Cambria, CA: Things to Do other than Hearst Castle
Cambria, CA, is in the coastal region, with great features such as natural scenery, historical background, and an active community. In addition to Hearst Castle, visitors can take a stroll at Moonstone Beach, hike through the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, or even visit the Cambria Historical Museum. Cambria is perfect for all, whether it be for its scenic beauty, historically rich sites, or calm atmosphere. Learn what makes it a gem and why you should make it your next travel destination.
01 Moonstone Beach
Imagine a boardwalk along a rugged coastline with stunning Pacific views. That's Moonstone Beach. Perfect for a walk, this beach has tide pools full of sea life. You might even see a seal. Unique moonstones are scattered on the shore, adding a magical feel to your stroll. A charming beach with a boardwalk and nearby hotels and restaurants. Slightly busier than other state parks but still a pleasant spot.
Photographers will find the best light in the mornings and late afternoons. Sunsets offer stunning orange and pink skies. Moonstone Beach Drive provides ample parking and ramps to the boardwalk. After your walk, enjoy local cuisine at Sea Chest Oyster Bar or Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill. These locations are relaxed spots with ocean views and fine American seafood.
02 Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
The 437-acre Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offers trails and forest paths just south of Moonstone Beach. Once owned by the Fiscalini family, it provides stunning ocean views on the Bluffs Trail. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve features biking trails, with the Forest Loop Trail, Ridge Trail, and Bluff Trail being the most popular. Keep an eye out for deer, hawks, and whales.
This preserve is a birdwatcher's haven, home to numerous species. Grab a trail map and wear sturdy shoes for the best experience. Join guided tours to learn about the area's ecology and history. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is ideal for both avid hikers and peaceful strolls.
03 Cambria Historical Museum
In Cambria's East Village, you'll find the Cambria Historical Museum in the old Guthrie-Bianchini House, built in 1870 by Thomas Clendinen. It offers a peek into the town's history with artifacts and changing exhibits.
Look at the museum's calendar for events like historical talks and temporary displays. It's open Thursday to Monday, with a small entry fee that helps support it.
04 Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery features a rugged coastline where hundreds of elephant seals relax on the beach. It's a prime location to observe these remarkable marine animals. Depending on when you visit, you might catch males fighting for dominance in winter, moms taking care of pups in spring, or seals shedding skin in summer and fall.
Viewing platforms let you see the seals up close without bothering them. Signs around the rookery share interesting facts about their lives. The rookery is just off Highway 1, seven miles north of Cambria. There's plenty of parking and wheelchair accessible. It's a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
05 Nitt Witt Ridge
Nitt Witt Ridge is now a California-registered historical landmark. Dubbed the Poor Man's Hearst Castle, artist and recluse Arthur "Art" Harold Beal spent 50 years creating this unique site with beer cans, abalone shells, car parts, and toilet seats. His creativity makes it truly one-of-a-kind.
Tours may be available by appointment with a suggested donation. If the new owner isn't around for a tour, you can still check out the house from the outside. It's at 881 Hillcrest Drive in Cambria. There's street parking nearby. Wear comfy shoes for the uneven ground.
06 Stolo Family Vineyards & Winery
Food and wine lovers must visit Stolo Family Vineyards & Winery in the Cambria Hills. Hemmed in by fabulous vineyards, this family-run business specializes in cool climate wines typical of the region such as Coastal Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
Stroll around the vineyard, and come for cheese, wine and also for live music.
The tasting room is open from 12 to 5 PM and for tours as well as events, bookings are advised. Find Stolo Family Vineyards & Winery at 3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road, a short drive from downtown Cambria.
07 Shamel Park
Shamel Park is an excellent place for children and parents. It has lots of green areas to have a picnic, a lively children's playground, and beach access; it has a characteristic sparkle during festive occasions such as the 4th of July fireworks display.
Families can picnic beneath the trees, take the kids to the beach and build sand castles, or engage in some frisbee throwing.
Kids enjoy the playground with swings and climbing structures. Close by, there is Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, where there are trails with an ocean view.
The park is situated at 5455 Windsor Boulevard and it has ample spaces for parking, clean restrooms and tables for picnics. Bring a lunch, put on sunscreen and capture a pure Californian day all to the view of the sea.
08 Shopping in East Village
East Village in Cambria is a shopper's dream. The charming streets have unique shops and art galleries.
Start at Cambria Nursery and Florist for lovely plants and garden items. Visit The Vault Gallery for local art. Don't miss Moonstone Cottage for gifts, jewelry and clothing.
For a treat, stop by Linn's Restaurant for their famous olallieberry pies. If you're craving coffee, head to Cambria Coffee Roasting Company. Most shops typically open around 10 AM and close by 5 PM, although these times may vary. Special events like the Art & Wine Festival might mean extended hours. Street parking is easy. So you can go at your own pace.
09 Cambria Art & Wine Festival
Each January Cambria hosts the Art & Wine Festival, showcasing local art and regional wine tastings.
Interactive workshops and demos make this festival special. Try painting or learn about wine pairing. Live music and food vendors add to the fun.
Tickets are available online or at the event. Prices depend on the activities you choose. The festival spans multiple locations, so check the schedule and map.
10 Leffingwell Landing
The north end of Moonstone Beach Drive is Leffingwell Landing, which has ocean frontage and is a good place to have a picnic. Low tide is the best time to get to the shore and look for starfish and crabs – entertaining for children and calming for adults.
Visit in the morning or late afternoon when there will be fewer people around and good light. Take a blanket and food to have a snack on the cliff by the great Pacific Ocean. There is a small parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables; making it an excellent place to get back in touch with nature.
11 Cambria Scarecrow Festival
Every October, Cambria turns into a magical world of scarecrows. What began as a small event is now a charming celebration. USA Today named it one of the nation's top 10 autumn festivals, and The Travel Channel listed it among the top 10 scarecrow festivals in the U.S. and Canada. Picture scarecrows of all kinds lining the streets, each showing off its maker's creativity. You'll see everything from simple straw figures to detailed designs. Besides the scarecrows, there's live music, craft fairs, and family activities. The festival runs all month in East and West Villages, and it's free. Just bring your curiosity and a camera.
12 Piedras Blancas Light Station
Since 1875, the Piedras Blancas Light Station near Cambria has provided maritime guidance and coastal views. Now a historic park, it offers guided tours detailing its history, restoration, and local wildlife. Special events, like moonlit tours, add something unique. Tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, costing $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Book ahead as spots fill up fast.
13 Stepladder Ranch & Creamery
Cheese lovers and farm fans should visit Stepladder Ranch & Creamery near Cambria. Since 1871, this family-owned cow and goat farm has held tours to meet goats, learn about their care, and see artisanal cheese-making. Highlights include a cheese-tasting session featuring award-winning varieties like Cabrillo and Marinated Chèvre. The ranch also has avocado groves and offers goat milk soap. Tours are by appointment from spring to fall. Per-person and group tickets are available, and you can book online.
14 Robin's Restaurant
To take the guesswork out and have a great dining experience, head to Robin's Restaurant located in East Village Cambria. Offering such exotic dishes as Moroccan Chicken Tagine, Robin's Chow, and Salmon Bisque, with local produce used in the kitchen. Situated in a fifty-year-old adobe with a sun-drenched patio, it is great for casual eating. There is also a vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free menu. Open daily from 11:30 in the morning up to around 9:00 in the evening; however, clients are advised to book their tables, especially during weekends.
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