We absolutely adore the charming little town of Cambria. Settled around the 1860s by European American settlers, with Jeremiah "Jerry" Johnson often recognized as one of the first settlers, Cambria takes its name from the classical name for Wales. Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this quaint seaside oasis is the perfect place to unplug and decompress. The downtown is very walkable and super relaxing. It's lined with art galleries showcasing local artists, along with cozy cafés, coffee shops, and cute eateries that make it easy to spend an entire afternoon just lingering and cruising. Moonstone Beach Drive is dotted with small hotels, charming inns and restaurants. No high-rises. Totally small coastal town vibes One of our favorite pastimes is hunting for moonstones along Moonstone Beach. A true moonstone has a soft, milky glow that seems to float within the stone, and searching for them is sooooo addictive. It's easy to lose track of time and spend hours wandering the shoreline. Even if you don't find a moonstone, the colorful pebbles scattered along the beach are beautiful and make perfect little keepsakes. Pro Tip: bring a little sandwich bag or paper cup to hold the pebbles. Pro tip 2 : Visit early in the morning or during the golden hour--both times are absolutely magical. As a bonus, Hearst Castle is just 15 minutes away, Morro Bay is about a 30-minute drive, and the renowned wine region of Paso Robles is only around 45 minutes away, making Cambria an ideal home base for exploring California's stunning Central Coast. This was our second visit and we're already planning the third. Happy Travels! 16 read more

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Cambria is an adorably quaint little seaside village in SLO county. It's mostly known for its art galleries, beautiful coastal views, and proximity to Hearst Castle. There are lots of cute little historical buildings and restaurants, shops and museums. As well as tons of cute B&Bs and boutique hotels - especially along the coastal waterfront. The name Cambria is Latin for Wales - and it's home to a native forest of Monterey Pines - which is significant bc there are only three total in the US - and they're considered "critically imperiled" due to a type of fungus :( It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area - and Linn's Olallieberry pie is a MUST! The town gets super crowded in the busy seasons and on weekends. Parking is mostly street parking (and mostly free) but it can be hard to find a spot when it's busy. It's definitely a little touristy and gets way too busy for my liking. But the town is extremely walkable and there is an extensive boardwalk system along the coast. And Linn's pie is worth fighting the crowds for! read more

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Cambria is a unique coastal village on California's Central Coast. I doubt it would be as well-known if not for the nearby Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which draws many visitors to the area. Moonstone Beach & Boardwalk - The shoreline here is literally paved in semi‐precious "moonstones" that wash in with the tide. A 1.5-mile boardwalk lets you stroll above rocky tide pools teeming with starfish, anemones and snails - ideal for sunset walks and beachcombing. Monterey Pines & Unique Forest - The hills above town are carpeted in Monterey pines (with a dramatic die-off in recent drought years), giving Cambria a fairytale "pine-forest meets ocean" feel you won't find just anywhere. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - This 430-acre coastal preserve separates Cambria's East and West Villages. It protects breathtaking bluffs, wildflower meadows and a mile of undeveloped coastline - perfect for hiking, birdwatching, whale-watching and even sea-otter spotting. ([en.wikipedia.org][1]) Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery - Just north of San Simeon you can observe the world's most accessible wild elephant seal colony - up to 25,000 seals gather to breed, rest and molt. Boardwalk viewing platforms and volunteer docents make this a free, unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Historic & Artistic Small-Town Vibe - Cambria's quaint East and West Villages are dotted with Victorian homes, quirky folk-art sites like Nitt Witt Ridge, artisan galleries, and dozens of B&Bs. It feels like stepping into a storybook coastal hamlet. Proximity to Hearst Castle & Marine Reserves - It's only a short drive to William Randolph Hearst's hilltop masterpiece, plus adjacent state marine conservation areas protect kelp forests, tide pools and rare seabirds offshore. All together, Cambria's blend of geology (moonstones & pines), wild coastal preserves, charismatic wildlife, and storybook small-town charm makes it truly unique on California's Central Coast. - Big Aloha! Food: 4 Ambiance: 4 Service: 4 Value: 4 read more

Have had such a great time, every time. This was the one place my daughter and I traveled to dueling the pandemic when we needed to get away but still wanted to feel safe and have a good time. There is so much to do in this quaint, charming little town. My favorite hike is the long way through Fiscallini Ranch Preserve. From the village, to the sea, what a beautiful trail. Love Robin's, Lynn's (Ollaliberry jam is a must!), The Rigdon House, Moonstone Beach, and the stream. Love all the cute little shops with specialty items, the art galleries, and the gorgeous fog that rolls in and blankets this sleepy town. Can't rave enough about it, just one word on repeat ....LOVE. read more

