Top Activities for a Day or Weekend in Cambria

Cambria (pronounced cam bree uh) is a charming town filled with interesting shops, delightful restaurants, and streets adorned with lovely gardens. It serves as both a fun destination to explore on its own and a convenient base for visiting nearby Hearst Castle and the stunning California coastline from Morro Bay to Ragged Point.

Why You Should Go

Cambria is an excellent choice for a romantic getaway, especially for those who appreciate cozy bed and breakfast inns. There are several nearly beachfront hotels across Highway One from downtown, making it easy to access the scenic Moonstone Beach. The downtown area is perfect for a leisurely stroll hand-in-hand, and nearby beaches offer a picturesque backdrop.

Best Time to Go

Like much of the California coast, Cambria’s Moonstone Beach tends to be overcast during June and July. However, the town’s location, slightly inland, often ensures sunny weather when the coast is shrouded in fog, albeit with larger crowds during the summer months. Following the summer season, expect clearer skies and lower hotel rates that remain affordable through spring.

The Best Things to Do

Moonstone Beach stands out as the prime location for natural beauty, featuring crashing waves, surfers, and intriguing tide pools along the driftwood-strewn shoreline. With accessible boardwalks and smooth paths leading down to the sand, it’s an ideal spot for relaxation. Consider gathering picnic supplies in town to enjoy as you watch the waves or visit the patio at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill for a fantastic sunset view.

Make sure to visit the Elephant Seals: The elephant seal rookery located just north of Hearst Castle along Highway One is especially captivating during the breeding season from December to February, when approximately 4,000 pups are born in a short timeframe.

If shopping is on your agenda, the downtown area is the perfect first stop.

5 More Great Things to Do

• Gallery shopping: Enjoy browsing the unique shops while strolling down Main Street and up Burton Drive; don’t overlook the shops lining both sides of Main Street, even when it temporarily dips near Cambria Drive.
• Learn lawn bowling: For those interested, the Cambria Lawn Bowls Club offers free lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 950 Main Street.
• Visit Nitt Witt Ridge: Experience the whimsical folk art wonder created by artist Art Beal, which is open for tours with reservations recommended.
• Explore Hearst Castle: A half-hour drive north of Morro Bay leads you to this iconic attraction, where a film and guided tours offer an engaging glimpse into the history of the estate.
• Piedras Blancas Lighthouse tours: Located 15 miles north of Cambria, this historic lighthouse welcomes visitors to learn about maritime history, with displays including the Fresnel lens found in downtown Cambria.

Annual Events

• October: The annual Cambria Scarecrow Festival features over 350 creative and charming scarecrows lining the town’s streets.
• Spring and fall: Explore the enchanting Hearst Castle Evening Tours. Experience Hearst Castle illuminated at night, with guided tours that bring the estate to life with stories of the past.

Tips for Visiting

During summer, it’s advisable to plan your accommodations well in advance, as the most desirable properties often fill up quickly. Regardless of the season, the Cambria Village Trolley is a convenient way to navigate around town.

For restroom access, public facilities are conveniently located on Burton Street, just off Main Street.

Best Bites

Two of Cambria’s long-standing favorite restaurants include the Sow’s Ear and Robin’s, although Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill boasts some of the best views in town. Additionally, using a popular local app can lead you to the newest culinary hotspots.

Where to Stay

While most bed and breakfast inns are situated in town, several small hotels can be found along Moonstone Drive. While none are directly beachfront, they are close enough for guests to enjoy the ocean spray and the soothing sounds of crashing waves.

Getting There

Cambria lies conveniently on California Highway 1, approximately halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, nestled between Morro Bay and Hearst Castle. It is roughly 290 miles from Sacramento, 125 miles from Monterey, and 425 miles from Las Vegas.

If traveling via Amtrak, take the train to San Luis Obispo, where you can connect with the Ride-On Service to reach Cambria, although local transport options may be limited for further exploration.