Welcome to Cambria: Where the Pines Meet the Sea

Located in what was once one of Cambria’s oldest homes, the Guthrie-Bianchini House, it was turned into the Cambria Historical Museum in 2008 and has proudly hosted over 20,000 visitors ever since. Here, you have the opportunity to meet pioneers retelling the town of Cambria’s rich historical significance. The historical society truly takes pride in sharing this history with you, even offering a walking tour of the town – beginning in the older, eastern section and winding past popular landmarks such as The Old Santa Rosa Chapel, Camozzi’s Bar and Hotel, and The Bucket of Blood, an old cowboy saloon who takes its name from Saturday nights full of fist fights and other forms of entertainment.

Right between Los Angeles and San Fransisco on the Highway 1 Road Trip, Cambria is the perfect little seaside village for those looking to get away. Cambria is full of locally-owned shops and restaurants and free of chains that you could find anywhere, making this destination truly a place reminiscent of a simpler time. The town has a high concentration of unique art shops, including glass art, sculptures, paintings, and more for you to browse. Rocky hills, the ocean, and those Monterey pines make for a unique town with plenty to explore – you may even be able to catch some whale migration action!

For those ready to add something extra to their adventure, be sure to check out Cycle Central Coast. Here you can find bike routes around Cambria to make the most of your trip, such as, a Highway 1 Adventure Route, the Montaña de Oro Route that highlights Fiscalini Ranch and Spooners Cove Beach, and much more.

If you love horses or just being in nature, you’ll want to check out Covell’s gorgeous ranch, where majestic Clydesdale horses roam pastures overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Back in the 1870s, Fourth of July celebrations were held yearly; the town welcomed thousands from all over, right on the property that these Clydesdales now call home. This rich history makes the ranch that much more special, complete with learning experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Tour in a vehicle or by horseback!

A national landmark built in 1870, the Old Santa Rosa Chapel is a fantastic way to learn more about Cambria’s rich history. The last mass was celebrated in 1963, restoration began in 1978, and the chapel was rededicated for community use in 1984. Weddings, concerts, and special occasions of all kinds are currently held here, but visitors are welcome to drive to the top of the hill and explore the grounds, which include the serene chapel cemetery. Step back into history on the property by walking around and embracing Cambria’s gorgeous natural scenery. The chapel itself is open for viewing Friday through Monday, from 10AM to 3PM.

In 1976 when the Linn family moved to Cambria, they never imagined what a hit their farm products would be. Beginning with a simple Pick-Your-Own setup at their farm, they quickly got busy creating products involving their fruit. Their olallieberry, a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry, became a fan favorite and has been the cornerstone of the family’s success. They put it in pies at Linn’s Easy as Pie Café, which not only offers a wide variety of delicious famous pies to choose from, but a menu featuring comfort foods, wraps, and much more. Indoor and outdoor seating, fresh home-cooked food, and a friendly local atmosphere you just can’t beat… Linn’s has it all and is definitely a must-stop!

While you’re in Cambria, you can take advantage of the six wineries on the Pacific Coast Wine Trail. One of the cutest is Black Hand Cellars. This tasting room outpost of their Paso Robles vineyard is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon sampling delicious wines. They specialize in outstanding reds, so sip away while you enjoy the speakeasy theme and stories from the friendly staff.

Oceanfront towns mean, you guessed it, parks with killer views of the water! Shamel Park is a great place to take a break from the many tourist activities Cambria has to offer, and is spread out across six acres next to the ocean. A seasonal pool, horseshoes, and a playground provide an afternoon of fun for kids, and beach access, a romantic gazebo, and picnic tables welcome adults on a getaway of their own. Plus, Cambria happens to be along the Whale Trail, a group of locations where orca whales and other wildlife can be seen. You can stumble across these majestic creatures any time of year, and the Whale Trail’s goal to increase and appreciate is evident in their dedication to keeping the public informed.

A part of Hearst San Simeon State Park, Leffingwell Landing is a spot on the ocean that will take your breath away. The beach area here is made up of a collection of tiny pebbles, called moonstone, and a picnic area fully equipped with barbecue stands for those looking to cook out. Follow the boardwalk out to the landing for yet another one of Cambria’s stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Add a bottle of wine while watching the sunset, and see if you can spot any of those famous migrating whales for a perfect evening. This is also a prime spot for kayaking if you’re looking to get out on the water. Nearby, directly across from Hearst Castle and outside the historic town of San Simeon, is also the William Randolph Hearst Memorial State Beach for some additional afternoon beach activities– it’s home to the Coastal Discovery Center, so be sure to take some time to check that out. Hearst San Simeon State Park itself is one of California’s oldest park systems, full of exploration opportunities including three nature preserves, as well as plenty of hiking trails.