Overview
Cambria (population 6000) is a popular tourist destination in San Luis Obispo County in the Central Coast region of California. The town is perched along a scenic stretch of coastline and offers several inns and hotels.
1 sights · 3 things to do · 3 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cambria
Nitt Witt Ridge
A house on a 2.5-acre lot that is built of rocks, abalone shells, wood, beer cans, tile, car parts and other assorted junk. It is a California Historic Landmark as an example of California folk art. A poor's man Hearst C…
Hearst San Simeon State Park
The 3,409-acre park was established in 1932. A 3.3-mile (5.3-km) trail runs through the park and includes overlooks of the rocky coastline and interpretive panels with information on wildlife and habitat. A portion of th…
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Walk along the 1.5-mile (2.4-km) boardwalk that follows the top of the cliffs. It's an easy walk and the views are breathtaking. There are several points that offer beach access and opportunities to explore tide pools. T…
Cambria Christmas Market
A German-inspired seasonal Christmas market, with decorative lights, live music, and plenty of food and gifts for sale. Open most days between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The main parking area is at the Coast Union H…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Nov. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 45°F. Wettest: Feb and Dec. (climate data from nearby San Simeon)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SBP San Luis County Regional Airport, San Luis Obispo — 34 mi away. Directions
- SMX Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field, Santa Maria — 58 mi away. Directions
- FAT Fresno Yosemite International Airport, Fresno — 113 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $119–$119 a night (typical $160), from 2 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $18 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$160, mid-range ~$230, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Nitt Witt Ridge, Cambria Christmas Market
- Lunch Robin's Restaurant
- Afternoon Hearst San Simeon State Park, Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
- Dinner Sea Chest
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get around
SLO Regional Transit Authority provides bus service along Main Street and Moonstone Beach Drive.
See
See Nitt Witt Ridge
A house on a 2.5-acre lot that is built of rocks, abalone shells, wood, beer cans, tile, car parts and other assorted junk. It is a California Historic Landmark as an example of California folk art. A poor's man Hearst Castle, it was built by garbage collector Arthur "Art" Harold Beal, who bought the property in 1928 and then spent decades using a pick and shovel to carve out terraces. Changed ownership in 2022, no longer available for tours. Front facade is still visible from road.
Do
Do Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Walk along the 1.5-mile (2.4-km) boardwalk that follows the top of the cliffs. It's an easy walk and the views are breathtaking. There are several points that offer beach access and opportunities to explore tide pools. The beach is named for the semi-precious gemstone that occasionally washes ashore.
Do Hearst San Simeon State Park
The 3,409-acre park was established in 1932. A 3.3-mile (5.3-km) trail runs through the park and includes overlooks of the rocky coastline and interpretive panels with information on wildlife and habitat. A portion of the trail along the seasonal wetland is wheelchair accessible.
Do Cambria Christmas Market
A German-inspired seasonal Christmas market, with decorative lights, live music, and plenty of food and gifts for sale. Open most days between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The main parking area is at the Coast Union High School (2950 Santa Rosa Creek Road) and has a free shuttle service.
Buy
Shop Red Moose Cookie Company
Cookie aficionados will love this place, dieters will hate it. As the owners state, the things that make a cookie great are "love and butter". All cookies are original recipes made from scratch, with nearly a dozen different varieties ranging from chocolate chip to Snickerdoodle to root beer float. If for some reason you have sought out a cookie store but want something other than cookies, they also have brownies, pumpkin mousse pie, and "Naughty Rods", which are pretzels dipped in caramel, chocolate, and other calories. The store is located in an industrial area and can be a bit tough to find - follow the signs!.
Eat
Eat Robin's Restaurant
Feels like dining in a snuggly bird's nest (hence the name). Food choices are upscale comfort items, with lunch choices like beer battered fish tacos and lamb curry burritos and dinner items like wild prawn enchiladas and jerk spiced duck breast. The food is diverse and delicious, though not inexpensive. For a cheaper, quicker bite, try the Robin's take-out counter.
Eat Las Cambritas
Good Mexican Food.
Eat Sea Chest
This restaurant has great food and is very popular. The line begins forming about 5PM and can by opening time at 5:30PM already have a full seating of people. It serves wonderful fish and looks out on the water.
Sleep
Stay Blue Dolphin Inn
This 20-room inn offers complimentary warm picnic breakfast delivered to your room as well as afternoon coffee & tea and fresh cookies delivered daily. Every room has a fireplace, 32" flat screen TV, and coffee maker. Slippers and bathrobes are provided for all guests. The property offers wi-fi, free parking, and a limited number of pet-friendly rooms ($25 additional fee).
Stay Cambria Pines Lodge
Just up the hill from the Cambria Christmas Market. Offers beautiful gardens, an off-leash dog park, and charging stations for your Tesla or other electrical vehicle. Well-behaved dogs and cats are welcome in designated pet-friendly rooms, but you need to phone the hotel to make the reservations for them. Consider their dinner package as a best-value option.
Go next
- San Simeon - 10 miles north of Cambria, San Simeon is home to Hearst Castle, the impressive residence of the former media tycoon William Randolph Hearst, now managed as a state park with tours available daily. A massive colony of more than 20,000 elephant seals can be viewed onshore just north of town every winter.
- Morro Bay - 20 miles south of Cambria, this coastal town is best known for the massive 581-foot (177 m) volcanic rock that dominates its harbor, but is also a great spot to see marine mammals and is home to one of California's oldest fine art and craft shows.
- Paso Robles - Paso Robles is a historical resort town known for its hot springs that is 31 miles east of Cambria. This city's major industry is wine production, with vineyards located throughout the surrounding area.
Nearby
San Simeon
City / town · 9 listings · 8 mi away
Morro Bay
City / town · 24 listings · 18 mi away
Los Osos
City / town · 8 listings · 22 mi away
Atascadero
City / town · 7 listings · 24 mi away
Paso Robles
City / town · 33 listings · 24 mi away
San Miguel
City / town · 3 listings · 25 mi away
San Luis Obispo
City / town · 51 listings · 31 mi away
Avila Beach
City / town · 13 listings · 33 mi away
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