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Cambria is located along the northern coastline of San Luis Obispo County, approximately 30 miles north of SLO on Highway 1, and 20 miles south of San Simeon where Hearst Castle is located.  It is also literally halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco at approximately 240 miles in either direction.

Moonstone Beach, Cambria, CA
Moonstone Beach

Visitors and locals alike flock to Cambria because of the natural beauty of the area; the fun, funky, artsy community the city has built; and of course all the great food, wine, and adventures you can have while there.  

Find out more below about this incredible seaside town, and don’t miss a chance to stop, play, and stay in “one of America’s prettiest towns”. (forbes.com)


Demographics | Fun | Breweries & Wineries | Food & Drink | Events | Lodging


Demographics

Cambria is one of the smallest cities in San Luis Obispo County with 5,934 residents as of the 2010 census, or .02% of the total population.  The median age of residents is 61.5 with an average annual household income of $65,788 per year. The city employs 2,436 residents of SLO County, most of whom work in the Accommodation and Food Services industry, followed by Retail Trade and Health Care / Social Assistance; however, the highest paying jobs in the city are related to Fire Fighting & Prevention; Supervisory positions; Architecture and Engineering; and Computer, Engineering, and Science occupations.  74% of residents are White; 212% are Hispanic or Latinx; 3% are Asian; .4% Black; and >1% Native American / Alaskan Native.


Fun

Cambria is known as one of the prettiest towns in America (according to Forbes), and the moment you arrive in the city you understand why.  

Home to one of the few native groves of Monterey Pines, the city does an incredible job celebrating and preserving the tree that represents so much to this community.  But there is still so much more to see when you’re here!

From Moonstone Beach to Nitwit Ridge there are so many ways to have fun in this little piece of paradise in SLO County.  

Moonstone Beach | Nitt Witt Ridge | Theaters & Galleries | Horseback Riding | Pickleball & Tennis | Fitness Classes | Day Spas | Hiking

Moonstone Beach

Moonstone Beach, Cambria, CA

Moonstone Beach is located in the northern half of Cambria, and stretches from Leffingwell Landing State Park down to Shamel Park. 

The beach is widely believed to have actual Moonstone gems scattered amongst the sand, but in reality the stones on the beach of Moonstone only have the mineral chalcedony present so may look like moonstone but actually aren’t. 

Moonstone Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire county, and visitors and locals can enjoy the view from the boardwalk on the ridge, explore the tide pools, or just sit and relax while enjoying the breathtaking scenic views.  

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Nitt Witt Ridge

If you only have time for one adventure in Cambria then a visit to Nitt Witt Ridge is a must.  

This California Historical Landmark was created by Arthur Harold Beal, also known as Der Tinkerpaw or Captain Nitt Witt, who worked on building his own castle from the time he purchased the land in 1928 until he passed in 1992.  

As a former garbage collector for the city of Cambria Der Tinkerpaw had access to a plethora of unique knick-knacks and odds and ends that he then used to decorate his castle.

Today Nitt Witt Ridge is owned by the O’Malley family, who have repaired the house following Der Tinnkerpaw’s death, and offer tours of the home and gardens for a suggested donation of $10.

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Theaters & Galleries

Cambria is home to many artists, and the town embraces this love for the visual and performing arts through their support of the many local galleries, exhibits, and Center for the Arts.  

Visitors and locals alike can stop by a number of galleries as they walk along Main Street; tour The Eastern Front, a WWII Diorama Gallery; or see a live theater performance, film, or art exhibit at the Center for the Arts.  

Whatever your artistic passion, there is something for everyone, and maybe even a new medium for you to discover and enjoy.

Cambria Center for the Arts
1350 Main Street
Cambria, CA   93428
The Eastern Front
4090 Burton Drive, #10
Cambria, CA 93428
Amphora Gallery
4070 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
Artifacts Gallery
775 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Ephraim Pottery West
728 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Gallery of Wearable Art (GOWA)
4009 West Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Melanee Sylvester Gallery
724 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Mission Gallery
783 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
Teresabella Gallery
766 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428

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Horseback Riding

There is no better way to take in the beauty of the central coast than by horseback, and there are two locations that offer tours.

