The Central Coast is one of my absolute favorite parts of California. Here are a few adorable Central Coast towns that you can either stay in or stop to explore for the day, along the way up the coast!
Morro Bay
If you have time to go up the coast a little further, you have to see Hearst Castle! But first, stop by Morro Bay along the way. It’s an adorable little fishing village. Stop for a bite and check out the seals and otters or you can kayak or take a boat tour around the little island out in front of the harbor. There’s an awesome giant rock you can drive to as well, with a beach to the right of it.
Most Morro Bay beaches are dog friendly! There’s also one about 10 minutes from town that specifically called Morro Bay Dog Beach. Our dogs love it! There’s also a little Mexican restaurant along the drive to the dog beach that’s super popular with the locals called Taco Temple. It has great fish tacos and a cute outdoor bar.
You can visit Hearst Castle while staying in Avila Beach, Los Alamos, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Cambria, Cayucos, or any of the adorable towns along the way. It’s an easy drive up the coast, and a perfect way to complete a wonderful weekend on the central coast.
Morro Bay is located 30 minutes up the coast from Avila Beach and Hearst Castle is located 45 minutes north of Morro Bay. It’s a gorgeous drive and the Castle is incredible!
Cambria
Cambria is an adorable little town on the coast, just before Hearst Castle; if you have time, check it out! We stayed at a super cute little place called the Cambria Beach Lodge that’s right on Moonstone Beach!
This beach also has a great boardwalk that you can bike or walk on to the neighboring beaches and even into town.
The Cambria Beach Lodge offers free beach cruisers! So, you can explore Cambria on an adorable yellow bike for the day! Free of charge.
Cambria’s little town, called Harmony Town, is known to have really good food and great wineries as well! They have a very funky place known as the Poor Man’s Hearst Castle. It’s called Nitt Witt Ridge (The Hearst Castle of Trash Art). This house is very odd; it’s made of old scrap metal, car tires, and dilapidated toilets, haha! It’s interesting.
To Sum it Up!
Cambria and Morro Bay are beautiful little stops along the way up the Central Coast. Both towns are filled with character and coastal charm. These are a few tips for where to stay and what to do while exploring this beautiful part of the Central Coast. If you’re interested in checking out more amazing places to stay in the central coast region, don’t miss my recommendations for Avila Beach, Sycamore Springs, and Los Alamos!
If you have any questions about Morro Bay and Cambria, or if I left anything out, let me know in the comments below, and as always, have a blast when you go!
