A few weeks ago, we took a weekend trip down south to Cambria for a bit of relaxing "sister time" before the holiday festivities began. Cambria is a small beach town located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. When we decided to head south to Cambria for a quick girls-weekend, we chose to stay at the fun and trendy Cambria Beach Lodge. We teamed up with the Lodge to show all that Cambria has to offer!

xxx Ivy & Eve

Here is a map the Cambria Beach Lodge provided for even more great suggestions!

Stay:

Cambria Beach Lodge Situated right on Moonstone Beach, this newly renovated and trendy hotel is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend in Cambria. The lodge is centrally located, making it a quick drive to downtown Cambria or Hearst Castle. The rooms were trendy yet inviting with a great mini bar full of tasty treats and even a set of binoculars for all of your outdoor adventures. Outside each room is a small porch with bright turquoise chairs and there is a large glass surrounded deck on the top floor overlooking Moonstone Beach. We took full advantage of this amenity by toasting our trip with a bottle of bubbly before going off to the Christmas Market and dinner. Each morning, they serve a simple yet tasty continental breakfast which is a real perk for when you want to relax with a cup of coffee and pastry and watch the early morning surfers on Moonstone Beach! The Lodge also has beach cruiser bikes for guests to borrow. We loved cruising the boardwalk across the street! There are many quality beachfront lodges in Cambria, but none quite have the fun and hip vibe that the Cambria Beach Lodge has. We totally recommend it!

Perfect view of the sunset from the viewing deck!

Moonstone beach access right across the street!

Eat:

Madeline's Restaurant Located on Main Street, this is the perfect place to go for a romantic dinner date or for just a great glass of wine! We went here per our awesome Uber driver's suggestion. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, great wine list, and delectable menu make this a must try restaurant for everyone!
Indigo Moon Located also on Main Street, Indigo Moon is s a great place for lunch or outdoor dinning spot (weather permitting). They have three large outdoor dining areas and a great indoor/outdoor patio. Ivy had a delicious BLTA sandwich with a fresh green salad while Eve had delicious prawn fettuccine with a light white wine sauce and to die for cheesy garlic bread.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant Located right next to the Cambria Beach Lodge, the Sea Chest is known to locals as the best place to eat fresh seafood. The menu serves up everything from Oysters Rockefeller to New England Clam Chowder. Since this place is so popular be sure to get there right when they open to put your name on the waitlist (no reservations). Luckily they have a Wine Bar sitting area that includes a fire pit with a great view of the ocean so you can wait for dinner with a glass of wine.
Cambria Pines Lodge This hotel is where the Cambria Christmas Market is located. They have a sit down full service restaurant as well as their Fireside Lounge which is the perfect place for a drink while listening to live music. They have tasty local wine list and a creative cocktail menu.

Eve's sea bass dinner with rice and veggies

Play/Shop:

Moonstone Beach- The rugged pebbled beach is known for its moonstone pebbles. If you're lucky though you'll find a few pieces of jade as well! This beach and boardwalk is perfect for surfing, hiking/walking, biking, and beach combing.
Elephant Seal Vista- A few miles north of Moonstone Beach, this place is perfect for spotting the giant Elephant Seals. They can weigh up to 8,800 pounds and over 20 feet long!
Antique malls- These antique emporiums are dotted along Main Street. We especially loved Rich Man Poor Man Antiques. They have well thought out displays and very friendly and helpful staff. Eve left with a pair of beautiful Wedgwood candle sticks.
Cambria Christmas Market (Only runs from November 25th-December 25th)- When we initially planned this trip we did not know that Cambria had a Christmas Market. This was the highlight of the trip! We have spent Christmas in Europe before and always loved the European Christmas markets with their little artisan stalls and mulled wine! This particular market is known for its Christmas light displays. They have over ONE MILLION lights on display. We really enjoyed walking through the gardens and vendors, googling at all the Christmas lights. We are already planning a trip back to visit next year!
Hearst Castle- William Randolph Hearst's grand estate is a few miles north of Cambria. An architectural and Interior Design marvel, any tourist should visit this spectacular home. Make sure to take the tour that visits the pool room as it is our personal favorite.
The Shops at the Garden Shed- We spent several hours perusing the shops in this secret garden shopping center. To visit all of the shops, first you must go though the Cambria Garden Shed shop. This shop is full of beautiful and thoughtful gardening related gifts and tools. Once you hit the back of the shop, it opens up to a small courtyard full of wonderful shops. A few of our favorites were Ocean Heir (great gifts, clothing, and books), Junk Girls (upcycled awesomeness), and GROW Nursery (succulent heaven).

Ivy's favorite...succulent shopping at GROW!

Mulled wine to keep us warm at the Cambria Christmas Market!

We love to travel and are always planning our next getaway. Sometimes we forget how much fun it can be to explore our hometown. This will be one of a series of Hometown Tourist posts, where we share our favorite activities, shops, eateries, and more!

