For the fourth time in four months my husband and I decided to visit Cambria for a short getaway. It’s hard to get away during the pandemic to somewhere relaxing and not real crowded. We enjoy being outside, seeing nature, gardens, taking long walks and hikes and eating delicious food. Why Cambria? For one thing it is a beautiful three to three and a half hour drive north from where we live. Unlike going south, say toward San Diego, the traffic is pretty much always moving. There are lots of nice things to do along the way. Cambria located along the central coast is a charming town. And what makes it even better is that it is so very close to Los Robles a wonderful wine area close by.

We like to drive directly to Cambria and only stop for lunch along the way. That said, there are lots of great places to stop along the way for a bite that are close to the freeway. You can stop in Oxnard, Old Town Ventura, Santa Barbara, Solvang, just to name a few very nice places to take a short breather from the drive.

We like to stay on Moonstone beach right across from the ocean. The main attraction is the ocean and the nice flat long walkway along the ocean. It is wonderful to take an early morning walk or anytime of the day or early evening walk. The mood of the ocean is always changing You never know what you might see. Be sure to bring your binoculars. On our first holiday we saw whales swimming in the distance, on another visit there were loads of dolphins frolicking close pretty close to the shore. Last visit there were seals lounging on rocks close to the beach. Of course, there are seagulls, cranes .. . . . And the sunsets on Moonstone Beach are spectacular. We like the location on Moonstone Beach because of the ocean walk, a very good restaurant or two close by and that it is just a few minutes from downtown Cambria.

TIP: Depending on where you stay on Moonstone Beach, it seems most motels and inns do not have air conditioning. If you are traveling during warmer weather you might consider bringing a fan even if there are ceiling fans in your room. If you room does not face the ocean or if it is level with the parking lot you might not get that ocean breeze or feel comfortable leaving your window or screen door open while you sleep. Probably not an issue but something to think about. Also, the internet and cell reception along Moonstone can be spotty.