Ultimate Dog-Friendly Cambria, CA Guide

Nothing beats sharing a new experience with your furry friend, and nowhere is better than the beautiful, pet-friendly town of Cambria, located on California’s stunning Central Coast. With sweeping coastal views, tons of dog-friendly restaurants and shops, and excellent pet-friendly vacation rentals, you can enjoy a seamless stay where your pup never has to leave your side.
In this article, we’ll cover where to eat, stay, and play with your dog and answer some frequently asked questions so you have all the info you need. There’s even a handy three-day dog-friendly itinerary for you to use for trip inspiration!
Discover More: Top Cambria Attractions
Dog-Friendly Activities in Cambria
With so much open outdoor space in Cambria, you’ll find plenty of fun activities to enjoy with your four-legged friends. Whether you want to run on the beaches or let them sniff along nature trails, the options are limitless. Check out our top choices as you explore Cambria's beaches and parks:
Moonstone Beach
Take a sunset walk along the boardwalk, splash in tide pools, or just enjoy the scenery when you visit the popular Moonstone Beach. While your pet should never be left unattended, they’ll love exploring the nooks and crannies of the shore with you!
FAQ: Are dogs allowed on Moonstone Beach?
Yes! Dogs are welcome on Moonstone Beach, but they must remain leashed at all times. Always clean up after your pet to help keep the area beautiful for everyone.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Located just outside Cambria Village, the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is full of winding trails, wildlife, and seaside views. Plus, it’s free and open to the public every day! Explore eight miles of trails with your pup, or head to the 200-foot bluff overlooking the ocean for some of Cambria's most spectacular coastal views.
Shamel Park
This 6-acre community park is a great place to take your dog when you need to burn off some energy. With a playing field, picnic tables, children’s play area, and more – you can bring the entire family and spend an hour or two just mingling with the locals.
FAQ: Where is Shamel Park
Shamel Community Park is located at 5455 Windsor Blvd, Cambria, CA. 93428
Cambria Dog Park
The Cambria Dog Park is open to dogs of all sizes from 7:30 AM to dusk every day. With almost a full acre of land, it’s a great spot for games of fetch or spending some relaxing time off-leash. The park offers picnic tables and water stations, though it’s always recommended to bring some backup water for your pup. You’ll find this popular park at the end of Rodeo Grounds Road.
Pet-Friendly Places to Eat and Drink
When you’ve worked up an appetite from your park and beachside exploration, head to these excellent dog-friendly restaurants in Cambria:
Morning Coffee and Breakfast
Get a perfect cup to kickstart the day at Cambria Coffee Company – we recommend seeing what the special drink of the day is. Not in the mood for coffee? Their fruit smoothies are another great option!
Hidden Kitchen is another great option, but they’re only open on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Their superfood smoothies and organic drip coffee make it worth the visit, though. They also have fantastic food if you want a bite to go with your beverage.
Brunch and Lunch
Located inside a Victorian-era home, Brydge is what brunch dreams are made of. Their menu changes seasonally to offer the freshest local ingredients possible. Bring your pup and enjoy a seat on the picturesque patio and enjoy the hyper-local flavors of Cambria.
Dinner Options
When it’s time for dinner, head to the patio at Robin’s Restaurant. Featuring international flavors made from local farmer’s market finds and a quintessential coastal ambiance, it’s no wonder it’s won Best North Coast Restaurant for 10 years!
Wine Tastings with Dogs
Cambria is home to some of the best wines in the region. Take your pup to Stolo Vineyards, Moonstone Cellars, Cayucos Cellars, or the Hearst Ranch Tasting Room for flights of excellent California wines.
Sweet Treats
If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, a trip to Red Moose Cookie Company or Linn’s Easy as Pie Café won’t disappoint. You may even find a pup-approved snack!
Pet-Friendly Shopping
FAQ: Are dogs allowed in the shops in downtown Cambria?
Many downtown Cambria shops warmly welcome well-behaved pups. Always ask before entering smaller boutiques, but you'll find most store owners are excited to meet your waggly-tailed friend.
Your pup will love visiting:
- Stash Local Goods: A boutique with locally crafted items
- Creekside Gardens: The perfect spot for plants and unique gifts
- Maddie Mae’s Pet Pantry: A heaven of gourmet dog treats and pet supplies
Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Cambria, CA
Finding Cambria Lodging that’s pet friendly is easy when you book your stay with Cambria Vacation Rentals. With a great selection of private homes, you can find a place that’s just right for your whole family.
Each home in our pet-friendly inventory is designed to offer the utmost comfort, from plush furnishings to thoughtful amenities. While there are certainly pet-friendly hotels in Cambria, why pay that extra pet fee just to have a small box of a room? We think you (and your dog) would much prefer the expansive layout of a coastal home. That’s why we make it easy to reserve your dream escape. Check out our collection of Cambria pet-friendly homes and find your home away from home right here!
Pet Services in Cambria
You can never be too prepared when it comes to traveling with your dog. If you need things like a vet or a groomer while you’re in Cambria, here are the best places to visit:
Medical:
Dog Sitters:
- Claudia West with Faithful Friend: (805) 927-0744
- Jill’s Dog Sitting: (805) 400-8958
Grooming:
- Animal Expressions Grooming: (805) 927-0227
- Unleashed: (805) 900-5555
Three-Day Dog-Friendly Cambria Itinerary
With all this information, we know you’re probably well on your way to planning an epic Cambria vacation with your pet, but just to make it even easier, we’ve prepared a three-day pet-friendly Cambria itinerary that will help you visit several of the spots we’ve talked about so far. Check it out!
Day 1:
- Morning kickstart with coffee at Cambria Coffee Company
- Afternoon downtown stroll and shopping at Stash Local Goods, Creekside Gardens, Antiques on Main, and many more!
- Enjoy dinner on the picturesque patio at Robin's Restaurant.
Day 2:
- Brunch at Brydge
- Scenic walk at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
- Wine tasting at Stolo Vineyards or Moonstone Cellars
- Evening sweet treat at Red Moose or Linn's Easy as Pie Café
Day 3:
- Morning walk along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
- Playtime on the beach at Shamel Park
- Lunch at Hidden Kitchen
- Treat from Maddie Mae’s Pet Pantry
- Dinner and craft brews at The Coastal Taproom
Book Your Dog-Friendly Cambria Lodging Directly Today!
Featured Dog-Friendly Property: 5768 Moonstone Bch. Dr
Avoid third-party fees when you book your dog-friendly Cambria vacation directly with Cambria Vacation Rentals. Our local team is standing by, ready to assist you with everything from check-in to checkout. We can even help you find more unique pet-friendly activities during your stay!
Browse our pet-friendly Cambria lodging and book direct today!