Cambria, CA

Travel Guide
Cambria showing a small town or village
With the sometimes turbulent Pacific Ocean to the west and mountains to the east, this coastal town has a beautiful setting and many exciting things to do.

Visit Cambria for a perfect mix of relaxing location and stimulating activities. Take a scenic drive along the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline or hike numerous trails between headlands and beaches. Away from the coast, pursue activities ranging from antiquing to zebra watching.

Cambria’s biggest attraction is the long coastline, perfect for hiking, picnicking, observing sea creatures and enjoying sunsets. Stroll along the boardwalk at Moonstone Beach and watch surfers and sea otters. The nearby Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offers docent-led tours of varied habitats of shoreline, grasslands and pine forests. Along the highway near San Simeon is the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Vista Point, where over 20,000 elephant seals are visible during their annual migration.

Enjoy outstanding food and drink in this fertile part of California. Fresh produce is available for your own cooking from the Cambria Farmers Market. Area restaurants serve delicious seafood accompanied by local vegetables. Sample excellent vintages at wine cellars in town or tour wineries in the hills a few miles inland. Try an olallieberry pie made with blackberry-like fruit fairly unique to this area. Visit several antique stores along the main shopping streets of Cambria.

About 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Cambria in San Simeon is one of the region’s top points of interest, Hearst Castle. Drive past zebras grazing in fields along the winding road leading to this impressive mansion. Join a tour of the grandiose castle built by William Randolph Hearst. Although it was not quite finished when Hearst died, during the extended construction period Hearst hosted famous Hollywood celebrities in its more than 160 rooms and ornate indoor and outdoor pools. Look for the Neptune Pool where Lady Gaga filmed a video surrounded by its imposing marble pillars and statues.

Reach Cambria by driving north from the Los Angeles area or south from San Francisco along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Enjoy an unforgettable vacation in this fascinating spot.

Where to stay in Cambria

Cambria Pines Lodge
Cambria Pines Lodge
3 out of 5
2905 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA
The price is $137 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$137
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Cambria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Absolutely a joy to stay at Cambria Pines Lodge!"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2023

Cambria Pines Lodge
Pelican Inn & Suites
Pelican Inn & Suites
3 out of 5
6316 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
The price is $174 per night from Oct 9 to Oct 10
$174
per night
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cambria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Moonstone Beach and Santa Rosa Creek ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"The main coast road was shut so a very long way round the mountain, so we didn’t get to apartment till dark,which was a shame. But we sat with the patio open listerning to the waves breaking, very relaxing."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

Pelican Inn & Suites
Oceanpoint Ranch
Oceanpoint Ranch
3.5 out of 5
7200 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
The price is $138 per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$138
per night
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Cambria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Leffingwell Landing and San Simeon Nature Preserve ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Very quaint, sun only came out 3 days. No Air Conditioning. Staff very friendly. Room did not have a fireplace as what I saw on pictures for the reservation we got"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2023

Oceanpoint Ranch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Month Long (30+ days only) Vacation Rental with Stunning Ocean Views
Month Long (30+ days only) Vacation Rental with Stunning Ocean Views
Cambria
Stay at this vacation home in Cambria. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Cambria Center for the ...
Month Long (30+ days only) Vacation Rental with Stunning Ocean Views
Beachfront home directly across from beach & park! Perfect for Paso Wine event!
Beachfront home directly across from beach & park! Perfect for Paso Wine event!
Cambria
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Cambria. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Moonstone Beach Park and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
Fantastic location --
"This was our second stay and we had an amazing time. You can't beat the sunsets from the deck and dining table -- this place has location, location, location. Great stay, great time, great place."

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Beachfront home directly across from beach & park! Perfect for Paso Wine event!
The Treetop House  Pet Friendly
The Treetop House Pet Friendly
Cambria
Stay at this vacation home in Cambria. Enjoy WiFi, fenced yards, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Cambria Center for the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Beautiful location
"Most of the living space and bedrooms are on the second floor with windows and balconies or decks facing every direction. It feels like you are in the trees. The sunsets were magnificent. The kitchen was well stocked and had newer appliances. The beds were super comfortable. There was a playroom ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2023

The Treetop House Pet Friendly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cambria

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
660
" "5 - Excellent 72.68722466960352%
4 - Good
218
" "4 - Good 24.008810572687224%
3 - Okay
25
" "3 - Okay 2.753303964757709%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5506607929515418%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 7, 2020

Nice and quiet. The people were friendly. It was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle that we are use to

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Havent explored yet

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

Quaint seaside town with beautiful pine trees and an ocean breeze!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 21, 2020

We always spend a few weeks in Rental prosperities. Now we have a great Hotel as well. We will be back!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Ernie
May 20, 2020

I love this live beach town, it’s so amazing and comfortable. I love it!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 15, 2020

Most excellent place to vacation or work!

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