Hi! I will be in Paso Robles on a girls trip in September. We are taking a day to go to the Hearst Castle and the visit the area around Cambria, Moonstone Beach, etc. Is there a restaurant on the coast somewhere in that area that you could recommend for dinner? It could be anything from a fun, casual bar and grill on the beach (with good food) to a more upscale, trendy restaurant with an amazing view. We are open to all types of food. Thanks!

Upscale and trendy isn't what Cambria is all about but Madeline's probably comes closest. I like Robin's as well. If you want to eat on Moonstone Beach, there are only two restaurants there, Sea Chest and Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill. Sea Chest does not take reservations and is cash only. People bring chairs and wine and line up outside early for the 5:30 opening.

Since you're going to Hearst Castle, you should check out Hearst Ranch Winery in tiny San Simeon. Sebastian's General Store is next to the winery and you could pick up some goodies there to go with your wine tasting. The winery has a food truck too but I haven't tried it.

If you want to see the elephant seals, the viewing area is about 5 miles north of the castle.