Cambria - Local Flavor Near Me

First timers today. Cute lil town. Stopped couple of shops and the owners were soo rude we left. Stopped shell gas station it had a shop we bought 135 dollars in there and the people were super nice. Lunch at Moonstone grill was good but pricey as everything is bought separately. Like a sandwich doesn't come with fries it's a side you have to order. Cute town but my experience was been there don't need to go back. As always water is beautiful. read more

Throwback Thursday Review! I got some photo likes from our visits to Cambria uploaded 1-2 years ago. Turns out I never wrote a review for the town of Cambria. Well, here goes.... Cambria is a beach town that's super convenient as an overnight rest stop from driving from the Bay Area to LA along Hwy1. We did this trip twice in the past two years before the pandemic. We took out-of-town relatives to Hearst Castle, an overnight stay in Cambria, then onwards to LA. Things we enjoy for an overnight stay, after a day trip at Hearst Castle in nearby San Simeon. * Stay at either Sand Pebbles Inn or Little Sur Inn. * Walks along Moonstone Beach, with gorgeous trees, waves, and those sunsets! * Seafood dinner at the Sea Chest - a cash-only place with really food oysters and mahi mahi. I can see ourselves coming back once this pandemic ends. Road trips from Bay Area to LA seem so much funner than flying, especially along scenic HWY 1. read more

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Thing to DO and things TO AVOID in Cambria. DO - Drive along Santa Rosa Creek Road ( I recommend starting from the 46 Hwy) DO - Make it a point to have lunch at the "Cafe on Bridge street". Large portions. My favorite item is the Hot Pastrami. DO - Visit the area's tide pools. Jung Ranch trail and Lampton Cliffs County Park are great at low tide. DO - Hike Fiscalini ranch preserve. You're guaranteed to see deer on the road there. DO NOT - Eat at the Sea Chest (the hotels will push you there but it's pretty expensive, bland, a long line and cash only. DO NOT - Eat at the wild orchid. (Extremely overpriced for what you get) DO NOT - Eat at El Charlito Mexican Food in San Simeon. Their hamburger is the best seller, and for good reason. Fake margaritas. read more

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The coastal village of town of Cambria on Highway 1 is soo unique. Kinda halfway between San Fran and LA. It's the village where hills of Monterey pines meet the Pacific Ocean. To me, the vibe is relaxed. The Main Street is filled with public art displays. The art is more on the quirky charming side. Gotta love art that makes you laugh and smile. The town is home to the CA state historical marker and awesome pure Gawker of a roadside attraction Nitt Witt Ridge house. + Moonstone Beach and boardwalk. Tide pools. + Art galleries on Main Street. Hearst Castle is 6 miles away. The town has plenty of lodging options. Another thing I noticed is that the town is devoid of franchises and big box stores. Tidbit: the 1990 movie Arachnophobia was filmed here. Plus the actual high school, Coast Union, was used. The staff and students were extras. Pretty neat. #VisitCambriaCA read more

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This is a very pleasant seaside town with a lot of history. The shops and restaurants are and nice and friendly. Definitely drop by on your drive up the coast. Parking on the weekend can be a pain, so plan ahead. read more

Cambria - Local Flavor Near Me

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I like this low-keyed small town by the sea . It's not crowded and noisy like some other sea side towns. Never too crowded, you only see a handful of surfers , tourists and locals. Maybe it's a bit sleepy retirement town but there are great eateries like Main Street Grill , Cafe on the Bridge Street , Linn's etc.. Linn's bakery has amazing homemade pies with vanilla ice cream, Main Street Grill has great Tri Tip sandwich, onion rings etc.. Cafe on the Bridge St has mouth watery awesome sandwiches. There are plenty of coffee shops and bakeries on the Main Street. Then you can shop at cute little souvenir shops that sells all kinds of handmade gifts and antique stores. My favorite is Cinnabar , they sell homemade Latin flavor home decor and jewelry. And the next door ( can't remember the name ) sells homemade soaps , incense, lotion , garden goods , plants, the fairy garden is cute. I like taking a walk at the Moonstone Beach and the Fiscalini Preserve too. During Fall, they have unique scarecrows all over downtown. The best hotel in moonstone beach in my opinion is the Moonstone Landing. Especially the ocean front room with a hot tub jacuzzi in the room with fire place and large balcony looking out the ocean. It's walking distance to Moonstone Grill and Bar , a great place to grab lunch or dinner. Parking is easy everywhere even downtown, the streets are clean , people are friendly. Overall, I really like this town. read more

