If you find joy in savoring life’s simple pleasures and believe the journey is just as important as the destination, Cambria is your ideal haven for an extended getaway.
We invite you to immerse yourself in its unhurried pace and discover hidden gems at every turn. Explore the leisurely strolls, whether through nature or beside the ocean. Treat yourself to Cambria’s well-known local eats and wine-tasting rooms. Find your Zen, relax at a spa, and do some meditative shopping for one-of-a-kind items.
The first step is to book your extended stay from Thursday through Monday, capturing a weekend when you are free to avoid the bustle of everyday life.
You don’t need to follow this itinerary as it’s written—feel free to move activities around at your own pace and embark on a journey where the beauty of the present moment unfolds at your own unhurried rhythm.
Thursday
Walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Your extended stay starts with a late-morning walk! Wake up at your own pace and take in the morning calm. With the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shoreline and the soft coastal breeze on your skin, this scenic pathway sets the perfect pace for a reflective and rejuvenating experience.
Take a break at the incredible vista points on the way. As you meander along the boardwalk, surrounded by panoramic ocean views and abundant wildlife, you’ll find yourself immersed in a moment of peaceful solitude, allowing your mind to wander and your senses to awaken.
Stroll through Antiques on Main
As the sun passes its peak over Cambria, immerse yourself into Main Street’s eclectic vibe at Antiques on Main. With the East Village’s vintage treasures at Antiques on Main, the slow traveler can relish the unhurried exploration of each unique find, perhaps even getting lost in moments as you travel through the establishment and through history. Find your hidden treasure that encapsulates the essence of Cambria.
Dinner at Linn’s Restaurant
Indulging in a Friday night dinner at Linn’s Restaurant is a cherished experience that beckons to the soul of the slow traveler in Cambria. As the day winds down, savor the comforting ambiance of the charming red brick restaurant in the historic East Village, where hearty meals and the enchanting flavors of olallieberry take center stage. Delight in the slightly tart yet irresistible olallieberry-infused creations, from savory dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients to a medley of delectable olallieberry treats, evoking a sense of culinary delight and an appreciation for the rich heritage of this unique Central Coast fruit.
Friday
Brunch at Hidden Kitchen
Start your Friday morning with a brunch you won’t regret in a secluded oasis where time seems to slow down. With Hidden Kitchen’s unique offering of savory and sweet blue corn waffles, accompanied by invigorating superfood smoothies, this popular Central Coast spot will have you savoring each bite and relishing in extraordinary flavors while basking in the tranquility of their charming patio. Embrace the essence of slow living and leave with memories to cherish long after the last morsel is savored.
Walk Through Fiscalini Ranch Trails
After indulging your appetite, we beckon you to embrace the tranquility and natural beauty of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Set out on a leisurely walk along the ranch’s scenic trails, immersing yourself in the breathtaking coastal landscape that stretches out before you. As you stroll through the meadows and stunning ocean vistas, the ranch trails provide a serene escape, inviting you to savor the sights, sounds, and scents of a natural, protected riparian habitat.
Experience the Cambria Farmer’s Market
Tap into the vibrant tapestry of flavors and community spirit at the Cambria Farmers Market, only available on Friday evenings. This market offers a delightful experience that pays to leave your watch at home. Explore high-quality seasonal produce, savor delectable prepared foods, and revel in the genuine farm-to-table ethos, all while connecting with local vendors and losing yourself in the heartwarming ambiance of this food-centric gathering.
Saturday
Breakfast or Brunch at Cambria Mimosas Steak & Seafood
Nestled in the West Village, this breakfast/brunch/lunch spot beckons with its iconic mimosas—some of the finest on the Central Coast. Whether seated inside or on the patio, overlooking the charming boutique shops, you can indulge in a satisfying meal, savoring fulfilling steak and seafood offerings that are routinely featured on the restaurant’s Instagram. Embrace the unhurried spirit of the morning as you bask in the flavors, atmosphere, and allure.
Relax at a Spa or With a Massage
After a tranquil trail walk, the slow traveler in Cambria seeks the perfect respite to unwind and rejuvenate. Head to Coastal Massage and Wellness or The Nest Spa in El Colibri—both offer a haven for relaxation to immerse yourself in well-deserved pampering. Indulge in soothing massages tailored to your preferences, let skilled therapists ease any tension in your body, and embrace the serenity of these worthwhile retreats, allowing your senses to be revitalized and your spirit to be uplifted.
Treasure Hunt for Moonstones at Moonstone Beach
Embark on a whimsical treasure hunt along the shores of Moonstone Beach, where you can find delight in every stone or shell waiting to be discovered. With its namesake gems shimmering along the coastline—this idyllic beach becomes a quiet oasis for those seeking a leisurely adventure. As you stroll along the sandy shore, take your time to scan the pebbles and tide pools, uncovering what could be a tangible memento of your unhurried exploration, and a cherished keepsake of Cambria’s coastal charm.
Sunday
Wine Tasting in Cambria
Awaken your senses on Sunday morning and embrace the joy of wine tasting. With an abundance of exceptional wineries just a stone’s throw away, explore the unique coastal flavors that grace the region’s vineyards. As you savor each exquisite sip, moments slow, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry behind every bottle and creating a sense of tranquility and connection with the rich wine heritage of the SLO Coast AVA.
Indulge at Red Moose Cookie Company
Indulge your taste buds one more time at the Red Moose Cookie Company, a place of indulgence for every discerning slow traveler in Cambria. Enter a land of scrumptious assortments of homemade cookies and delectable baked goods, meticulously handcrafted using premium ingredients and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re seeking a delectable reward after a leisurely saunter or a cozy retreat before bidding farewell to your extended stay vacation, an enchanting visit to the Red Moose Cookie Company on Sunday afternoon promises to be an unparalleled treat for your senses.
Grab Takeout From a Main Street Restaurant
You’ve already dined at Linn’s Restaurant, so after a day of indulgence outside in Cambria, use the opportunity of your last night in Cambria to grab takeout from a restaurant of your choice. Have dinner in your Cambria lodging as you Netflix and chill. Choose from the fine dining of Indigo Moon, the irresistible clam chowder at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill, a cheesy and classic pizza from JJ’s Pizza or JBJ’s Roundup Pizza & Grub, Asian flavors from Wild Ginger, or a local favorite in the Boni’s Tacos food truck.
Monday
Sipping Coffee at Cambria Café
Before you check out of your lodging to start your final day in Cambria, start a morning of travel at Cambria Café. This Main Street staple has outdoor seating, allowing you a perfect setting to embrace the temperate morning sun and reflect on the amazing weekend you just had as you’re sipping on your favorite brew from this coffeehouse.
Explore San Simeon and Harmony
Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff as you check out of your lodging and hit the road. Spend the day traveling just a few miles north to the San Simeon area where you can visit the famous Hearst Castle as well as a marvel of nature in the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Head back south past Cambria and Highway 46 to the town of Harmony, an area with a population in the teens but also home to one of the best ice cream food trucks on the Central Coast: Harmony Valley Creamery.
Check Out Highway 1 Vista Points
Before you end your journey, modify your route back home to include more stretches of Highway 1, which has some of the most incredible ocean views. Stop by several of the vista points north or south of Cambria and let your mind wander into wonder as you head home. If you stay in the area until the evening, you’ll have the pleasure of witnessing the breathtaking sunset at one of these vistas—a sight you’ll never forget!
