Things to Do in Cambria

Stay at any of our oceanfront hotels on Moonstone Beach Drive and take advantage of  nearby activities. From  wine tasting tours to ocean kayaking adventures, you’ll find a wide variety of ways to make your stay with us even more enjoyable. If you are interested in the history of Cambria, be sure to visit the Cambria Historical Museum in the Historic East Village.

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, formerly the East-West Ranch, is 436-acres once slated for development with houses and a golf course. This pines to the sea property was purchased by citizens of Cambria to be dedicated as of forever open space to be enjoyed by all. It includes many outstanding trails for hikers and cyclists of all skill levels. You will also discover several handmade benches created from the driftwood so prevalent along our coastline along the way, so take a moment to sit and really enjoy the views. The bluff trail is an easy stroll offering fantastic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye on the kelp beds for spotting sea otters, as they wrap themselves up in the kelp for sleeping. As you take in the impressive expanse of untouched natural beauty, don’t forget to look for migrating whales, frolicking dolphins and a variety of sea birds. As you explore the forested trails you may come across a fox, squirrel, or deer in their natural habitat.

Hiking & Biking in Cambria

Cambria has a wide range of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along area beaches, or challenge yourself with an intense all-day hike. You’ll have plenty of choices when you visit Cambria. Leffingwell Landing Park has a bluff trail towards San Simeon Creek where you can enjoy views of sea birds, sea otters, and migrating California gray whales. San Simeon Beach State Park has spectacular scenery that includes rocky shoreline and pine forests, as well as a variety of hiking trails, wetlands, campgrounds, monarch butterflies, and views of migratory birds like mallards, egrets and herons. The beach is in a cove so it is sheltered from the winds and is a favorite local beach. Hikers looking for a more challenging trail will enjoy the Berry Trail, very popular with mountain bikers, but experienced hikers will enjoy this trail as well. Access this steep, unimproved trail at the end of Pine Court. Santa Rosa Creek has a wide trail running along and above the west side of Santa Rosa Creek, that includes two moderately difficult and steep sections and is popular for both hiking and biking.

Cambria Shopping

Cambria shopping has the same artistic flair as the town itself. There are no malls, no chain stores, and no shortage of interesting stores to captivate your imagination. You will want to spend some time in the historic East Village. There are unique and exquisite gifts for friends…or yourself! Cambria weather is optimal for gardening and you will find the Garden Shed to be a delightful co-op of small businesses in one location! Grow Nursery has a great succulent collection for these drought times and Ocean Heir has both vintage and new merchandise that is sure to inspire. Don’t forget to take a walk down Center Street and discover shops full offering an amazing inventory of locally made original designs. Don’t worry, we have something for the sports lover at the Soldier Gallery & Hobby Shop has been a long time favorite of visitors. You will feel the history looking at the museum of watches at Once Upon a Tyme or strolling through the antique stores dotted along Main Street.

Cambria Art Galleries

Cambria is known as an artist colony and the galleries offer an eclectic selection of everything from art glass to watercolor painting, nature photography to abstracts. You’ll find the best work from well-known local artists and craftsmen in Cambria’s quaint village. Along Moonstone Beach Drive, be sure to check out local artist, Art Van Rhyn and in the village, there are several artist-owned galleries to explore. Check out the beautiful pottery in the artist’s studios like Ephraim Pottery or Patricia Griffin Studio and Gallery. Sunfire Gallery has beautiful art glass and shares a building with the Vault Gallery on Main Street with fine art & paintings. On Burton Street, right above the Art Glass shop, you will meet an artisan couple who are creating original jewelry masterpieces at Alexander-Denny Custom Jewelry.

Central Coast Bird Watching

In Cambria, you will certainly see sea gulls, pelicans, and various shorebirds like egrets. We often spot red-tailed or Cooper’s hawks along the coast and in town, the swallows love taking up residence in the rafters of local shops! From Morro Bay to Montana de Oro, the Central Coast offers a wide variety of bird watching opportunities for bird watchers of all ages. With a diverse range of habitats, from oak woodland to wetland and estuaries, offering more than 200 species, beginning and experienced bird watchers will have fun trying to find their personal favorite. Serious bird lovers will want to stay with us while they attend the Morro Coast Audubon Society’s annual Winter Bird Festival with bird watching tours, workshops, and speakers.

Nitt Witt Ridge

Nitt Witt Ridge is a tribute to recycling. This hand-built house was created entirely from found objects, built over the course of fifty years, an exceptional example of folk art. The builder was the eccentric Cambria garbage collector and junk hauler Arthur Harold Beal, nicknamed der Tinkerpaw. Nitt Witt Ridge is a California State Historical Landmark that consists of a three-level house on two and a half acres complete with terraced rock-walled gardens. It was created using rocks, abalone shells, beer cans, tile, car parts, TVs, and miscellaneous knick-knacks. Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes and include a four-minute video.

How to Get There:
Address: 881 Hillcrest Dr., Cambria, CA • (805) 927-2690
Head north on Main Street toward Moonstone Beach, and turn right on Cornwall Street. Then take the second right onto Hillcrest Drive.