Cambria Day Trip California Central Coast

The little town of Cambria is nestled among beautiful pine trees and the Pacific Ocean. The area where Cambria is today started as the property of Mission San Miguel. After the Spanish lost their claim to California, the land was sold, and the village of Cambria was granted.

Cambria draws thousands of visitors each year who enjoy this quaint village’s charms. With its cool temperatures and the rock formations along the coast created by crashing waves, the Pacific Ocean is unique. Cambria is an excellent destination for a day trip or a romantic getaway, so what are you waiting for?

Things to do and see in Cambra California

Downtown Cambria

Cambria’s downtown area is divided into two sections. The historic downtown and West Village. Both rooms feature art galleries, tourist shops, antiques, and restaurants. Cambria’s art galleries are where you can view or purchase original works of art from local artists. Dining options include Main Street Grill, Old Stone Station, Linn’s Restaurant, The Sow’s Ear, and the French Corner Cakery. Another interesting stop is the Cambria Historical Museum.

Nitt Witt Ridge

Take a drive up Hillcrest Drive and tour the home known as Nitt Witt Ridge. Arthur Harold Beal, a recluse and self-proclaimed artist, was also the town trash collector. It took him 50 years to build his castle on a hill. With a shovel and a hammer, he chiseled away at the hillside and made his little mansion entirely out of other people’s trash.

Moonstone Beach

Moonstone Beach Park runs along the coast 1.5 miles from Santa Rosa Creek to Leffingwell Landing State Park. A pet-friendly boardwalk runs along the bluffs and offers fantastic vistas of the central California coast. Moonstone Beach gets its name from the semi-precious stones that wash up the beach, especially after a storm. Many of Cambria’s hotels can be found along Moonstone Beach Drive.

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Just up the road from Cambria is the site that thousands of people come to see every year. The mating, nesting, and molting of thousands of elephant seals occur from January through the summer. They are amazing creatures that will give you quite a show. Viewing areas are open year-round. More info here.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is home to a forest of pine and oak trees saved from the lumber industry. The sanctuary also protects over a mile along the shoreline.  Numerous trails run through the preserve, the most popular being the bluff and forest loop trails. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is open from dawn until dusk, and admission is free—more info.

Stolo Vineyards & Winery

Stolo Winery is a Cambria hidden gem three miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Stolo Vineyards is the only estate winery and vineyard in Cambria and is well worth a visit. Tastings are available daily. Winery hours are Sunday through Thursday: 11:30 am – 5 pm. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am – 6 pm. 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road. Website.

Cambria History

During the 1860s, investors eagerly purchased the prime central coastland. One man built a store, another a hotel, another a tavern, and so on. The interesting fact is that the first five men were all named George.

The first name given to the town was “Slabtown” because the buildings were all created from large leftover slabs of wood. The lumber industry thrived until people started wanting to conserve the forest. Dairy farming and grain crops were the primary industries for many years.

On the corner of Bridge and Main Street, Lull’s store was built by George Lull in 1865. Cambria proliferated and was soon the second-largest town in San Luis Obispo County. Today the primary industry is tourism.

Nearby Cambria Things To See

Close beaches include San Simeon State Park Beach and William Hearst State Park. Just north of San Simeon, you will find Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. This used to be a whaling station for California and is now open for tours and fantastic photo opportunities.

Hearst Castle

While you are visiting Cambria, who cannot stop at Hearst Castle? The fantastic and immense castle built by William Hearst is an attraction that draws worldwide attention.

Harmony California

Five miles south of Cambria, you will find the village of Harmony. There are only a few buildings in this tiny town, including the Harmony Valley Creamery, a glass-blowing shop, and a pottery shop. On the hill overlooking Harmony is a lovely winery, Harmony Cellars.

Getting to Cambria

Cambria is 21 miles north of Moro Bay or 100 miles south of Monterey, California. Cambria is a popular destination, and finding hotels booked on weekends is not unusual. We also recommend stopping at the quirky beach town of Cayucos as part of the itinerary for this trip.

Central Coast Day Trip Ideas

Romantic Date Ideas