Just returned from a much needed getaway from the Bay Area. Left early AM with a quick stop in Santa Cruz then on to Cambria via 101/46. Arrived at Sand Pebbles Inn on Moonstone Beach around 10:30AM. Checked in to our two queen room early. Darling room. Second floor, partial oceanview.

Off to Ragged Point for lunch. I knew I had other options in Cambria for lunch but wanted to check out Ragged Point. Great lunch (huge portion on salad entrees). Took a walk around the grounds then headed back south. Stopped to take a quick look at the sea lions and then to Hearst Castle. Had a 3PM reservation but they gladly rebooked us on an earlier tour. I have been on Tour One twice now but did it again because my friend had never been. And, this time I watched the movie (highly suggested). Our tour guide Steve was amazing. He had true passion for the Castle and was an abundant source of knowledge in art history. A tour guide like that can surely add to the experience.

Back to the hotel for tea and cookies served in their "tea room". After a long walk on the beach, we showered and headed out for an early dinner at Cambria Pines Lodge. We had two great entrees and a bottle of local wine. Back to the hotel for another long walk on the beach.

We had two glorious days of sunshine that was welcomed after all the rain in the Bay Area these past few weeks. We turned on the fireplace and opened the windows and slept to the sounds of the ocean waves.

After our morning coffee in the room (always a blessing for me), we went down to the tea room for breakfast. Continental, do it yourself and perfect for us.

We stopped at a Real Estate office on the way out of town just to inquire as to what we could get if we won the lotto. Actually, there was no sticker shock as I live in the Bay Area.

So, why the Sand Pebble Inn and why Cambria Lodge for dinner? Well, it's because all of this (including a phone call), came to $83.00 (not to include lunch at Ragged Point and the tour). Wonderful time, good company, excellent weather and great price tag.

I'm planning on going to Cambria in April, the lowest room rate I found was at the Cypress Cove for 79.00 a night! How did you manage 83.00 for a room and dinner?

Go to www.moonstonehotels.com. Call their 800# and ask for the dinner package. They will offer it to you for just $10 more. When we checked in they gave us the dinner for two coupons plus coupons for two drinks in their (Cambia Pines Lodge) lounge. We passed the coupons on to a couple entering the lounge for drinks. Hope it works for you.

Donna, if you sign up for the promotionals, you will be sent e-mails on the various specials going on around town, many include dinner at the Cambria Pines Lodge. (It is listed as the #3 place for restaurants on Tripadvisor if that helps! ) ***kim***

I signed up last week and haven't received anything back.
They have specials which include Brambles on their web-site.

Great deals! I guess these are winter rates but they are sooooo good!
We stayed at The Fogcatcher in Cambria on Sun 20th Feb for $129 a night including breakfast (at hotel)and dinner for 2adults+2kids at Brambles. Loved the room at the Fogcatcher (cathedral ceiling + gas fireplace)and the hot tub was very relaxing. Also had lunch at Ragged Point...pretty area.

I think Fogcatcher is where I would like to stay next trip! How was Brambles? Could you give us some details of your meal there? The Black Cat is my first choice for our next dinner in Cambria. ***kim***

Hi Kim

We enjoyed our meal at Brambles but honestly we weren't overly impressed by the food. The salads and entrees were good especially my shrimp with artichokes and capers in a light white wine and butter sauce but the desserts were disappointing especially the cheesecake (tasted like a packet mix version!) so maybe this colored our overall view.
The restaurant is rather dark and rustic... it is also rather big and rambling so not ideal for dinner a deux. We walked around the town and saw several places we'd prefer to check out next time...including the Sow's Ear.

Looking forward to next time!