13 Best Things to do in Cambria, CA (& the Surrounding Area)

The picturesque seaside town of Cambria may be small and quiet, but there is still plenty to do in the area! I absolutely love visiting this idyllic Central Coast destination, especially when I’m craving a more laid-back, peaceful getaway.

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.  

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. Shop and Dine in 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 lunch and dinner spot serving a mix of comfort food dishes, including many vegan-friendly options (this is a personal favorite!)
• Hidden Kitchen – a breakfast and lunch restaurant famous for its blue corn waffles
• Brydge – a lunch and dinner spot with an emphasis on dishes made with seasonal produce
• Linn’s Restaurant – a popular Cambria restaurant serving hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes
• Soto’s True Earth Market – a health market that has a kitchen whipping up breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and more

There are also some really fun shops and antique stores in this part of town, including Spellbound (a gift shop and garden store), Rich Man Poor Man Antiques, Bounding Main (a women’s clothing store), and Garden Shed (a fun and funky garden 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. 

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. 

Additional Nearby Destinations Worth Visiting

Cambria is surrounded by some of the Central Coast’s best destinations. If you’re planning an extended trip to this part of California, there are plenty of incredible places worth adding to your itinerary!

I touched on nearby San Simeon above, but some other places to visit include: 

• Cayucos – an incredibly cute, laid-back seaside town. If you stop by, be sure to get a treat from Brown Butter Cookie Company! It’s about a 20-minute drive south of Cambria.
• Morro Bay – another beautiful coastal town! Morro Bay is home to the famous Morro Rock. It’s also worth stopping by the pier on the Embarcadero to see the sea otters. Morro Bay is about a 25-minute drive south of Cambria. 
• Paso Robles – as mentioned, Paso Robles is the premier wine region on the Central Coast. Visit local wineries, and spend some time shopping and dining in the charming downtown area. 
• Montana de Oro State Park – a gorgeous spot if you want to spend more time outdoors. I recommend the Montaña de Oro Bluff Trail, an easy 4-mile trail that goes along the coast. This state park is about a 40-minute drive south of Cambria. 
• San Luis Obispo – an idyllic, walkable college town with a great food scene. It’s home to the famous Bubblegum Alley, and the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. There are also lots of great hikes in the area! SLO is about a 40-minute drive south of Cambria. 
• Big Sur – perhaps the most iconic destination on the Central Coast (and one of my favorite places in California!). Drive along Highway 1 to take in the dramatic coastal views, and explore some of the many trails in the region. Big Sur starts around Ragged Point (about a 30-minute drive north of Cambria), and extends all the way up to the southern border of Carmel-by-the-Sea.