The Perfect Christmas Weekend in Cambria CA
If you want a California coastal town that goes all in on holiday charm, Cambria is an excellent pick for a December getaway. The air feels crisp, the lights feel brighter, and the whole place slows down in a way that makes a weekend feel a little fuller. You spend your days wandering beaches, trails, and quirky landmarks, then your nights soaking up all the Christmas magic around town. If you head up for the season, please tell me which part surprises you the most in the comments.
Friday
We headed up on a Friday afternoon and arrived just in time for dinner and checking into our hotel.
Linns Restaurant
Linns feels like the kind of place you return to every trip, especially during the holidays. The dining room has a warm, cozy vibe and their famous olallieberry pie are basically a must. It works great as either your first stop in town or the spot where you regroup before the evening festivities. I also recommend the chicken pot pie.
Cambria Pines Lodge
This lodge has that classic rustic charm that feels even more inviting when the Christmas decorations go up. Plus, it is where the Cambria Christmas market is, so it is a great home base for exploring. We loved the King Suite, which had more than enough room for my family.
Saturday
Moonstone Beach and Boardwalk
Moonstone Beach is one of the area’s highlights, with long stretches of sand and dramatic waves year round. The boardwalk runs along the bluff, giving you a leisurely walk with nonstop coastal views. Winter and spring bring bigger surf; summer offers calm mornings; and fall often delivers perfect sunsets. It’s the spot you return to more than once during the weekend.
Elephant Seal Overlook
A quick drive north brings you to the elephant seal rookery, which is active throughout the year. Depending on the season, you might catch molting, resting seals, new pups, or the big males. The boardwalk overlooks the entire colony, offering incredible views without disturbing the animals. It’s one of the most memorable wildlife stops on the Central Coast.
Main Street Grill
This is the go to spot when you want something casual and filling. The tri-tip and BBQ plates are local favorites and work well for families or groups looking for something quick. The energy is friendly and relaxed, which matches the pace of the whole town. You can walk from here straight to the shops downtown.
Downtown Shops
Downtown Cambria has a mix of galleries, antique stores, boutiques, bakeries, and small cafes that make exploring really fun. You can easily spend an hour or two drifting from storefront to storefront. The variety makes it easy to find something unique, whether it’s handmade art or local food items. It’s an easygoing stroll between meals or adventures.
Nitt Witt Ridge
Nitt Witt Ridge is one of the Central Coast’s quirkiest landmarks. It was built almost entirely from reclaimed and repurposed materials by artist Arthur Harold Beal. They no longer offer tours, but you can drive by still, and it is a fun contrast to the natural scenery you see throughout the weekend.
Cambria Christmas Market
If you’re visiting in late November or December, the Christmas Market is a seasonal bonus. It has lights, vendors, food, and a festive atmosphere that draws people from across the state. It’s held at Cambria Pines Lodge, which makes it easy to combine with your stay. Outside those months, the lodge grounds still offer gardens and walking paths to explore. I highly recommend a visit to the Cambria Christmas Market; it is a blast with tons of vendors, millions of lights, and lots of Christmas cheer.
Sunday
Before heading home, consider a nice morning walk at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Fiscalini Ranch is one of Cambria’s most peaceful spots, with bluff and forest trails offering wide open views. You can walk along the ocean cliffs or head inland through meadows and Monterey pines. The preserve has a calm rhythm, so even a short visit feels refreshing. It’s the perfect way to start a morning or wind down an afternoon.
A weekend in Cambria gives you beaches, wildlife, great food, and a small town that feels easy to settle into. Everything is close, so you spend more time exploring and less time driving. Whether you come for the coast, the trails, or the quirky stops in between, the town has a way of making the whole trip feel relaxing. If you go, I hope the pace of the place works the same magic on you. You can check out more Cambria recommendations here.
