Visit Cambria to walk on historic streets and famous California beaches. Cambria’s history has been painstakingly preserved by a dedicated band of volunteers at the Historical Society, which brings the town’s history to life with an easy, self-guided historical walking tour. The tour showcases historic homes, storefronts and places of worship dating back to the 1870s spanning 28 stops and multiple architectural styles in Cambria’s historic East Village. Start at the Guthrie-Bianchini House, now the Cambria Historical Museum, for exhibits, information and a charming garden patio.
When you are done walking downtown, head to Moonstone Beach to hunt for sea treasures. Wave-worn “moonstones” cover this beach and entice seaglass hunters of all ages to sift its sands. For a dramatic entrance, walk the gentle Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, an ADA-compliant one-mile path along the beach. Wildlife abounds here with gray whales, humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds and otters at play. After your stroll, relax at nearby Shamel Park, whose facilities include day-use areas, a children’s playground, restrooms and a heated ADA-compliant swimming pool. Bring a picnic, a birding guide, a sweater, and a sense of adventure.
When in Cambria, visit one of the most unique ranches in America. Covell’s California Clydesdale Ranch is home to a herd of 100 freely-roaming majestic Clydesdale horses. The 2,000-acre ranch is made possible through a nature conservation easement, with views of a Monterey Pine forest, glimpses of the ocean, and pristine pastures. Tours of the 2,000-acre property are available in the ranch’s open-air trailer, or on horseback, and discuss the annual rodeo, party and open-pit barbecue held on the ranch in the 1890s with the Hearst Family as benefactor.
Cambria has famous olallieberry pie. The olallieberry (pronounced oh-la-leh) is a cross between a Youngberry and a Loganberry, and is in the same ballpark as a blackberry. The name derives from a Native American word for “berry.” The olallieberry is the most widely-grown fruit at Linn’s Family Fruit Farm, which is open to the public on picturesque Santa Rosa Creek Road. Olallieberries feature in Linn’s famous jams, sauces and, most beloved of all, in Linn’s famous olallieberry pie, available at Linn’s Restaurant. In May every year, Cambria holds the Olallieberry Festival, and every Fourth of July, Linn’s presents an old-timey pie-eating contest.
Things to Do in Cambria
Come experience Cambria like the locals.
Where to Stay in Cambria
Plan your stay at one of the many hotels or vacation rentals in Cambria.
-
Park Hill Ocean ViewsPark Hill Ocean ViewsCambria
Stay in the beautiful Park Hill neighborhood of Cambria, California and enjoy great ocean views of the Pacific.
-
Sand Pebbles InnSand Pebbles InnCambria
The spacious and comfortable rooms at the beachfront Sand Pebbles Inn in Cambria will leave you wanting more.
-
Daydreams by the SeaDaydreams by the SeaCambria
Unplug from your daily life and enjoy Daydreams by the Sea at this cozy Cambria, California vacation rental.
-
Bailey’s Beach HouseBailey’s Beach HouseCambria
Bailey’s Beach House is a monthly vacation rental with ocean views in Cambria. Plan a sabbatical or an extended getaway with the family.
Cambria Travel Videos
Events in Cambria
Plan your next roadtrip to Cambria around events and happenings.
-
Adventures with Nature
The Central Coast State Parks Associations presents the Adventures with Nature series.
-
Charles Dickens’ Great-Great-Grandson to Perform in Cambria
In what promises to be a spellbinding, one-man show, Gerald Charles Dickens will transport audiences into the enchanting world of Ebenezer Scrooge and his magical journey of redemption.
-
Succulent Christmas Tree Workshop
Get in the holiday spirit and create your own succulent Christmas tree! 🎄 After the holidays, you’re able to reuse the succulents and add them to your plant collection!🌿 Cost: $80, includes…
-
Hearst Castle Holiday Twilight Tours
The Holiday Twilight Tours are offered this year on select evenings November through January. Please check the website for tour dates, times, descriptions, and reservations. Start your Hearst Castle holiday…
Can’t Miss Activities in Cambria
Make sure to experience these activities in Cambria. You won’t be disappointed!
-
Cambria Christmas MarketCambria Christmas MarketCambria
The Cambria Christmas Market features open-air stalls selling glühwein (hot mulled wine), traditional German foods, local vendors, and live entertainment.
-
Cambria Scarecrow FestivalCambria Scarecrow FestivalCambria
The annual Scarecrow Festival includes plenty of fall festivities, including a trail of handmade scarecrows displayed throughout the town’s East and West Villages.
Travel Articles About Cambria
Read about why Cambria is the perfect California Highway 1 road trip for those seeking a special California beach town experience.
-
Welcome to Cambria: Where the Pines Meet the Sea
Welcome to Cambria: Where the Pines Meet the Sea as featured on Roadtrippers Stroll Main Street, sip wine, and fall in love with Moonstone Beach The best part about cruising…
-
Top 10 Things About Cambria
With plenty of outdoor fun, seaside dining, wildlife viewing & culture to discover, here are the top 10 reasons to explore the Cambria coast:
-
Preserves, Sanctuaries and Secluded Pleasures along Highway 1
Find your sanctuary (and preserve your sense of well being). If solitude and serenity is what you seek, allow SLO CAL to ease your mind as you stretch your legs…
-
Cambria CyclingCambria CyclingCambria
With an ever-changing landscape and breathtaking views, Cambria is ideal for avid road cyclists. Anticipate two major climbs, some steep descents and rolling hills with some flats.
Where to Eat in Cambria
Check out all the restaurants and good eats in Cambria.
-
Medusa’s Sunshine TaqueriaMedusa’s Sunshine TaqueriaCambria
A colorful restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine
-
French Corner BakeryFrench Corner BakeryCambria
Hearth-baked breads, savory quiche, cheesecake, pastries, custom blended coffees.
-
Soto’s True Earth MarketSoto’s True Earth MarketCambria
At Soto’s True Earth Market our mission is to nourish our community.
-
Sandy’s DeliSandy’s DeliCambria
Quaint deli and bakery conveniently located in Cambria. Great for a tasty sandwiches and delicious treats!
Connect with Cambria
Official travel map and social media for San Simeon.
More to Explore on Highway 1
Check out these other amazing places on the Highway 1 Road Trip in San Luis Obispo County.
Explore the Highway 1 Road Trip
Click each image for more details