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We try to make it here often enough. At least twice a year. From our home in Southern California, we can anticipate about a 6-7 hour drive that treats us to a drive through the still agricultural areas around Camarillo, the exciting city of Santa Barbara, quaint Danish Solvang, the historic San Luis Obispo area, past many old missions, and an always lovely Central California coastline. Once you arrive at Cambria you will find yourself feeling quite different. Part of it is because of the free sensory therapy...the pungent smells of eucalyptus and herbal indigenous plants, ocean breezes, the sounds of crashing waves, the cool fog that embraces the golden hills as it creeps in from the ocean, and the spectacular sunsets. The touristy part of town has plenty of parking, and everything interesting is mostly within walking distance. There are nice restaurants, both simple cafes for great breakfasts and seafood lunches, and more classy dining for beautiful dinners. We love the quaint shops, local art, bakeries, the beautiful hills and ocean views nearby, the proximity to so much abundance that California has to offer like wineries, olive oil mills, Hearst Castle, even the annual return of the elephant seals in the winter months for birthing. We can't sit tight because we love to explore nearby Morro Bay - San Luis Obispo and the other small beach towns nearby, and even the exciting wine and olive country of Paso Robles. But Cambria is a little jewel, proud of its heritage and lush beauty. I love it. Down by Moonstone Beach is where you find most of the best sleeping accommodations, and camera-ready ocean views. So far, I have not stayed in the same place twice, because I find that Groupon has given me nice choices for a number of interesting lodges and motels. I just make sure we allow at least a 2-3 night stay so we can really enjoy the tempo. Lovely to explore! Fresh each time. Prepare to fall in love. read more

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One of the lovely quintessential Central Coast beach towns, Cambria has a multitude of charms. Artist community, dramatic hillside residences with Pacific or pine forest views, tourist shops and bistros, unique gardens, Hearst Castle convenience, and much more. It seems there's always more to see and discover with each visit. I enjoy browsing through the East Village on Burton Drive, with its artsy vibe, including the art glass gallery and Spellbound Herbs Gift Shop and Garden (for many years, Hearts Ease). Over the years, some businesses have closed, like the venerable Brambles Dinner House, but new ventures arise. There's an emphasis on local wines, with the Paso Robles wine region so close at hand. That influence extends to cuisine, with fresh interpretations of dishes including herbs and locally sourced ingredients. Scenic beauty abounds, along with a slower pace of life away from the cities and suburbs of the Bay Area or the Southland. We just discovered Cambria Nursery on our last visit. Another new treasure in this charming town full of them. read more

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Quixotic Cambria, with your curmudgeons, kooks, hippies & hicks, I will always love you, though sometimes in spite of yourself. With your growth limited by water access, you've managed to stay humble, despite former locals such as myself blabbing to way too many people about you. More authenticity remains still than slick, spendy Carmel, but I cringe at the proliferation of cutesy gift shops the tourist dollars have fueled. One question though, and this is from one who bemoaned your demographic homogeneity back in the 80's - What's with all the frikkin magicians?!? read more

Cambria - Moonstone Beach Drive - Local Flavor Near Me

This old California town oozes local flavor, and it's a taste we liked very much. We pulled off Rt 1 into the center of Cambria for gas only to discover a bustling little village comprised of interesting one-of-a-kind shops, quaint inns, and food and drink that will please foodies, including tasting rooms. Even non-shoppers will enjoy strolling through town and gazing at the architecture. We got a lucky bonus on our mid-week October visit, it was during Scarecrow Festival, which we highly recommend! We ended up staying for hours of fun, and I would have liked to stay for days! Be sure to explore all of Cambria (stay on Main Street until it runs unto Rt 1 again) because the fun is spread out like a rambling creek. read more

Small town. Population of about 6000. Lots of real estate offices runned by folks who've retired and decided there's a lot of property to sell in the area. Has a good amt of restaurants but not a lot to do here. Nice to visit at least once, but I'd be bored to death if I live here. Ample street parking in town. If you come during peak season, I've been told the place is hopping with tourists. But not when we came in early June. read more

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I visited Cambria twice years ago. It is a lovely town in central California by the coast. It is nestled right off the PCH right before you start getting into Big Sur. The people are friendly and the ocean views are breathtaking. I have not been here in almost 10 years but I am sure Cambria still holds that wonderful California charm to go along with its stunning beauty! read more

