Explore Cambria & San Simeon

Picture a small, artsy town in the pines then plunk it down at the beach. Surround it by miles of secluded shoreline, wave-battered bluffs and a colony of elephant seals and you’ve got the hamlet of Cambria.

What to do, where to stay and where to eat on your trip.

Some find it grand and inspiring. Others find it gaudy and over the top. But a visit to William Randolph Hearst’s castle on the hill is something everyone should do at least once.

There are a number of excellent short hikes along awe-inspiring coastal bluffs in the area.

Beaches – some sandy, some rocky – line the coast from Cambria to Ragged Point and the Monterey County border. Poke around (or check out the beach-side hikes above) to find secluded coves and great beachcombing.

A "castle" built entirely of salvaged materials, one of only three classic tall lighthouses on the West Coast and an interactive coastal discovery center are among the North Coast's other attractions.

A handful of spas aim to meet all your relaxation needs.

Whether you want to attend them or avoid them, take note of these dates.