Hotel at a Glance: Cambria Beach Lodge

About halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambria Beach Lodge invites visitors to experience the sunsets, wineries, and year-round moderate climate of California's central coast. Cambria Beach Lodge has recently been completely remodeled and redesigned, creating a fresh new concept for both new and returning guests. The lodge is right across from a boardwalk that runs along Moonstone Beach, where you can wade into the Pacific and explore crustaceans lurking in tide pools. Dolphins and whales also visit the area, and keep an eye out for elephant seals—they were once close to extinction, but now can be seen laying around the beach here.

• Where you'll stay: a guest room with a flat-screen TV; double-queen rooms have fireplaces.
• Walk to downtown Cambria: Main Street is just a 15-minute walk away.
• Start the day right with a complimentary light continental breakfast that caters to guests on the go.
• Nearby landmark: The opulent Hearst Castle is 10 minutes away by car.
• Wine tasting: The lodge is 15 minutes away from the city of Paso Robles, which is the 3rd largest wine region in California and features over 400 wineries.

Cambria, California: Coastal Village with Art Galleries, Beachfront Hikes, and Elephant Seals

The coastal town of Cambria lies about 10 miles south of San Simeon, midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Though the village is small, it has a host of attractions, including 30 art galleries in the downtown area and an oceanfront boardwalk at Moonstone Beach.

Just 11 miles north lies the famed Hearst Castle, the enormous estate that once belonged to newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The building took more than 25 years to complete, has more than 150 elaborate rooms, and houses an astounding collection of Spanish and Italian art and antiques. Tours crisscross the 127-acre estate throughout the day, acquainting visitors with the grand rooms, cottages, kitchens, and libraries.