I am looking for tips as to what to do in Cambria. Also, is anyone familiar with the Cambria Pines Lodge?

I have stayed at the Cambria Pines Lodge, twice in the 90's. It was nice place to stay/ pretty setting.
However, when I stay in Cambria again, I would want to stay either at Moonstone Beach or near the village/ downtown.

Definitely prefer to be on Moonstone Beach..comb for rocks,drive a little North and see the Seals, Hearst Castle.....etc...i love it there!!

We stayed at the Whitewater Inn on Moonstone Beach a month or so ago and thought it was a great place. They deliver a nice continental breakfast to your door each morning too. Very nice place.

The place sounds nice, but we prefer Moonstone Drive, also. The Blue Whale Inn, the Fireside Inn and the Cypress Cove Inn have all been great places to stay on Moonstone Drive.
Cambria is very kick-back. Stroll the shops, wine taste at Fermentations, dine at one of the great restaurants or have afternoon tea at the Tea Cozy. Stop by Linn's for some ollalieberry scones. They have a nice little gift shop there, also. ***kim***

I've stayed there several times. Sometimes you can get a very good price in the off season mid week. It's a bit rustic, (hence Lodge). There was some construction going on when we were there in January. I've had good luck with the fireplace rooms, which seem to be relatively quiet. It is convenient to the town, if you don't mind walking up and down the hill (it overlooks the town and pines). I like the gardens, the full breakfast is always included whether they tell you about it or not.(Robin's is my favorite restaurant in town, but I hear the Sea Chest around Moonstone Drive is also good).

Stayed at Cambria Pines Lodge for a fantastic rate but you have to know you're getting what you pay for. It is old, country-style and comfortable but by no means luxurious or fancy. It does the job and the food is decent, but it depends what you are staying there for. The gardens are beautiful, the pool not so beautiful and the hike down to the main street nice.
I 2nd the mention of Robins. Cambria is a cute, quaint village but not tons to do there. If you're going to get away from it all, it's perfect.

We love Cambria and stay there several times a year. Our top pick is Pelican Suites on Moonstone Drive. The rooms are almost like a small apartment with a gracious sleeping area and a sitting room with fireplace and balcony. (If you book there, be sure to specify a suite - they have another attached property and, imho, they are not nearly as nice). Complimentary wine and cheese is served in the late afternoon/evening, and a complimentary breakfast in the morning. My only complaint is that the breakfast is not all that interesting, but the setting is nice.

Cambria is a laid back place, but there is enough to keep you occupied: some decent little shops, the Hearst Castle is nearby in San Simeon, there is a wonderful "boardwalk" on Moonstone Drive that parallels the ocean, up the road about 10 miles is an elephant seal rookery at Peidras Blancas. We always rent a room with an ocean view -- our favorite thing is to sit on our balcony and watch the waves.

Cambria has some good eating places as well. We love the Sea Chest (within walking distance of the Pelican Suites, nice if you want a little wine with dinner). It is an oyster/seafood place and serves the best calamari I've ever had. Tip: the Sea Chest doesn't take reservations, and customers begin lining up at the door about 1/2 hour before their opening time. Two other places we love are Robin's and The Sows Ear. Linn's is also pretty good, but really "touristy".

We had a terrific meal at the Sow's Ear back in February. Highly recommend it.

Just had an email offer for $99 mid-week at Cambria Pines to include 2 full course dinners in their restaurant. Don't have the link at the moment but I'm sure if you call directly, they will honor this special. I stayed at one of the inns on Moonstone Beach last summer and the $69 rate included dinner for two including wine at Cambria Lodge. The meal was very good.

I had two dinners thrown in with one of my stays at Cambria Pines Lodge. It was good. I'd say if you get a really good deal, go for it. If the Moonstone Beach properties have a good deal too, go for one of them instead.

For specials, check their website, moonstonehotels.com, and also call and ask if they have any. They don't normally have them on weekends and holidays, but midweek you might get something.

We ate at the Cambria Pines Lodge once. If I recall correctly the food was o.k. They have some outside dining rooms, however, that are lovely!

The grounds are very pretty there. I remember walking around there with my kids one of our times there. I think we dined outside once....