If you’re looking for a charming seaside town to spend a weekend getaway, Cambria is a perfect destination. Located on the central coast of California, Cambria is just one of those cute places that you want to hole up in for a cozy, relaxing weekend.
There are sort of two parts to Cambria. There’s Moonstone Beach with its cute boardwalk and stunning views, and there’s downtown, on the other side of the freeway, with small shops and restaurants. Between the two, there are tons of fun things to do in Cambria.
The top activities to include in your weekend are strolling along the beach, walking the many trails along the bluffs, exploring art galleries, and indulging in incredibly fresh seafood.
Cambria has a mild climate and a friendly small-town community. You can’t always expect sun, but you don’t even need it to enjoy the weekend. In fact, sometimes it’s even better when the mist rolls in and you can cozy up to one of the firepit lounges on Moonstone Beach. There are a few things to consider when deciding when to visit Cambria.
Our Recommended Cambria Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cambria Beach Lodge
✔️ Great views
✔️ Perfect location
Where is Cambria?
As far as quiet and peaceful coastal towns go, Cambria is pretty much prime real estate. Located in San Luis Obispo County, it’s a central coast gem, and it’s location halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles makes is a great getaway for city dwellers who crave some beach time.
The town is easily accessible by car and is located just off the famous Highway 1, which runs along the stunning coastline of California. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport, which is about 40 minutes away by car, though it’s not a major international airport, so you might need to try San Jose or Santa Barbara for more flight options.
Is Cambria Expensive?
While Cambria is not the cheapest destination, it’s also not the most expensive in California. The cost of your trip will depend on a few factors, such as the time of year you visit, your accommodations, and your activities.
One thing to keep in mind is that Cambria is a popular tourist destination and it’s directly on the waterfront, so prices for accommodations and activities may be higher during peak season, which is typically in the summer months. If you’re looking to save money, consider visiting in the off-season, which is usually from November to March.
Accommodations in Cambria range from budget-friendly motels to luxurious resorts. You can expect to pay around $100-$200 per night for a mid-range hotel or motel, while high-end resorts can cost upwards of $300 per night. Another option to consider is renting a vacation home or Airbnb, which can be more affordable if you’re traveling with a group.
When it comes to dining, you can find casual cafes with affordable prices, as well as upscale restaurants with higher price points. If you’re looking to save money on food, consider packing a picnic lunch or stopping by a grocery store to pick up snacks and supplies for a beachside picnic.
In terms of activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in Cambria, such as hiking the trails at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve or exploring the tide pools at Moonstone Beach. If you’re interested in paid activities, such as wine tasting or tours of Hearst Castle, expect to pay around $20-$40 per person.
Top Things to Do in Cambria
Moonstone Beach
Moonstone Beach is a must-visit attraction in Cambria and also one of the most prominent. There’s a lovely ocean-side boardwalk (probably not what you’re imagining – it’s just a plank path that meanders along the waterfront (pictured above).
The beach stretches for about a mile. There are trails and overlooks on the beach side, and hotels and restaurants on the other side of the road. This is where you’ll find all of the hotels and most of the restaurants that we recommend in Cambria.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a beautiful bluff-top park and garden that offers a unique experience for nature lovers. My favorite thing to do in the whole area is take a walk along the bluff trail and enjoy the ocean view. The preserve is also home to a variety of marine life and wildlife.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you might also be treated to wildflowers everywhere. From around late March to late June, the flowers are out in force! There’s also one of the best views of Cambria from the bluff trail. Not to be missed!
Elephant Seal Rookery
I had no idea what this might be before we visited Cambria and San Simeon. The Elephant Seal Rookery is a phenomenal spectacle of nature that you have to see to believe. Home to a large colony of northern elephant seals, the overlook at the rookery provides an extraordinary opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Stretching over 6 miles, the viewing areas provide an up-close encounter with the seals during their breeding, birthing, molting, and rest periods. The rookery is most lively between December and March, when thousands of seals return to mate and give birth.