First up is Carmel Valley. Located 12 miles inland, the Village has over 25 wine tasting rooms, a bunch of restaurants and bars, and some great places to stay. You can't beat the summer sunshine here, but it is a great place to visit any time of the year. This is our hometown and we hope you enjoy!

Wine Tasting

Cowgirl Winery- This tasting room's name says it all. The atmosphere is country chic and their cowgirl flight is our flight of choice, not to mention they have chickens roaming around! Check out their Facebook for deals and events! Here is another of our post about it.
T albott Vineyards- Here is a tasting room even your guy friends will enjoy! The walls are covered in motorcycle memorabilia and antique motorcycles the owner Rob Talbott has restored himself.
Mercy Vineyard s- A quaint tasting room with a bold taste! We love this place for many reasons, from its unique vineyard soil, (or lack there of, the vines are planted on a river rock bed), to its array of tasty wines its a must visit! Not to mention the owner Mark is great and will answer all your questions.
Joyce Vineyards- An upbeat tasting room with some awesome wines! Eve worked in the tasting room in 2011 and we have loved their wines ever since. Not to mention, Ivy's boyfriend is the assistant winemaker. One of our favorites is their rosé but it sells out quick! They often team up with other local businesses to host awesome parties (check their Facebook). Their upcoming soirée is a "speakeasy" co-hosted by another favorite local company, Bar Cart Cocktail Co. (check out our Champagne Cocktail recipe featuring their tasty bitters here).
Jarman- For the full vine to bottle experience, Jarman offers a 1-hour tasting in their wine caves for just $50, and for $75 you can take an ATV tour of their estate vineyards ending in a tasting. The vineyard is located on one of Carmel Valley's oldest and most famous ranches, Holman Ranch. They hold beautiful weddings and events, and have a stable where Eve keeps her horse Seamus!

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Bites

Corkscrew Cafe- $$ Every evening from 5:00-6:00PM they serve up 1/2 price pizzas they make in their giant wood fire pizza oven (try the meyer lemon pizza). Other favorites of ours are their roasted garlic appetizer, trout entree, and short ribs. If the weather is nice, request to sit in their courtyard.
Will's Fargo Restaurant- $$ Your good old steakhouse. Its interior has a rustic saloon feel we love! Ivy's favorite dish is the small steak bites and Eve's is the escargot, although you can never go wrong with anything chef Greg makes! We also recommend their happy hour for half-price saloon menu and drinks!
Taqueria Del Valle- $ Locals all know it as "The Taqueria". Locally owned and operated for over 20 years, Lucy makes everyone's favorite Mexican food in the Valley. Get the chicken burrito and prepare to get your mind blown!

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Activities

Garland Ranch Regional Park- This park is a favorite for families and dog walkers, as well as a great place for a hike of many difficulty levels. Take the Mesa trail for some spectacular views of the valley!
Bernardus Lodge & Spa - This is never be a bad choice. We suggest getting the Bernardus Essential Massage where you can customize your own unique message oil fragrance! Go early so you can enjoy the facilities and check out the lodge's new restaurant Lucia for a cocktail afterwards.
Open mic night at Valley Greens Gallery- Get a craft brew and chill out to some music every Tuesday evening. They also double as an art gallery with some interesting, and sometimes out-there artworks.
Shopping- There are a few cute shops and art galleries scattered between the many tasting rooms, though we do most of our shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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Accommodation

Country Garden Inn- $ A charming little inn right in the Village with a complementary breakfast (8:00-10:00AM) and a wine and cheese hour every evening (5:00-6:00PM).
Los Laureles Lodge- $$ This rustic lodge and restaurant is the original lodging of Carmel Valley. The lodge dates back to the 1830s, and the original family are the same that created Monterey Jack Cheese! This is a great place to hang out by the pool in the summer and enjoy the sunshine.
Bernardus Lodge & Spa- $$$ To experience real California luxury, stay in one of the suites of villas available here. Each room features a fireplace, two-person soaking tub, and fine Italian linens. See Activities above for info on the restaurant and spa.

Cambria Weekend Getaway

xxx Ivy & Eve

Here is a map the Cambria Beach Lodge provided for even more great suggestions!

Stay:

Eat:

Play/Shop:

Hometown Tourist: Carmel Valley, California

We love to travel and are always planning our next getaway. Sometimes we forget how much fun it can be to explore our hometown. This will be one of a series of Hometown Tourist posts, where we share our favorite activities, shops, eateries, and more!

First up is Carmel Valley. Located 12 miles inland, the Village has over 25 wine tasting rooms, a bunch of restaurants and bars, and some great places to stay. You can't beat the summer sunshine here, but it is a great place to visit any time of the year. This is our hometown and we hope you enjoy!

Wine Tasting

Cowgirl Winery- This tasting room's name says it all. The atmosphere is country chic and their cowgirl flight is our flight of choice, not to mention they have chickens roaming around! Check out their Facebook for deals and events! Here is another of our post about it.

