13 Best Things to do in Cambria, CA: A Complete Guide
The picturesque seaside town of Cambria may be small and quiet, but there is still plenty to do in the area! From enjoying the natural coastal region to seeing historic sites, consider this your go-to guide to the best things to do in Cambria, CA.
The Top Things to do in Cambria
Here are the best activities and attractions to enjoy as you are exploring this Central Coast town.
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1. Walk the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Every Cambria vacation itinerary should include a stroll down the scenic Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. This boardwalk (which is just about a mile long) begins near the start of Moonstone Beach Drive, and ends just south of Leffingwell Landing Park.
The cypress tree-lined boardwalk offers incredible views of the dramatic coastline. You may even spot marine life, including otters, whales, and dolphins. As you walk, you’ll pass by staircases that lead down to the beaches, as well as viewing decks where you can watch surfers and enjoy the vista.
2. Hike Through Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is one of the best places to go hiking in Cambria. There are miles of interconnected walking trails throughout the preserve, which go along the coastal bluffs and through stunning forests of pine and oak trees. The trails are lined by hand-crafted wooden benches – perfect for resting for a moment and taking in the views!
If you want to do a short and sweet hike, I recommend hiking the Bluff Trail. You can do the full trail (which is just under 2 miles out-and-back), or just hike a portion of it. For a longer hike, I recommend doing this 2.4-mile loop, which goes along the coast and up into the forested areas of the preserve.
3. Explore the Tide Pools of Cambria
If you want to get up close to star fish, crabs, urchins, and more, consider going on a tide pool adventure. Some of the best tide pools in Cambria are located right off of Leffingwell Landing and on the north end of Moonstone Beach.
Be sure to check the tides before you go – you’ll want to visit during low tide! Of course, remember to respect the environment and leave all sea creatures and shells in their place.
4. Stroll Through Downtown Cambria
Cambria’s downtown area is separated into two parts (which are just about a mile away from each other): West Village and East Village. Both spots offer great shopping and dining.
In West Village, some fun shops to stop by include Verde of Cambria (a tea store) and The Love Story Project (a gifts and art store). If you need a caffeine boost, I recommend Cambria Coffee Company.
East Village is home to some of Cambria’s best restaurants, including Robin’s Restaurant (a personal favorite!), Hidden Kitchen, Brydge, and Linn’s Restaurant. I also recommend stopping by Spellbound (a gift shop and garden store) and Bounding Main (a women’s clothing store).
As you stroll through this area, you’ll also notice plenty of historic homes and buildings that date back to the mid/late 1800s. This includes the 1865 Lull House (Cambria’s very first building!), which is now home to an inn, as well as Mozzi’s Saloon (which was originally established in 1866, although the current structure dates back to 1922).
5. Indulge in an Olallieberry Pie at Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe
Another East Village Cambria spot worth highlighting is the Easy as Pie Cafe, which is operated by Linn’s Restaurant.
This spot is famous for its olallieberry pie. Olalieberry (which is a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry) is the primary fruit grown on the family farm. If you’re not in the mood for a slice of pie, you can also pick up a jar of olallieberry jam!
6. Tour Hearst Castle
Touring Hearst Castle – which is located in San Simeon, just about a 10-minute drive north of downtown – is easily one of the most famous things to do near Cambria. There are multiple types of tours you can take of this extravagant hillside mansion, which was built between 1919 and 1947.
Even if you have limited time in Cambria, I highly recommend doing at least one tour of this historic property. You must book a tour to visit the castle, and it’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance (they do sell out, especially during peak season!).
7. Check Out the Elephant Seals
While you’re up towards Hearst Castle, consider doing a quick stop by the Piedras Blancas Friends of the Elephant Seal vista point (located just about a 10-minute drive up the Pacific Coast Highway from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center).
There is a boardwalk that overlooks the beach, allowing you to safely get a closer look at these ocean mammals. The prime viewing season is winter through spring, although seals come to the beach year-round.
8. Tour the Piedras Blancas Light Station
The Piedras Blancas Light Station is located another mile and a half north of the elephant seal viewing point. The lighthouse dates back to 1875, and today is located within a historic park, research station, and wildlife sanctuary. You can visit the light station by booking a 2-hour tour, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
9. Explore the Local Wine Scene
Given the proximity to Paso Robles (the wine center of California’s Central Coast), it comes as no surprise that there are some great tasting rooms in town. Some excellent options to check out include Cutruzzola Vineyards, Black Hand Cellars, and Moonstone Cellars.
I also really love Hearst Ranch Winery, which is located right on the opposite side of the road from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. It’s such a fun experience, as you get to enjoy your tasting while taking in the beautiful views of the coast! I also recommend picking up lunch from Seaside Foods to eat alongside your wine.
If you’re doing an extended Central Coast trip and are interested in exploring more of the local wine scene, take a look through my Paso Robles weekend getaway guide.
10. Visit Stepladder Ranch & Creamery
One of the more unique things to do around Cambria is tour Stepladder Ranch & Creamery. During a tour of this 150-year-old ranch (which is situated along San Simeon Creek in the Central Coast mountains), you’ll play with goats and learn about the process of cheesemaking. Note that tours are by reservation only.
11. Dine by the Ocean at Sea Chest Oyster Bar
The Sea Chest Oyster Bar is one of Cambria’s most well-loved restaurants. Located right across the road from Moonstone Beach, this restaurant (which first opened in 1975) is the place for oysters and other fresh seafood. Note that they don’t take reservations, and that they are cash only.
12. Shop at the Farmers Market
If you happen to be visiting on a Friday, consider swinging by the Cambria Farmers Market in West Village. As you shop, you’ll find seasonal produce and prepared food items from local vendors.
13. Go on a Nearby Hike
Beyond the trails at Fiscalini Ranch, there are a ton of great hiking trails in and around Cambria. Some great places to go hiking include San Simeon Natural Preserve, Harmony Headlands State Park, and Estero Bluffs State Park.
See more of what California’s Central Coast has to offer with these guides:
- The Complete Hearst Castle Guide: Everything You Need To Know
- The Complete Cambria Weekend Getaway Guide (Itinerary + Where To Stay)
- Cambria Beach Lodge Review: An Honest Take On This Hotel
- The Perfect Paso Robles Weekend Itinerary
- The Complete Big Sur Travel Guide: What You Need To Know For Your Visit
- The Best Things To Do In Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
- The Ultimate 3-Day Big Sur, Carmel, And Monterey Itinerary
- Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Where To Hike & What To Know Before Visiting
