Curator’s statement
This road trip from Cambria to Monterey is more than just a drive. It’s a collection of slow moments stitched together by winding coastal roads, seaside stops and shared wonder. Traveling with my family through this stretch of California reminded me that adventure doesn’t always require a plane ticket or a faraway destination. Sometimes, it’s found in beachside picnics, curious sea lions and the laughter that fills the car between playlists and roadside discoveries. This trip gave us the chance to unplug, reconnect and create new memories in one of the most beautiful corners of our home state. It’s a journey I’ll hold close, not just for the views, but for the time we had together — with the windows down and our hearts wide open!
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Day 1: Cambria start

The famous Moonstone Beach boardwalk
Our family’s Central Coast adventure began in the charming town of Cambria. We were greeted by a cool, overcast day — perfect for easing into vacation mode. After checking into our cozy accommodations, we headed straight to Moonstone Beach, one of Cambria’s most scenic spots.
The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is the highlight of this town, with a gentle, one-mile stroll along the bluff, providing breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. We took our time exploring the tide pools and collecting the smooth, colorful stones that gave the beach its name.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill for dinner. The restaurant’s warm ambiance and ocean views make it an ideal spot to unwind. We started with the Moonstone Chowder, a homemade New England-style clam chowder served piping hot in a crusty sourdough round. For the main course, we enjoyed the Fish & Chips, featuring lightly breaded white fish with lemon, tartar sauce and shoestring French fries. The kids opted for the Alaskan Cod Sandwich, which was a hit.
With full bellies and happy hearts, we returned to our lodging, ready to rest and recharge for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Hearst Castle and winery

Hearst Castle
Our second day along California’s Central Coast was a blend of opulence, relaxation and natural wonder — perfect for the whole family.
We began with a morning tour of Hearst Castle, the legendary hilltop estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan. We chose the Grand Rooms Tour. This offered a 70-minute guided walk through the estate’s most iconic spaces, including the Assembly Room, Refectory, Billiard Room and the grand indoor Roman Pool. The kids were captivated by the castle’s grandeur and the stories of its storied past. It’s worth noting that the tour includes approximately 140 steps and a 2/3-mile walk, so comfortable shoes are a must. For those with mobility concerns, an Accessibly Designed Grand Rooms Tour is also available.
After immersing ourselves in history, we headed down to the Hearst Ranch Winery tasting room in San Simeon. Situated across from the castle and overlooking the breathtaking bay, the winery offers a serene setting to unwind. We enjoyed a selection of their estate-grown wines, with the adults savoring the rich flavors while the kids relished the ocean views. The outdoor seating was dog-friendly, which is good to know for the next time we visit. For lunch, we indulged in offerings from the on-site food vendors. This includes The Cruiser food truck and Seaside Foods, which provided delicious options to pair with our wine tasting.
In the afternoon, we ventured a few miles north to the Elephant Seal Vista Point at Piedras Blancas. This free viewing area, equipped with boardwalks and viewing platforms, allowed us to observe the majestic Northern Elephant Seals in their natural habitat. The kids were thrilled to watch the seals’ playful antics and learn about their behaviors from the informative displays. The best times to view these magnificent creatures are during late January, April and October, but they can often be seen year-round.
As the sun set over the Pacific, we reflected on a day filled with enriching experiences — from the grandeur of Hearst Castle to the tranquil moments at the winery and the awe-inspiring sight of elephant seals in the wild. It was a day that beautifully encapsulated the diverse wonders of California’s Central Coast.
Day 3: Big Sur views

The beauty of the redwood trees.
Day three had us traveling north from Cambria along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. The road clings to cliffs and the views stretch endlessly over the ocean. As we wound through Big Sur, the beauty of the landscape felt almost unreal — towering redwoods, crashing waves and sunlight cutting through coastal mist. It wasn’t just a scenic drive — it was an experience that pulled us fully into the moment.
We stopped often to take it all in. One of the highlights was McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The short walk to the overlook led to one of the most breathtaking views we’d ever seen — a waterfall cascading directly onto the beach, framed by turquoise waves. It was an easy trail for the kids, and one of those spots where no one needed to say much — just standing there together, looking out, was enough.
For lunch, we dined at Nepenthe, the perfect location perched on the cliffs, where we dined outdoors with sweeping views of the Pacific. The food was great, but it was the atmosphere — the sun warming our backs, the sea breeze, the endless horizon — that really made it memorable.
Driving through Big Sur reminded us of the joy of unhurried travel. We didn’t pack the day with stops — we let the road guide us, pulling over when something caught our eye, and just enjoying the journey together. It was a day of wonder, stillness and wide-open skies.
Day 4: Monterey and Cannery Row

Scuba diving with trained professionals.
Our final day brought us to the charming coastal town of Monterey — a fitting finale for our family road trip. We began at the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, perched right on the edge of the Pacific. With its towering kelp forests, hypnotic jellyfish and playful sea otters, the aquarium instantly captured all of our attention. Every exhibit sparked curiosity and conversation, from the crashing wave tunnel to the mesmerizing Open Sea gallery filled with tuna, sea turtles and hammerhead sharks.
The highlight of the day, though, belonged to our youngest, who took part in the aquarium’s Underwater Explorers program — a scuba-style lesson designed just for kids ages 8–13. Clad in a wetsuit and guided by expert instructors, they got their first taste of breathing underwater in a safe, shallow environment. They surfaced beaming, bubbling with stories of the fish they saw and the thrill of floating weightlessly beneath the surface.
While our youngest dove into the experience (literally), the rest of us explored at our own pace. This way you can take in the beauty of the exhibits and watch sea life drift just outside the aquarium’s windows. The outdoor decks gave us a chance to spot wild sea otters and harbor seals lounging in the bay. It is a peaceful reminder of how connected the aquarium is to the world just beyond its glass walls.
We wrapped up the day with a relaxed seafood dinner along Cannery Row, choosing a restaurant with ocean views and a cozy, casual vibe. The kids dug into crispy fish and chips while we enjoyed buttery crab and fresh oysters, paired with a crisp local wine. Then, of course, came dessert: a stop at Ghirardelli’s for sundaes and scoops, sticky smiles and all.
As the sky faded into soft blues and golds, we strolled back to our hotel, hand-in-hand, replaying our favorite moments from the trip. The breeze was cool, the streets quiet, and the sense of togetherness deep and satisfying. It wasn’t just the end of a day — it was the end of a journey that brought us closer, filled our lungs with salty air and left our hearts a little fuller.
Need to know
Best time to go: Spring and early fall offer the best weather with fewer crowds. Summer is beautiful but busier — book early!
Driving notes: Highway 1 through Big Sur can be winding and slow in sections. Fill up on gas before you leave Cambria or Monterey, as stations are limited.
What to pack:
Layers (even in summer)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and hats
Reusable water bottles
Binoculars (for sea otters, seals and views!)
Kid-friendly stops:
Moonstone Beach boardwalk
Hearst Castle’s Grand Rooms Tour
Elephant Seal Vista Point
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Ghirardelli’s for a treat
Dining tips:
Many coastal restaurants are casual and family-friendly. Try to make reservations for dinner in Monterey, especially on weekends.
Extras:
Download offline maps — cell service can be spotty in Big Sur.
Bring a light blanket or towel for impromptu beach stops.
Plan ahead for pet care or dog-friendly accommodations, if needed.

Travel Advisor
Frankie Gvertz

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