Road Trip: Dog Friendly Cambria, CA things to do and places to see with your dog

Dog friendly guide to Cambria, CA

Let’s visit

Dog Friendly Cambria

If you’re looking for a dog friendly getaway in California, Cambria might be the perfect spot for a long weekend away together.

Nestled along the central coast of California, this quaint town is known for its dog-friendly beaches, scenic hikes, and pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants.

We love to road trip with our dogs. By going via car we can easily bring both dogs, stop and see sights, adjust our schedule and work around the dogs a bit more. We also find it less stressful, we can arrive at our hotel on our schedule, we are racing to meet flights or rushing to get somewhere on time. And at the top of the list of one of my absolute favorite places to visit with the dogs is Cambia in central California.

We live in Pasadena, CA and Cambria is just under a 4 hour road trip north. We love this town – from delicious food, beautiful hikes, and an overall pet-friendly town.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best activities and spots to visit with your dog when visiting Cambria. From strolling along Moonstone Beach to dining al fresco with your pup by your side, Cambria offers the perfect backdrop for a pet-friendly weekend getaway.

Favorite Dog Friendly Places to Eat in Cambria, CA

• Creekside Gardens
• Robin’s Restaurant (our must eat pick)
• Madeline’s
• Linn’s
• Hidden Kitchen

Cambria dog friendly Hotel recommendations

Oceanpoint Ranch

Firepits and smores. Comfy beds. Game room. Some private cottages. Walking distance to the dog friendly beach walkway. Quiet. Large grass area. Good food.

I love staying at Oceanpoint, we’ve actually stayed here three times now. The rooms are large, pet friendly and there is a huge grass area to walk and play fetch. It’s walking distance (5min walk) to the boardwalk that goes along the beach. We walked here daily with the dogs. There is a restaurant on site as well. It’s the furthest north along the strand of hotels, which I actually preferred – it’s less busy, less street traffic and more secluded. You’ll have to drive to downtown Cambria but it’s so short and worth being in a quiet area.

Check it out

Dog friendly Cambria itinerary

Day 1

• Breakfast at hotel or The Spot.
• Visit the local shops and get lunch in town
• Visit Shamel Park – dog friendly beach and park (Moonstone beach is not dog friendly). Address is: 5455 Windsor Blvd, Cambria, CA 93428.
• Dinner at Robin’s Restaurant.

Day 2

• Breakfast at Creekside gardens
• Walk the boardwalk of Moonstone Beach – 1 mile paved dog-friendly walk way
• Visit the local shops in downtown Cambria
• Visit winery or brewery
• Dinner at Madeline’s

Day 3

• Breakfast at the hidden kitchen
• Get pastries and coffee to go from the French corner bakery
• Hiking
• Visit the Elephant seals (photo on the left)
• Have a Hearst ranch burger at Lynn’s
• Dinner at the Indigo moon or Moonstone beach bar & Grill

Outdoor dog friendly Cambria things to do

We love to hike, I wouldn’t say I’m the best hiker out there but I try my best.

San Simeon Trail (Image on right)- This is such a beautiful hike. You change scenery throughout the trail – cross under tree passage ways, overlook the ocean, through fairtyale looking canopy of trees and more. I’ve talked about the trail many many times over the years after doing it. And of course it’s dog friendly (dogs must be on leash). Not difficult, but beautiful. 4.1 miles out and back.

Fiscalini Ranch preserve – This is a 440- acre sanctuary home to many native plants and birds. Dogs must be leashed, various trails throughout the ranch. This is a large open ranch and not a dog park. 

Many of the downtown shops invite dogs in while you browse. 

Clydesdale Horseback Ride

While I may be horse obsessed, my husband is not – at all. The single time I’ve gotten him to get on a horse was in Cambria.

Covell’s Clydesdale’s is a family run ranch that does trail rides a few days of the week. The family is beyond lovely. No experience needed and a lovely way to spend the morning. Note, they book up so call as far in advance as you can.

Shopping

Many of the downtown shops invite dogs in while you browse.  We love the thrift stores and shops at 2024 Main St, Cambria, CA. Including a cute plant/succulent store (Grow) a home store, Simplistic home, and more shops in the little area.

Elephant seals in Cambria

No drive up the Central Coast is complete without stopping to watch one of California’s most interesting wildlife species. Elephant seals can weigh over 5,400 pounds.  No reservations are needed. The rookery is located seven miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1, you’ll pass Hearst Castle on your way and see signs and the big parking lot for Elephant seal viewing.

This should be obvious, but for the safety of your dog keep them on leash and away from the seals.

Tips for your Cambria trip with your dog(s)

• Make Reservations – It’s a small quaint town so when possible we do recommend making dinner reservations.
• Dress in Layers – Cambria is a beach town and it can get chilly and windy! Packing in layers is so important to ensure you aren’t freezing (or decked out in a Cambria sweatshirt everyday). We also brought a blanket to wrap ourselves in while sitting at the fire pit.
• Check the roads – The PCH 1 get’s shut down alot, especially if you’re coming from the north through Big Sur. These roads are continuously opened and closed. A quick glance at the map ahead is advised to ensure your route is open.