$150–250

Many of the accommodations of Cambria [1] sit along the small town’s very own Hotel Row, a.k.a. Moonstone Beach Drive. One of these is the Moonstone Landing (6240 Moonstone Beach Dr., Cambria, 805/927-0012, www.moonstonelanding.com [2], $155), which provides inexpensive partial-view rooms with the decor and amenities of a mid-tier chain motel, as well as oceanfront luxury rooms featuring travertine marble bathrooms.

A charming log cabin structure shelters the eight rooms of the J. Patrick House Bed and Breakfast (2990 Burton Dr., Cambria, 805/927-3812, www.jpatrickhouse.com [3], $175). Each room has modern-country kitschy decor, a private bath, and plenty of amenities. They’re dedicated to feeding you at the J. Patrick, with a big breakfast in the morning, hor d’oevres in the afternoon, and chocolate chip cookies at bedtime.

The Burton Inn (4022 Burton Dr., Cambria, 805/927-5125, www.burtoninn.com [4], $225) offers modernity in an attractive setting. Even the standard guest rooms offer tons of space, and the family suites have multiple bedrooms that promote both togetherness and privacy.

One of the cuter and more interesting lodgings on Moonstone Beach Drive, Moonstone Cottages (6580 Moonstone Beach Dr., Cambria, 805/927-1366, http://moonstonecottages.com [5], $234) offers peace and luxury along with proximity to the sea. Expect your cottage to include a fireplace, a marble bathroom with a whirlpol tub, a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, Internet access, and a view of the ocean.

For a great selection of anything from economical standard rooms up to sizeable cabins, pick the Cambria Pines Lodge (2905 Burton Dr., 800/445-6868, www.cambriapineslodge.com [6], $150–400). All rooms have plenty of creature comforts, including TVs, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and, in some cases, fireplaces.