Oceanside Attractions
Cambria Offers the Best California Beaches and More
The Central Coast region is a treasure trove of opportunity for hikers, birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Central Coast’s high bluffs harbor old-growth forests just a short distance from the crashing waves and some of the best California beaches. Hiking trails weave their way through the area around Cambria and the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve allows visitors to stroll through unspoiled native habitat along the Pacific Coast. For seaside relaxation, Leffingwell’s Landing and Moon Stone Beach Park are unbeatable.
The man-made wonders of Central California are just as stunning as their natural counterparts. Hearst Castle and Nitt Witt Ridge sit at opposite ends of the aesthetic spectrum, but each distinctive dwelling is interesting in its own right. The Best Western Plus Fireside Inn, unmatched among hotels near Hearst Castle, offers easy access to these attractions and more.
Central Coast attractions:
- Hearst Castle (6.1 miles) – This mansion, buried deep in the California hills, is a Natural Historic Landmark and one of the nation’s most impressive architectural gems. Built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the 90,000-square-foot property is a popular destination because of its opulent swimming pool, dramatic ocean views and generous dimensions (56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms and more).
- Cambria Village (0.7 miles) – Divided into two sections, East and West, Cambria is a town of about 6,000 that combines a rich and rustic history with modern developments. The East Village, about two miles inland, includes buildings dating back to the 1870s that host galleries, restaurants and shops today. The West Village, closer to our hotel, contains a wide variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries.
- Morro Bay Estuary (23.0 miles) – This natural cove sits just a short drive south of our inn. The bay is home to the small town of Morro Bay and the gorgeous grounds of Morro Bay State Park. The area has been designated a national bird sanctuary, and outdoor activities include golf, fishing, hiking, cycling and Morro Bay tours to see whales and other wildlife.
- Harmony California (7.9 miles) – Harmony, population 18, makes Cambria seem like a bustling metropolis. This small town has just two businesses, Harmony Pottery and Harmony Glass Works. Just up the hill from the historic settlement sits Harmony Cellars Winery, featuring wine tasting sessions, gifts and food.
- Moonstone Beach & Leffingwell’s Landing (0.5 miles) – Just a short walk from our inn, Leffingwell’s Landing is a state picnic ground that features placid tidal pools and prime oceanfront wildlife viewing opportunities. The landing sits at the north end of Moonstone Beach Drive, which runs alongside the Pacific Ocean. Moonstone Beach itself is a stunning stretch of seashore that extends from the village of Cambria north past our hotel and toward San Simeon State Park.
- Highway 46 West Wineries (about 20 miles) – San Luis Obispo County is home to many of the nation’s finest wineries. To reach some of the area’s top vineyards, head about 20 miles inland from Fireside Inn to a small area that hosts a group known as the Highway 46 West Wineries. Rocky Creek Cellars, Hunt Cellars, Grey Wolf and Peachy Canyon are among the 16 unique vineyards and wineries that call the area home.
- Nitt Witt Ridge (1.5 miles) – Essentially the polar opposite of the Hearst Castle, the eccentric Arthur Beal built this dwelling over the course of five decades from items salvaged from junkyards and waste-bins. The house is now open to the public and available for tours, by appointment.
- Fiscalini Ranch Preserve (2.2 miles) – This pristine natural area is ensconced in a small area between the village of Cambria and the shore of the Pacific. Hiking is the main attraction at the preserve, as 12 trails cut through the scenic area, offering views of the shimmering ocean and verdant hills.
- Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery (12.3 miles) – Piedras Blancas beach is one of the world’s best elephant seal habitats, featuring year-round viewing and public access. California’s Central Coast is one of the best places to view these unique 5,000-pound marine mammals.