White Water in Cambria, California is truly a hidden gem on the Central Coast. This property is located practically on the boardwalk of Moonstone Beach, and just a short bike ride or walk away from the village’s split downtown area. The atmosphere of Cambria itself is peaceful and relaxed, which White Water idealizes flawlessly within each element of its overnight stay experience.
This beautiful property itself was brought to life by renowned designer Nina Freudenberger, in conjunction with the talented PRG Hospitality Group. The interior decor of the rooms are meant to call upon the atmosphere of laid back interpretation of the local community and laid back seaside culture — but combines this ease with the feeling of lavish sophistication.
A classic example of this balanced union would be the beach cruisers that are available for guests to borrow and explore the boardwalk and nearby downtown village area.
The architecture and design elements on-site are a mixture of vintage and modern — and according to Nina, this means combining the influences of 1970s Scandinavia and California bohemian culture.
What I especially loved about this lodge is that each of the guest rooms have been designed with authentic inspiration from the local natural environment of the Central Coast and the rugged California Coastline.
The team utilized a range of custom furnishings and curated artwork and accents to make each room feel like its own experience. There’s a sense of rich artistic talent present in the Cambria community — and the property has aimed to pay homage to this community’s local talent and its artisans. The design successfully shines through with the lodge’s uniqueness.
Sitting in the lobby felt like living within a bohemian beach dream — clean lines, warm hues, and modern art decorate the walls alongside lush plant life that I was told had been taken straight from the horticulture unit of my very own alma mater nearby — Cal Poly SLO!
Spending time at White Water feels like sitting inside a cloud of pure tranquility. When I was visiting, the weather was moody, and foggy (as opposed to sunny) which felt fittingly matched with the rugged coastal atmosphere that this region usually portrays (based on my experience spending time in Cambria when I lived in San Luis Obispo).
Even better — since the wildflowers are in bloom this time of year, upon walking outside and exploring the boardwalk along Moonstone Beach I was able take in the muted tones of white, gray and soft hues of blue from the sky and ocean contrasting against the vivid pop of yellows from the sprouting petals.
We sat in the lobby and enjoyed a charcuterie crafted from local goodies, off of White Water’s booze and bites menu. It was a fabulous vantage point for soaking up the sweeping views of the ocean across the street.
My own room was a “Premier King Room,” which featured a plush King-sized bed, 350 square feet of living space (which felt bigger, in my opinion), and a partial-ocean views. There was also a gas fireplace which made the room feel super cozy, and a built-in bench seating with vintage fabric — the kind you feel like sitting in gazing out the window for hours.
It was nice that the room also had a desk nook separate from the bed area — with more authentic local art.
The next morning, we awoke to find the cutest little picnic basket outside our front door filled with pastries and a thermos of piping hot coffee. It was perfect to bring across the street to the beach, and listen to the calming sounds of the ocean waves in the new morning light.
Overall, I’d 100% recommend this gorgeous property to anyone who’s going anywhere near Cambria for an overnight visit.
It’s ideal proximity to the downtown village area and right across the street from iconic Moonstone Beach and the boardwalk. A perfect staycation or vacation getaway on the Central Coast 🙂
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Would love to take my husband and two grow daughter there to make memories. 😍 any price range?