Artists and creative types have escaped to Cambria on California’s Central Coast since the late 1800s, drawn by the exceptionally scenic setting amid pine forests, hills, and the remote Pacific beaches just a few miles south of San Simeon. Cambria is filled with galleries, restaurants, shops, restaurants, and lodgings, so it’s a great place to stop on a Highway 1 road trip or to spend a romantic getaway.
The town was officially named Cambria in 1870 after a Welsh settlement in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Main Street travels inland from Highway 1 through the downtown historic East Village and the “new” part of town, West Village. Moonstone Beach stretches along the coast west of Highway 1 — a walk along the scenic bluffs is well worth a stop. Stop by the Cambria Visitor Center to get your bearings and pick up information.
Moonstone Beach, California, USA
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Bluff Trail, Cambria, CA, USA
Linn's Restaurant, Main Street, Cambria, CA, USA
Creekside Gardens, Main Street, Cambria, CA, USA
Robin's Restaurant, Burton Drive, Cambria, CA, USA
Brydge Restaurant, Bridge Street, Cambria, CA, USA
Covell’s Clydesdales, Bridge Street, Cambria, CA, USA
East Village, Cambria, CA, USA
Madeline's on Moonstone - Wine Tasting Room, Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA, USA
Sea Chest Oyster Bar, Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA, USA
Madeline's Restaurant & Wine Cellar, Main Street, Cambria, CA, USA
Cambria Pines Lodge, Burton Drive, Cambria, CA, USA
White Water, Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA, USA
Stolo Vineyards & Winery, Santa Rosa Creek Road, Cambria, CA, USA
Before Breakfast in the San Luis Obispo area
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Start your day with a serene sunrise walk along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, enjoying the gentle ocean waves and spotting sea otters and seals.
Best Places for Breakfast in the San Luis Obispo area
Best Things To Do in the Morning in the San Luis Obispo area
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Hike in the 437-acres Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, one of the last unspoiled public open spaces on the California coast. Choose among 17 easy to moderate trails through habitat for 150 native plant species and 430 bird species. The Bluff Trail is a relatively easy and incredibly scenic 1.5-mile route. Bring your binoculars — you might spot whales and otters offshore.
Best Places for Lunch in the San Luis Obispo area
Brydge Restaurant
Choose to sit in a cozy dining room in an historic Victorian-era home, or on the back garden patio at Brydge, known for its micro-seasonal dishes made with fresh, mostly organic ingredients. At least half the menu items are vegetarian, and nearly all can be made gluten-free and dairy-free.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in the San Luis Obispo area
Spend the afternoon exploring downtown Cambria, both the East and West Villages. Or join a trail ride or other tour at Covell Ranch. (See highlights below.) You could also taste local wines at Madeline’s on Moonstone and Stolo Vineyards or other tasting rooms in town and the vicinity.
Covell Ranch
Experience coastal ranch life at 2,000-acre Covell Ranch, home of 50 to 60 gentle, giant Clydesdale horses. Hop on a horse on a guided trail ride, or join a tour in a motorized vehicle. Both options lead through Monterey Pine forests, rolling hills, and pastureland to scenic ocean views.
Best Places for Dinner in the San Luis Obispo area
Sea Chest Oyster Bar
Fresh, local seafood and fine wines, served with a side of stunning ocean views make the Sea Chest one of the most popular restaurants on the coast. Sea Chest does not accept reservations, but you can show up at when it opens at 5:30, put your name on a waitlist, and sip a glass of wine while you wait. Locals line up early with folding chairs to try for a sunset view table. Plan ahead: this place is cash only, no credit cards accepted.
Madeline's Restaurant
Feast in a romantic, sophisticated setting at Madeline’s Restaurant, known for their fine wines (it’s in a wine shop) and culinary delights. The seasonal menu changes often.
Best Places to Stay in the San Luis Obispo area
Cambria Pines Lodge
Perched on a hill above historic East Village, Cambria Pines Lodge offers a wide range of room types, a full-service restaurant, lounge with nightly music, spa facility, pool, and 25 acres of lush gardens. Mid-range.
Bonus Pro Tips
The town’s name has always been pronounced CAM-bria. But in 1928 the Cambria Pines Development Company began to subdivide areas in the hills west of the main village. When they advertised the lot sales on the radio, they used an incorrect pronunciation of the town: CAME-bria. This has caused confusion among visitors ever since.
“Say CAM-bria as in Camelot, not CAME-bria as in came and went.” — Cambria historian Paul Squibb