Cambria Horseback Rides
300 Highway 1
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 503-9305

Covell’s Clydesdale Ranch
5694 Bridge Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 975-7332

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Pickleball & Tennis

If a quick game of pickleball or tennis sounds like the perfect way to spend your day, then you are in luck.  There is a beautiful pickleball court directly behind the Center for the Arts on Main Street, and tennis courts on Santa Rosa Creek Road!  

Cambria Pickleball by the Sea
1350 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1755

Open Daily
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cambria Tennis Club
2950 Santa Rosa Creek Road
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 888-9857

Open Saturday & Sunday
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

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Fitness Classes

Tula Yoga offers yoga classes, as well as hosted retreats and private classes.  

Tula Yoga, Fitness, & Retreats
4090 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 909-2818

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Day Spas

There is nothing more relaxing than a day at the spa, and there are three popular locations to help you ensure you leave feeling like you are floating on a feather.  

Cat Rhyne Massage & Bodyworks
221 De Vault
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-5459

Healing Hands of Happy Hill Massage & Hypnotherapy
345 Warwick
Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 927-4805

Sojourn Healing Arts & Spa
2905 Burton Drive
Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 927-8007

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Hiking

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a 437 acre preserve that offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. 

You can watch for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and enjoy a whole host of other marine plants and animals just from the bluffs.  There are 17 trails for visitors and locals to enjoy, each with a unique path that highlights and celebrates the natural beauty of the area. 

Leffingwell Landing Trails & State Park

Leffingwell Landing is a day-use area at the northernmost point of Moonstone Beach. 

The area has several picnic tables and benches, restrooms, and even BBQ pits, but also several trails for hiking, and beach access to enjoy the surf and sand of this part of Moonstone Beach.

Greenspace’s Strawberry Canyon

Strawberry Canyon was created by Greenspace – The Cambria Land Trust, an organization dedicated to acquiring, restoring, and protecting environmentally important properties. 

Located at Kay and Burton Streets, the 22 acre park was developed with 70 neighbors and donors this incredible pine and oak woodland that is now open to the public daily.

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Breweries & Wineries

Cambria has always been home to their own wineries, but often saw visitors travel the 30 miles east to Paso Robles to enjoy a day of wine tasting there…until 2013 when the Pacific Coast Wine Trail was established.  

The PCWT celebrates and promotes the six wineries on the northern coast of San Luis Obispo County, four of which are located in the town of Cambria. To find out more about the Wineries click on any of the wineries below, or visit our main Wineries page and discover all the ways to enjoy San Luis Obispo County wine country regions.  

927 Beer Company
821 Cornwall Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 203-5265
Black Hand Cellars
766 Main Street, Suite B
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-9463
Moonstone Cellars
812 Cornwall Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-9466
Twin Coyotes Winery
2020 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-9800
Cutruzzola Vineyards
555 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-2670
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Bassetti Vineyards
1191 N Green Valley Road
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1925

Tasting by Appointment Only
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Stolo Vineyards
3776 Santa Rosa Creek Road
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 924-3131

Food & Drink

The size of the town of Cambria may not be vast, but do the residents enjoy great food!  There are so many wonderful restaurants in the area, each with their own unique flavor but still in celebration of the incredible produce, meats, and fresh fish available to inspire chefs and their menus.  Below are some of our favorites, but make sure to check out our Food & Drink Page to explore everything Cambria has to eat!

