Our third stop on our California Coastal Vacay was San Simeon. While we camped at Hearst San Simeon campground, we were able to visit Cambria and Moonstone Beach. On our way to our next stop in Morro Bay, we visited Harmony & Cayucos on the drive back down. This was the busiest part of our trip but we got to see some really awesome places in just a 2 night stay. I recommend at least a stop by each of these cute little towns if you are in the area. They each had their own unique charm and are worth a visit.
Camping at Hearst San Simeon
We really enjoyed the campground at Hearst San Simeon. It was different than the other campgrounds we stayed at because it was inland from the beach about a ¼ mile. It was also surrounded by trees. Since we were the farthest North on our trip, it was also the coolest temperatures. We were there in the beginning of July and had pretty good weather. It was warm in the daytime and cool in the evening. We rode bikes or walked to get to the beach from the campground. You have to walk under a bridge to get there.
We had one full day to adventure around San Simeon. We went straight to see the Elephant Seal Rookery. It was really neat to see these giant seals laid out on the beach. They were all sun bathing and were pretty funny to watch. I saw one seal bark at another for getting too close to another seal.
Moonstone Beach
Next, we drove through Cambria to check out the town, then went over to Moonstone beach and had an awesome seafood lunch at Moonstone Beach Bar + Grill. We enjoyed everything there including the clams, clam chowder, tacos, fish & chips and crab cakes.
Visiting Cambria
We stopped by the beach and finished up shopping in Cambria before heading back to the campground in San Simeon. Cambria is filled with artist shops, thrift stores, souvenir shops and jewelry stores. There are coffee shops and eateries along the way. I loved the artwork displayed outside of the shops and the charm of the whole town.
After we got back to the campground, it was time for showers and resting. The kids did a puzzle and we enjoyed some drinks by the fire.
We didn't get a chance to go to the Hearst Ranch Winery, but I bought a bottle in town and really enjoyed their cab.
Visiting Harmony
When we left San Simeon, we headed to Harmony for the most delicious ice cream. It is a tiny town with a population of only 18 people. The town is very cute with a few old buildings and shops to walk through. There is a beautiful pottery and jewelry shop. They have an ice cream truck and a food truck with items made from their creamery. Up on the hill there is a winery and sheep grazing the land.
Exploring Cayucos
After leaving Harmony, we drove into Cayucos on the way to Morro Bay. I loved this little town and could have stayed here longer. It's a super cute beach town. There are stores and restaurants all along the coast. I loved the Brown Butter Cookie Company original cookies! They have a really awesome beach with a pier and a playground on the sand. The stores are all walking distance and I even saw a skate park on the way in. Next time we come by, we would plan to stay for the day or a couple nights.
We enjoyed our stay at San Simeon and our travels through Cambria, Moonstone Beach, Harmony & Cayucos! Drop a comment below if you've been or if you have any questions. xo, Bri