The California Coast Guide - Central Coast Part Two

San Luis Obispo County - Cambria and San Simeon

A delayed flight for me means a somewhat on-time TTS for you! Welcome to part 2 of the Central Coast guide. This week we are focusing on Cambria and San Simeon, two tiny beach towns that I love oh so much! Let’s get into it.

And if you’re a Google Map fan - I’ve compiled all TTS Central Coast recs HERE! And ICYMI - there’s a Santa Barbara County map too ;)

Cambria

Cambria is another quaint beach town along the Central Coast, featuring a number of cute cottages & boutique hotels, delicious seafood, and tons of beach & boardwalk to explore. This place makes it easy for me to take on my favorite alternate persona - the female lead character in a Nicholas Sparks novel.

Stay

• White Water Cambria - everything you could possibly want in a modern boutique hotel experience. The highlight? Coffee & pastries are delivered to your door in a picnic basket every morning. NICE TOUCH!

• Oceanpoint Ranch - An equally cute boutique hotel next door to WW, with a Western flair. Tons of Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and smores kits.

To Do

• Moonstone Beach - Cambria’s beaches are extra special, as they are covered in driftwood and unique rocks & stones. Most specifically and most especially - moonstones. You could spend hours mining for these tiny gems, and it’s the ultimate zen vacation activity (not a screen in sight)

• Leffingwell Landing State Park - My favorite corner of the Cambria coastline, it’s a little hidden and there’s a good chance you can get some solo time there if you go early morning.

• Garden Shed - Precious indoor-outdoor garden supply & gift shop

• Take a bike ride - most of the hotels have bikes you can rent for the day!

• Read a freakin’ book while you lounge in an Adirondack chair!!

Eat & Drink

• Sea Chest - get here early! It’s walk-in only and there WILL be a line on weekends. Excellent seafood overlooking the coast, a prime location to watch the sunset and chow down on some oysters.

San Simeon

San Simeon is a small town just minutes from Cambria, making it an easy stop for your visit to the region.

To Do

• Hearst Castle - If you grew up in California, you may have taken a field trip here at some point. Maybe it’s because I never had the privilege, but I LOVE this place and find it so architecturally stunning. The views from the estate perched on the hill alone make this a worthwhile visit. There are a few different tours you can take, but I recommend the Great Rooms if it’s your first time.

• Whale watching! If you time it right, you may catch some whales swimmin’ along the coastline. My tour guide at Hearst told me on some mornings when she’s driving to work, she’ll see whales, elephant seals, AND zebras?? What a life

*Editor’s Note: If you read both San Luis Obispo County guides you’ll realize I left out a key part of the region - San Luis Obispo!! LOL. To be honest I haven’t been here in a couple years and want to give you the best of the best recs - so stay tuned for a dedicated bonus guide in future TTS! In the meantime… if you’re in the area, grab a cuppa at Field Day Coffee! It’s wonderful.

Ticket to Sarahdise Event Digest - Week of 10/9

Every week, I’m sharing events you should be checking out in LA. Here’s this week’s download:

• Self Defense Class for the Girlies - Girl Gang Crazy is hosting a self defense class this coming Saturday 10/14! Sign up HERE

• Taco TuesGAYS at Melody - Tacos for a cause, we love to see it! 5-11 PM tomorrow at Melody, one of my favorite wine bars in LA

• Blue Heaven Heavy Water - For the month of October, Heavy Water is serving up a special blue chai concoction. Erewhon has declined to comment at this time. Spooky!

Lotsa coastal content going up on TikTok as a part of this CA Coast Guide series, come say hi? Thanks for reading, watching, etc!