You’ll see it all here, from playful pups to gargantuan males engaged in territorial disputes. They lumber around each other like giant slugs and it’s quite interesting to watch. At the main viewing spot, you can walk to the left or right at the carpark, so if one area is full, just keep going and you’ll find an open spot.
Leffingwell Landing
Leffingwell Landing is a beautiful beach and park area that has picnic tables, barbecues, and a playground, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a day out.
Leffingwell Landing is also a popular spot for surfing, fishing, and whale watching. At low tide, visitors can explore the tide pools and discover a variety of marine life. The beach is easily accessible with a large parking lot and restrooms available.
Hiking Trails
We’ve already mentioned a bit about the hiking possibilities in Cambria, but they extend much beyond Moonstone Beach and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Leffingwell Landing, at the far north side of Cambria also has great hiking opportunities, as does the area around the Elephant Seal Overlook.
None of the trails are particularly strenuous. They’re just peaceful little hikes that will allow you the opportunity to observe the nature around you – and there’s a lot of it!
Wine Tasting
Cambria is home to a few wineries, both in town and just outside of town. In downtown Cambria, you’ll find Cayucos Cellars, a small family winery that utilizes wild yeast fermentation and only produces about 500-800 bottles a year. Since their winery is located in the hills above Cayucos, they’ve opened a tasting room in Cambria to share their wine with more people.
Another winery to visit is Stolo Vineyards and Winery. It’s about a 5 minute drive out of town on Santa Rosa Creek Rd, which incidentally is also a great place to see wildflowers in the spring. They are open every day 12pm-5pm and 6pm on weekends.
Picnic Areas
Cambria, with its views that go on forever, has several charming spots for a picnic. Here are some of our favorites:
- Moonstone Beach Boardwalk: There are picnic tables all along the route where you can enjoy your meal while overlooking the picturesque Pacific Ocean. Take a stroll along the boardwalk before or after your meal to make the most of this stunning location.
- Shamel Park: This six-acre park has picnic tables, barbecue pits, and even a playground for the little ones. The park is adjacent to Moonstone Beach and offers beautiful ocean views. You can also take a dip in the public pool during the summer months.
- Leffingwell Landing State Park: A great place to enjoy a meal with a view, Leffingwell Landing offers picnic areas with tables and barbecue pits. The rugged beauty of the coastline and the serene environment make it a perfect picnic spot.
- Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: This 437-acre preserve has stunning views, walking trails, and picnic tables. The meadows are a great place to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the surroundings.
- Lampton Cliffs County Park: This park provides a perfect setting for a serene picnic with tables and benches that overlook the ocean.
Tidepools
Seeing how the beach is one of the main features to Cambria, it’s inevitable that you’ll also find some really great tidepools there. When the tide goes out, you go in!
Also not surprisingly, the same places we mentioned above for picnicing are also the prime spots to find tidepools. Moonstone Beach has several tide pools that are accessible during low tied. The area located just south of Hearst Castle has a large time pool area. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Leffingwell Landing also have several tide pools you can access.
t’s important to remember to respect the tide pool environment and the creatures that live there. Make sure to watch your step and avoid touching or disturbing any of the marine life.
Exploring Downtown Cambria
If you’re looking for a charming small town experience, look no further than downtown Cambria. Here are a few places you won’t want to miss:
Main Street
Main Street is the heart of downtown Cambria, lined with unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. You can easily spend an afternoon wandering in and out of the various storefronts. Be sure to stop by the Cambria General Store for a taste of nostalgia and some tasty treats.
Cambria Historical Museum
If you’re interested in the history of the area, the Cambria Historical Museum is a must-visit. The museum is housed in the historic Guthrie-Bianchini House and features exhibits on the town’s past, including its ties to the Hearst family.