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Cambria is a nice sleepy town, and I came by for the annual Scarecrow Festival which has a creative assortment of nearly 500 hand made custom scarecrows. This year, 2014's theme seemed to be "water conservation" and they had a lot, as of the 2nd weekend of October after the judging competition I'd say around 200, and as the days approach Halloween, the numbers of new scarecrows added I hear increase nearing 500. I think this started less than a decade ago, around 2009, so is a fairly recent tradition and tourist draw. The surrounding neighborhood is fun, as the town is quaint and there's a coastal beach area too. Cambria is a place probably good for one overnight stay and you can do almost everything you want within that timeframe. There's local winery's in the surrounding area too. It's a hard place to get to 'tho as I don't think there's a local large airport and the drive can either be considered beautiful and scenic, or very long (depending from where, be it Los Angeles or San Francisco) to get to / from. read more

Cambria, CA is Great to come anytime of the year, but Summertime is my favorite. When it is excruciatingly hot in my hometown, coming to Cambria is a breath of fresh air! Always cool and inviting! Such a charming little coastal town!! Main St. is filled with quaint shops and terrific restaurants. Moonstone beach is a must visit whenever we are in town. So relaxing and not crowded. Many folks may think of Cambria as a quiet boring little town. For myself, it is just the way I like it to be!! Cambria will always be a home away from home! read more

It's a wonderful seaside town right off the Pacific Coast highway just south of San Simone and just west of San Luis Obispo it's worth a visit it has some wild beaches that have Moonstone rocks and wonderful waves and just a beautiful walking area along the beach that has been planked over to help protect the vegetation. The community itself has lots of interesting gift shops and places to eat. They're both affordable and I n bistro type places. We went during the scarecrow Festival which is kind of fun. read more

This is a wonderful little town. It has not been a destination for me - but it should be. It is a MUST stop location when passing through, though. So quaint and charming, and so very, very picturesque. If you are traveling between SF & LA - be SURE to make this at minimum a place to stop and take a break. Take your camera. read more

Cambria - Local Flavor Near Me

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I've been to Cambria a few times. Last month we went again. Prices were gouging compared to my online quest, one camp site looked open. So we were stuck & tried a rest stop, that had no parking signs up. How do you NOT park at a rest stop? Of course officer Brett King, badge #1147 shows up, He called me a liar about what I saw online, said I had an attitude when I answered him. He was so unprofessional, saying he is giving us the ticket because I had an attitude. He couldn't stop talking or be calm. I admit after 10 minutes we just mocked him. He was obviously a conservative because he kept using trump expressions. "Circular thinking" which is what he did. He assumed I lied. He was not trained at all. He lied to me about what he said. I was so disappointed because I know a tiny bit of how people of color feel. This policeman shows us how weak cops actually are. I am sad for Cambria, such a lovely place feels the need for the gestapo. read more

Cambria Pines Lodge offers a great deal through Travel Zoo. Quaint little town with wine tastings, beer tastings, and nice restaurants. Also nice shops. Travel over to Moonstone Beach. Gorgeous views! Sit in your car and listen to the waves, watch some surfers, and maybe see an occasional whale swim by. read more

A beautiful scenic drive up north from LA leads you to this sleepy town just east of eden. Waves crashing against a rocky coastal line makes you realize the power of nature while the wind brushing against the iris flowers releasing a fragrant perfume reminds you that mother nature is not only to be feared but also cherished. A quaint little town filled with gift shops and inns welcomes the weary tourist with friendly smiles and offers of food and wine. Cambria is not for the audacious but for the humble. The pearl of California. read more

Being a local - living in San Luis Obispo County - Trips to Cambria happen often for me. There are three parts to Cambria, First old town on the South end with little store after store of food, antiques, pastries and alcohol, Something for everyone. The north a bit is what I will call the middle where you can look at the Fresnel Lenses from the Light house, see what events might be at the Vets Hall (they have many), get to a farmers market, or find a good cup of java, or vino, or .. Then on the other side of one you will find Moonstone Drive. Filled with Motels, patio dining overlooking the ocean and a nice board walk for a stroll along the ocean. So special tips - maybe I shouldn't tell - When you cross Highway One at the Shell station turn north for Moonstone, or continue straight to the small park and pool ahead. Park in the lot and walk on the beach. look at the rocks (pebbles) and notice the green - it is jade - help your self to a few samples. now on the other leg of the turn go north along the motel, restaurant, gallery establishments and cross the big bridge. turn into the park and enjoy the crashing waves, picnic area and south facing area for warmth of the sun and a lovely nap. Enjoy, See you there. read more

A wonderful place to live or visit .I love all the friendly people in town there is a cute hair salon called cut and run the owner is awesome very sweet.They also have lots of places to eat lynn Is one of my favorite. Very close to the beach lots of parks very clean .Most of all a great place to do wine tasting. read more