T albott Vineyards- Here is a tasting room even your guy friends will enjoy! The walls are covered in motorcycle memorabilia and antique motorcycles the owner Rob Talbott has restored himself.

Bites

Taqueria Del Valle- $ Locals all know it as "The Taqueria". Locally owned and operated for over 20 years, Lucy makes everyone's favorite Mexican food in the Valley. Get the chicken burrito and prepare to get your mind blown!

Activities

Garland Ranch Regional Park- This park is a favorite for families and dog walkers, as well as a great place for a hike of many difficulty levels. Take the Mesa trail for some spectacular views of the valley!

Bernardus Lodge & Spa - This is never be a bad choice. We suggest getting the Bernardus Essential Massage where you can customize your own unique message oil fragrance! Go early so you can enjoy the facilities and check out the lodge's new restaurant Lucia for a cocktail afterwards.

Open mic night at Valley Greens Gallery- Get a craft brew and chill out to some music every Tuesday evening. They also double as an art gallery with some interesting, and sometimes out-there artworks.

Shopping- There are a few cute shops and art galleries scattered between the many tasting rooms, though we do most of our shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Accommodation

Country Garden Inn- $ A charming little inn right in the Village with a complementary breakfast (8:00-10:00AM) and a wine and cheese hour every evening (5:00-6:00PM).

Los Laureles Lodge- $$ This rustic lodge and restaurant is the original lodging of Carmel Valley. The lodge dates back to the 1830s, and the original family are the same that created Monterey Jack Cheese! This is a great place to hang out by the pool in the summer and enjoy the sunshine.

Bernardus Lodge & Spa- $$$ To experience real California luxury, stay in one of the suites of villas available here. Each room features a fireplace, two-person soaking tub, and fine Italian linens. See Activities above for info on the restaurant and spa.

Next time you get the urge to explore, take some time to check out your own hometown. You might be surprised by what you find in your backyard!

xxx Ivy & Eve

RELATED POSTS

xxx Ivy & Eve

Here is a map the Cambria Beach Lodge provided for even more great suggestions!

Stay:

Eat:

Play/Shop:

We love to travel and are always planning our next getaway. Sometimes we forget how much fun it can be to explore our hometown. This will be one of a series of Hometown Tourist posts, where we share our favorite activities, shops, eateries, and more!

First up is Carmel Valley. Located 12 miles inland, the Village has over 25 wine tasting rooms, a bunch of restaurants and bars, and some great places to stay. You can't beat the summer sunshine here, but it is a great place to visit any time of the year. This is our hometown and we hope you enjoy!

Wine Tasting

Cowgirl Winery- This tasting room's name says it all. The atmosphere is country chic and their cowgirl flight is our flight of choice, not to mention they have chickens roaming around! Check out their Facebook for deals and events! Here is another of our post about it.

Talbott Vineyards- Here is a tasting room even your guy friends will enjoy! The walls are covered in motorcycle memorabilia and antique motorcycles the owner Rob Talbott has restored himself.

Bites

Taqueria Del Valle- $ Locals all know it as "The Taqueria". Locally owned and operated for over 20 years, Lucy makes everyone's favorite Mexican food in the Valley. Get the chicken burrito and prepare to get your mind blown!

Activities

Garland Ranch Regional Park- This park is a favorite for families and dog walkers, as well as a great place for a hike of many difficulty levels. Take the Mesa trail for some spectacular views of the valley!

Bernardus Lodge & Spa - This is never be a bad choice. We suggest getting the Bernardus Essential Massage where you can customize your own unique message oil fragrance! Go early so you can enjoy the facilities and check out the lodge's new restaurant Lucia for a cocktail afterwards.

Open mic night at Valley Greens Gallery- Get a craft brew and chill out to some music every Tuesday evening. They also double as an art gallery with some interesting, and sometimes out-there artworks.

Shopping- There are a few cute shops and art galleries scattered between the many tasting rooms, though we do most of our shopping in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Accommodation

Country Garden Inn- $ A charming little inn right in the Village with a complementary breakfast (8:00-10:00AM) and a wine and cheese hour every evening (5:00-6:00PM).

Los Laureles Lodge- $$ This rustic lodge and restaurant is the original lodging of Carmel Valley. The lodge dates back to the 1830s, and the original family are the same that created Monterey Jack Cheese! This is a great place to hang out by the pool in the summer and enjoy the sunshine.

Bernardus Lodge & Spa- $$$ To experience real California luxury, stay in one of the suites of villas available here. Each room features a fireplace, two-person soaking tub, and fine Italian linens. See Activities above for info on the restaurant and spa.

Next time you get the urge to explore, take some time to check out your own hometown. You might be surprised by what you find in your backyard!

xxx Ivy & Eve

T albott Vineyards- Here is a tasting room even your guy friends will enjoy! The walls are covered in motorcycle memorabilia and antique motorcycles the owner Rob Talbott has restored himself.