California's Central Coast

Cambria is a quant seaside village located just six miles south of Hearst Castle. There are wonderful places to stay and eat and shop. The forest of Monterey pines that surround the town right down to the sea make it a perfect place for a romantic getaway. The coastline here is amazing where streams meet the sea, driftwood piles up on the beach and sea otters frolic just offshore. Take a walk on Moonstone Beach and try your luck at finding a moonstone or maybe some California jade rubbed smooth from the surf. Make the evening complete with oysters at the Sea Chest on Moonstone Beach Drive - wow! A fabulous place to stay is the San Simeon Pines Seaside Resort, featuring charming little cottages (with wood burning fire places) on the ocean and a par 3 golf course under the pines. They have private beach access and yes, they have family accommodations too! (Not bad at all for $90-$180 per night)



Before you leave Cambria you must visit the poor man's Hearst castle, Nit Wit Ridge. Started in 1928, Arthur Harold Beal (Captain Nit Wit) collected junk and added it to this place for over 50 years. He especially loved to use Busch beer cans and seemed to have plenty available. The house is open for free tours and enjoys a magnificent view of the ocean. One man's trash….you know the rest!!!