Cambria, CA is located on the central coast of California and is a great spot for a low-key weekend getaway with your dog. The Pacific Coast Highway goes right through Cambria and can be a great stopping point on your road trip too. Cambria will be your haven for relaxing, surfing, wine tasting and indulging at the local eateries. Here is my dog-friendly guide to Cambria, California.
Where to stay
Cambria Beach Lodge
For those on a budget, but looking for something trendy right on the water. Cambria Beach Lodge is an old motel reimagined into a surfers hideaway. Dogs under 40 pounds are welcome for a one-time fee of $50. When you arrive your companion will receive a goody bag full of treats and a toy. Linus bikes are free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis and are great for exploring the area. Much to our delight, the parking area was even equipped with a Tesla charging station.
White Water Cambria
This more high-end boutique hotel is located right on Moonstone Beach steps from the boardwalk. You will instantly fall in love with the minimalist design of White Water Cambria. The lobby lounge is to-die-for and Linus bikes are available for scenic rides around town. Dogs under 40 pounds are welcome for a one-time fee of $100.
Where to eat & drink
Hidden Kitchen
Hidden Kitchen serves up many styles of gluten-free waffles for brunch in a cute little courtyard. The waitress even came over to say hi to Cal, our dog, and give him a treat too. I went for something savory and got the San Luis Sunrise, which included fried eggs, bacon and avocado. My husband went for something sweet and got the Weirdos Waffle, a blue corn waffle smothered in grilled banana, bacon and peanut butter. Come hungry because these waffles are filling!
Indigo Moon
We didn’t know what to expect of this restaurant, but the food blew us out of the water. The menu at Indigo Moon is unique and the food was cooked to perfection. My husband had the rack of lamb and I had the diver scallops, both of which melted in our mouths. And to top it all off, they had key lime pie on the dessert menu, my all time favorite dessert! You can be seated inside or outside on the patio if you bring your dog. In any event, come to Indigo Moon for exceptional food in a casual setting.
927 Beer Company
Have a seat at their outdoor beer garden and enjoy a flight of local beer with your canine companion. Their dark sour saison was the star attraction for me. In conclusion, 927 Beer Company is the perfect spot to stop in and have a beer in the sunshine with your dog!
What to do
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
We rode our bikes here from Cambria Beach Lodge and hiked the Bluffs Trail and Marine Terrace Trail, which are both dog-friendly. The flowers were blooming and the uninterrupted coastal views were stunning. Some trails at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve are even bike and/or ADA accessible. Be on the lookout for migrating whales and sea otters.
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Grab a coffee or tea to-go and take a morning stroll on the boardwalk with your dog. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach, but they are welcome on the boardwalk. Watch the surfers ride some waves in and listen to the calming sound of the waves crashing.
Cambria Dog Park
This is the perfect place to wear out your dog before or after brunch. We walked here from Hidden Kitchen and let Cal run free for a bit with some other doggos. The park has two sides, one for large dogs and one for smaller dogs. Cal was the only small dog there at the time, so we joined in with the large dogs, which he would prefer anyway. He struggled a bit with the wood chips on his small feet, but he made it work.
Cambria is a charming small town and is the central coasts best kept secret. Check Cambria out with your canine companion before the word gets out! If you enjoyed my dog-friendly guide to Cambria, California, check out my blog post Driving up the coast of California. Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel planner, yours truly!
