Looking for a peaceful coastal escape with cliffs, castles, and charming streets? Head to San Simeon & Cambria! Nestled along California’s iconic Highway 1, these neighboring Central Coast towns offer dramatic ocean views, historic landmarks, and cozy, artsy vibes—perfect for a romantic weekend or scenic road trip stop.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit San Simeon and Cambria is from March through October. I personally love visiting in spring and fall when the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the conditions are just right for outdoor exploring. If you’re into beach walks and sunset views, summer is the ideal time. But if you’re an animal lover, winter is the prime season for spotting elephant seals.

How to Get There

  • If you are traveling by car: Both towns are located along Highway 1. San Simeon is about 4.5 hours north of Los Angeles and 4 hours south of San Francisco. Cambria is just 10 minutes south of San Simeon.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), about 45 minutes away by car.
  • By Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner stops in San Luis Obispo, with rental cars and shuttle services available to reach the coast.

Where to Stay

  • Cavalier Oceanfront Resort (San Simeon) – I recommend this for ocean-view rooms with fire pits, a pool, and easy beach access.
  • Cambria Pines Lodge (Cambria) – A woodsy retreat with cozy rooms, a beautiful garden, and a rustic restaurant. Perfect if you love a peaceful, nature-filled getaway.
  • FogCatcher Inn (Cambria) – Charming coastal-style hotel across from Moonstone Beach. It’s great for a relaxing stay with fireplaces and free breakfast!

Top Attractions

Walk along scenic bluffs and admire ocean views during a peaceful spring trip.

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Moonstone Beach

- Walk along scenic bluffs and admire ocean views during a peaceful spring trip.

Explore forested trails and see dramatic coastal cliffs on a romantic weekend walk.

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Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

- Explore forested trails and see dramatic coastal cliffs on a romantic weekend walk.

See massive elephant seals and discover exciting wildlife sights with the kids.

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Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

- See massive elephant seals and discover exciting wildlife sights with the kids.

Admire grand architecture and explore historic rooms in this famous hilltop attraction.

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Hearst Castle

- Admire grand architecture and explore historic rooms in this famous hilltop attraction.

Walk along rocky shores and see seals resting in this quiet, unusual spot.

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Point Piedras Blancas Beach

- Walk along rocky shores and see seals resting in this quiet, unusual spot.

Go kayaking or enjoy a quick seaside picnic at this easy coastal park.

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William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach

- Go kayaking or enjoy a quick seaside picnic at this easy coastal park.

Savor local wine and admire vineyard views during an affordable summer tasting.

Stolo Family Winery & Vineyards

Stolo Family Winery & Vineyards

- Savor local wine and admire vineyard views during an affordable summer tasting.

Discover colorful stones and explore peaceful sands on a cheap coastal getaway.

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Jade Cove and Sand Dollar Beach

- Discover colorful stones and explore peaceful sands on a cheap coastal getaway.

See marine life and explore underwater wonders during an exciting family trip.

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Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

- See marine life and explore underwater wonders during an exciting family trip.

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