Cambria Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Eat & When to Visit

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Cambria has been one of my go-to coastal escapes for years. Tucked between pine forests and the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1, this small town has a quiet magic—especially when fog rolls over Moonstone Beach or the holiday lights glow in December.

This Cambria travel guide brings together everything you need to plan a visit: what to do, where to eat, seasonal events, nearby day trips, and places to stay. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a Highway 1 road trip stop, or using Cambria as a base to explore Morro Bay, San Simeon, or the Big Sur coast, you’ll find all my local favorites linked below.

Why Visit Cambria?

Cambria is where coastal cliffs meet pine-covered hills—one of those rare California towns where you can walk a misty beach in the morning, hike a forest trail by noon, and sip local wine by the fire at night.

Just north of Hearst Castle and the elephant seal rookery in San Simeon, and only 30 minutes from Morro Bay, Cambria is ideally located along Highway 1. It works equally well as a quiet retreat or a base for exploring California’s Central Coast.

The town itself is split into the East and West Villages, filled with art galleries, antique shops, tasting rooms, and quiet cafes. But it’s the coast that really steals the show. Moonstone Beach, with its driftwood, polished stones, and long boardwalk, is one of my favorite places in California. I come back again and again—especially in winter, when the sunsets are wild and the beach is nearly empty.

Highlights & Experiences in Cambria

Stroll the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk

A nearly-mile coastal path ideal for tidepool exploration, otter sightings, and unforgettable sunsets.

Wander the Bluff & Forest Trails at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Enjoy sea views, shaded forests, and oversized benches along its scenic bluff, marine-terrace, and forest loops. For overnight stays, nearby campgrounds are covered in my Cambria camping guide.

Browse Antique Shops

Discover local art, vintage treasures, and cozy boutiques in Cambria’s charming twin villages—especially lively during the annual Scarecrow Festival.

Attend the Cambria Christmas Market

Each December, the town glows with festive lights, artisan stalls, and community cheer.

Farmers Market & Picnic at Shamel Park

Pick up seasonal produce every Friday, then enjoy a relaxed picnic beneath the trees.

Sip Locally Made Wines

Sample coastal varietals at places like Cutruzzola, Black Hand Cellars, and Moonstone Cellars, then linger for dinner at one of Cambria’s cozy local restaurants.

Take a Farm Tour at Stepladder Ranch & Creamery

Visit with goats, learn cheesemaking, and shop fresh farm goods on a guided tour.

Tour Hearst Castle & Elephant Seal Rookery

Explore opulent architecture and spot seals at Piedras Blancas, just a short drive north.

Discover Morro Bay & Kayak the Estuary

Only 30 minutes south—perfect for paddling, seafood, and wildlife viewing.

Drive the Highway 1 Stretch to Ragged Point and Big Sur

Cruise dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas along one of the West Coast’s most scenic routes. This stretch is part of the broader Central Coast route I cover here.