Wildflowers
If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss the chance to see the wildflowers in bloom. Head to Santa Rosa Creek Road for some of the best views. You can also take a guided hike with the Cambria Land Trust to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re looking for more things to do in the Cambria area, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore. Here are a few that you won’t want to miss:
Piedras Blancas Light Station
The Piedras Blancas Light Station is a historic lighthouse located just north of Cambria. Built in 1875, the lighthouse has been guiding ships along the central coast for over a century. You can take guided tours of the lighthouse and learn about its history and operation, but it’s by reservation only. Don’t try to rock up any time and expect to get it.
Tours can be booked at www.recreation.gov. Adults are $10, kids are $5, under 5 are free. The tours meet at a location nearby (not at the main gate) and include a half-milk trail walk, then you have access to the historic Fog Signal Building and the bottom level of the lighthouse.
Hearst Castle
Just a short drive north of Cambria is the famous Hearst Castle. This opulent mansion was built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the early 20th century and features 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, and a world-class art collection. The castle and grounds were given to California State Parks by the family in 1958.
You can take guided tours of the castle and explore the surrounding grounds, which offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. There are a number of different tours you can do, so it’s new each time even if you’ve been before. When you arrive you’ll park at visitor’s center and take a 20-minute bus ride up to the castle. The tour lasts around 45 minute to an hour.
It’s highly recommended to book tickets in advance because they often sell out, especially on busy summer or holiday weekends.
San Simeon
In addition to Hearst Castle, San Simeon is also home to a number of other attractions, including San Simeon State Park and pier, and the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery that we spoke about earlier. You’ll also find Hearst Ranch Winery across from the entrance to Hearst Castle. That winery has a really fantastic view and a large open outdoor space with a food truck. Makes for a great lunch spot.
Where to Eat and Drink in Cambria
When it comes to dining and drinking in Cambria, you have plenty of options to choose from. Most of the places are cozy, sort of rustic local eateries. Don’t go in expecting any kind of chain restaurant. It’s not the done thing here.
Sea Chest Restaurant and Oyster Bar – This seafood restaurant is located in a historic building and offers fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes and an oyster bar. They don’t take reservations so you have to rock up and put your name on the waiting list as close to 5pm as possible. They are also cash only!
Madeline’s Restaurant and Wine Shop – This restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu with a focus on local, organic ingredients. They also have an extensive wine list and offer wine tastings. They have a nice firepit you can hang out at too, while waiting for your reservation.
Linn’s Restaurant – This family-owned restaurant, located downtown, is famous for its homemade pies and farm-to-table cuisine. They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Coffee shops – For coffee, there are two great places in downtown to visit. Lily’s Coffee House is a cozy place that offers a variety of coffee drinks, as well as tea, smoothies, and pastries. Mojo’s Village Bean is a bit smaller, but they have an extensive coffee list and one of the best Mexican Mochas I’ve ever had.
Where to Stay in Cambria
If you’re planning a trip to Cambria, you’ll need a place to stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from cozy inns to luxurious resorts. Here are some of the best places to stay in Cambria:
- Cambria Beach Lodge: This roadside hotel offers a unique and modern take on the traditional motel experience. The rooms are stylishly decorated and feature comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel is just a short walk from the beach.
- Cambria Landing Inn & Suites: This hotel offers a few different room locations but the ocean-facing ones are the best. They have a firepit and a hot tub too.
- Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach: This charming inn is located right on the beach and offers stunning ocean views. The rooms are newly redone and modern, with fireplaces and private balconies in some units. The inn also features a complimentary breakfast and a hot tub.
No matter where you choose to stay in Cambria, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and plenty of things to see and do. Keep in mind that prices and availability can vary depending on the season, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance.
Best Time to Visit Cambria
You might be wondering when the best time to visit is. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few things to consider when deciding when to plan your trip.
First, it’s important to note that Cambria is pretty year-round and there are always things to do, but some seasons may be more appealing than others. Early summer and early fall are generally considered the best times to visit for the best weather. June gloom is real.
Prices are much lower during the off-season, so visiting in December to March might be an ideal time for you. There are a lot of firepits around town to snuggle up to!
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Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.