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.