After a weekend getaway, you now make me think of 3 words: Rest and Relaxation! I enjoy your food and I love the fact that I could lay out on the front lawn of Cambria Shores Inn and know I'm not missing out on a whole lot if I totally fall asleep in the sun while listening to the ocean waves crash against the rocks. It's the perfect place to get away from a busy city (San Francisco) and enjoy the ocean and the locals who make this their home 365 days a year. I enjoy your Moonstone Beach, your various good food, though I have yet to check out the little shops. Part of me doesn't think I'm missing much, but there's always a next time. The folks are friendly and always said hi. I love that in small communities. It makes me feel at home even when on a little vacation. Thanks Cambria for your friendliness, beauty and quietness for I'll be back year after year when I need a little escape by the sea. read more

My favorite place in the whole world! Doesnt matter what time of year it is. We have had wonderful experiences renting a home for July 4th, getting a suite on the beach for Christmas, or just spending random weekends on Main St. Great people, tasty food & wine, clean beaches and parks, and quiet evenings... read more

Just Beautiful...California Beauty..... Coast Side, the town is nice,but the side where it faces the ocean is just Grand. It really does not get better then this. If i would have known or i should say if i would have ventured out more up north towards Northern Cali i would have done this visit every year,i always took the 5 to Northern Cali,never again,well depends where i am going right.... The town is really small and cozy in a way, small town feeling. Hope to return soon... read more

Now this is my ideal of a little seaside town! The main street is not overly-commercialized. Lots of little artsy stores to browse through. My favorite was the scarf boutique. Plenty of mom n' pop eateries and coffee shops. It's charming! A beautiful shoreline, Moonstone Road, lined with motels & cottages right across the road. A romantic spot for sure! All these years, we've just driven by. So glad that we finally took the time to visit! read more

Nice place to hang out. Try to come up here once a year to relax. You will not regret spending a weekend here. read more

We love coming to Cambria to relax, unwind, detox... disconnect from our daily routine, the outside world and things that stress us for a while. So if you like the party like beach atmosphere, Cambria is not for you! It is really a place to disconnect... cellphone and internet service are intermittent unless you are close to Hwy 1 and the this place definitely have the small town feel. We love strolling through Main Street and checking out the little shops. The kids love Shamel Park, the pool there and moonstone beach. We try to go at least twice a year and stay for a few days to about a week at a time. Sometimes it feels like forever to wait for our next trip. But I love that it's not too far away we can get up in the morning and just hop in the car and go! Go for a spontaneous and quick weekend getaway at the beach! read more

The best way I judge if someone will like Cambria is whether you like Pismo or not. If you are a Pismo person, you won't like it. If you hate Pismo then I bet you will fall in love with Cambria. I hate Pismo so of course I am in love with Cambria. It is an adorable little town with all family owned businesses....no chains. Amazing food, great art and antique shopping, wonderful weather, local farmers market on Fridays, clean beach, and low key and relaxing environment. It is always cooler here which is something I love about it. But please, if you decide to try this place out..be kind to it. The reason why it is so great is because all the people that visit are nice to it. They keep it clean and keep it a great vacation spot. read more

Charming little town. I bet the locals turn into vampires at dusk. Now off to moonstone beach.

A beautiful place to VISIT. California native, lived in Santa Barbara many years. As another reviewer noted, very boring year 'round. Honeymoon haven, a sweet little "old town". Caution on retiring here, as I expected to do; extremely conservative, not too friendly, and monotonous, even with an ocean view only 5 blocks away! If you like crowded conditions, chain saws, (removing dead pines sadly), construction noise, fast drivers, pollen-heaven, it's the place. Also, bring lots of money with you. Closest urgent care mind you, Cambria consists mainly of elderly folk who need these services) is 23 mi in Morro Bay. Only one small market, no doctor services, get my point? In addition, the water situation is dire, lots of political battles as such. Gasoline is astronomical. Head on up to Big Sur or Monterey for some rugged coastline beauty and lots of cultural events. read more

Awesome town.. my family loved we walk through the town had lunch and it was a great time

If you are in an RV or car and have trouble, call Glen at NAPA Auto Parts. His inventory is outstanding, and equal to that is his knowledge and mechanical skills. We had a broken water pump in the rv and a broken generator. Preston! All repaired, thanks to him. He's the greatest! read more

The scenery around this town is really amazing. California wilderness. This town, however, I feel has seen better days. I know its a tourist town. I know they try. But outside of a couple of decent restaurants my wife and I found absolutely on reason to spend any time here. We did spend time at the beach, up the coast, and in the wine country. On our next visit we'd probably skip Cambria and stick to the wine in Paso. read more