Spring is Wildflower Season in Cambria
We admit there’s never a bad time of year to visit the Central Coast. However, there’s something positively magical about the springtime. Winter rains awaken the growth of vibrant wildflowers and prolific greenery. Longer, warmer days encourage more time spent outdoors. Whether you’re a cyclist looking for a picturesque, colorful ride, a botanical enthusiast seeking that awe-inspiring wildflower moment, or just someone who wants to take in the beauty of the season, now’s the time to book that trip and experience the magic of Cambria spring wildflowers!
When to visit for the Super Bloom:
Wildflowers along the Central Coast are the most visible in April and May. If you’re hoping for that Instagram-worthy photo moment, you won’t want to wait too long to visit. Although a Super Bloom doesn’t occur every year, the combination of warm days and wet weather brings the lush landscape to life, transforming rolling hills into a sea of color.
Where to look:
When staying in Cambria, you actually don’t have to venture too far to experience blooming flowers. Moonstone Beach (directly across from the Cambria Inns Collection of hotels) and the village of Cambria come alive with wildflowers throughout spring, adding to the charm of this picturesque coastal town.
For a larger selection of colorful flora and fauna, head to Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria to experience spring in full bloom. Open to the public daily from dawn until dusk, this property along Highway 1 offers plenty to see. Visit for the scenic vistas, native plants, and an abundance of wildflowers. Keep an eye out for mustard, wild radish, California poppies, and lupine, displaying pops of yellow, orange, white, and purple against the rolling hills of green. Plan to join a docent-led walk or bring a picnic and hike the several miles of trails on your own — just be sure to have your camera handy.
Wildflowers day trip:
For an even more immersive experience, visit Montana de Oro State Park, just about 30 miles south of Cambria. Renowned for its spectacular scenery, Montana de Oro features rugged cliffs, coastal plains, streams, canyons, hills, and secluded sandy beaches. Discover spring plant life such as colorful display of poppies, lupines, sticky monkey flowers, wild radish, and mustard. In fact, the park’s name, Montana de Oro, means “Mountains of Gold” and was named for the golden wildflowers that bloom here each year. In addition to admiring the beautiful wildflowers, plan to take advantage of the quiet solitude of the park’s trails or venture to Spooner’s Cove, which is a popular beach with locals. The park is open daily from 6am to 10pm, with overnight camping available.
Wildflower Show:
Every April, the Cambria Wildflower Show returns, offering the chance to view hundreds of bouquets of fresh wildflowers collected from the area, labeled with botanical names and families. Edible, medicinal, rare, and poisonous plants will be identified and displayed in antique and unique bottles and vases. Additionally, wildflower seeds will be available for purchase. Come ask the experts all your wildflower questions. Alternatively, plan to buy a guide book to help you identify the flowers you see in the wild. You’re sure to leave feeling a bit more educated and inspired to enjoy wildflowers in their natural habitats. An entry donation of a few dollars is requested, and students are free.
Cycle to see wildflowers:
Whether you’re a gifted athlete or an entry-level cyclist, the Central Coast offers miles of cycling routes for every level. Plus, there is plenty of breathtaking scenery to enjoy along the way. Cycle Central Coast provides information on picturesque rides in and around the area, as well as a calendar of upcoming events, like the Wildflower Century ride in late April, which features challenging 50, 75, and 100-mile routes on quiet rural roads through vineyards and ranches. There’s also the return of Eroica California, taking place in Cambria in early April. Scenic views and stunning wildflowers are sure to make it a ride to remember. The addition of special dinners, live music, and even a swap meet serve to round out the weekend.
Make it a trip to remember:
Take advantage of Super Bloom season this spring with a trip to the Central Coast, where you’ll have your choice of Cambria hotels when you stay with the Cambria Inns Collection. Located along Moonstone Beach, Cambria Inns includes Blue Dolphin Inn, Sand Pebbles Inn, Moonstone Cottages and Castle Inn, each offering a relaxing, welcoming stay in Cambria.
