Castle
William Randolph Hearst started construction on his “La Cuesta Encantada” in 1919, and the mystical mansion is still enjoyed by visitors today. Holiday Twilight Tours begin on November 25 and will be offered on specific evenings during the month of December. You can also see the holiday decorations during daytime tours! Purchase tickets soon, as this is a popular attraction.
Exploring Nature
Walk on Moonstone Beach
This beautiful beach was named for the unusual soft stones that wash up on its shores. With decent surfing conditions, gem-like rocks to discover, and plenty of space for reclining, this spot has something for everyone. Take your group here and enjoy watching the waves crash as you reminisce.
Take a hike at Fiscalini Ranch
The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a natural sanctuary that boasts over eight miles of trails and open space. With dramatic bluffs that overlook the ocean, 150 different types of native plants, and 430 species of birds, this riparian habitat is a must-explore. Wander this unique area with your friends and family as you enjoy the splendor.
Enjoy the natural wonders
There are so many gorgeous places to explore on the Central Coast. For wetlands, ocean views, and sand dunes all in one location, visit Oso Flaco Lake. If you would like to see a famous natural landmark, Morro Rock is a volcanic plug off the coast of Morro Bay. If you love wildlife, the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is most active between October and May.