Coffee & Juice | Bakeries | Restaurants

Coffee & Juice

Lily’s Coffee House
2028 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-7259
Mojo’s Village Bean
2320 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-0077
The Spot
1235 Knollwood Circle
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 203-7000
Verde of Cambria
778 Main Street
Suite A
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 203-5454

Bakeries

Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe
4251 Bridge Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 924-3050

Restaurants

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Black Cat Bistro
1602 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1600
The Cafe on Bridge Street
4286 Bridge St
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-2890
Cambria Cafe
2282 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-8519
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Cambria Mimosas
841 Main St
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-4602
Cambria Pub & Steakhouse
4090 Burton Drive,
Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 927-0782
Indigo Moon
1980 Main Street
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-2911
La Terraza Mexican Grill
1316 Tamson St
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-7700
Las Cambritas
2336 Main Street
Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 927-0175
Linn’s Restaurant
2277 Main Street
Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 927-0371
Madeline’s
788 Main St
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-4175
Robin’s Restaurant
4095 Burton Drive Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 927-5007
Sea Chest Restaurant & Oyster Bar
6216 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-4514
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The Sow’s Ear
2248 Main St
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-4865


Events

Cambria may not be the biggest city in SLO County, but they sure do know how to put on an incredible event!  From the annual Art and Wine Festival to the Western Dance Jamboree and Christmas Market there is always a reason to visit and enjoy everything this coastal town has to offer.  

Below are some of the most popular annual events, but make sure to follow our events page for all the latest and greatest happening in this beautiful city by the sea!

Art & Wine Festival

The Art & Wine Festival takes place every January and gives visitors and locals alike the opportunity to explore, enjoy some incredible local wines and food pairings, attend artists fairs and demonstration events, and bid on their favorite pieces!

Western Dance Jamboree

Have you always wanted to learn how to line dance but never knew where to start?  Well you better make your way to the Western Dance Jamboree! Held every February this annual Jamboree gives you and your favorite dance partner the chance to attend over 18 dance workshops held throughout the day, and show off all the moves you learned at the big evening dance.  Just want to dance the night away? You can do that too! Just bring your boots, big hat, and belt buckle to show your true cowboy roots.

Chili Cook-Off & Classic Car Show

There is no better way to spend a hot summer day in June than by attending the Chili Cook-Off & Classic Car Show.  Festival goers get the chance to sample and vote for their favorite homemade chili, view some of the coolest cars and motorcycles, and enjoy a cold beer tasting…all set in one of the prettiest towns in America and under some of the most perfect weather in the whole county.  

Christmas Market

Every year SLO County waits with bated breath as Cambria opens their Christmas Market.  It is one of the best holiday events in the entire county, and offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy.  Whether you are looking for the perfect holiday gift at their artisan market, enjoying an adult beverage at the biergarten, riding the train through the lights at night, meeting Santa, or enjoying the live music and carolers, the experience is absolutely worth the price of admission, and something the entire family can look forward to as an annual holiday tradition.


Lodging

Cambria offers a wide variety of lodging options that can meet just about every need and budget.  Whether you are looking for a quaint bed-and-breakfast or a boutique luxury hotel there is something for everyone.  

The most popular hotels border Moonstone Beach, and are located along Moonstone Beach Drive.  All of the hotels below are within walking distance of the ocean, offer stunning views of the beach, and are a short distance from Main Street where the vast majority of restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and galleries are located.   

Blue Dolphin Inn
6470 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA   93428
(8095) 927-3300
Cambria Beach Lodge
6180 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 927-4624
Cambria Landing Inn & Suites
6530 Moonstone Beach Drive, Camria, CA   93428
(805) 549-6789
Cambria Shores Inn
6276 Moonstone Beach Drive,
Cambria, CA   93428
(805) 433-9179
Captain’s Cove Inn
6454 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-8581
Castle Inn
6620 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-8605
El Colibri  Hotel & Spa
5620 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 924-3003
Fogcatcher Inn
6400 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1400
Little Sur Inn
6190 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1329
Moonstone Cottages
6580 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1366
Moonstone Landing
6240 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-0012
Oceanpoint Ranch
7200 Moonstone Beach Drive
Cambria, CA   93428
(866) 927-4648
Pelican Inn & Suites
6316 Moonstone Beach Dr.
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-1500
Sand Pebbles Inn
6252 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(800) 222-9970
Sea Otter Inn
6656 Moonstone Beach Dr
Cambria, CA 93428
(805) 927-5888

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