The Cambria Guide
A moody broody coastal town straight out of a romance novel
Hey!!
Just in case my SLO guide didn’t direct you here - I recently took a solo trip up the coast and got to spend time in tons of cute lil’ towns along the Central Coast (see highlights HERE!) This guide will solely be focused on Cambria, one of my favorite places in the whole world!
A Little About Cambria
Cambria is a sweet little town “where the pines meet the sea”. To me, it’s a marker of where the California coast topography starts to change - it’s a true blend of Northern and Southern California characteristics. The trees, the beaches, the cliffs, and even the air start to look & feel a little different.
I’ve included a few recs below but above all else, Cambria is a place to go when you need some rest & relaxation! It’s a place to embrace doing a little less - taking your time wandering the beaches, searching for moonstones, driftwood and cool rocks, browsing antique stores, or just curling up with a good book for a little while.
Stay
Oceanpoint Ranch - #Sponsored | After staying at OPR last year and mentioning them on TTS, I got a very special e-mail from Pacifica Hotels asking me to come back & create some content for the hotel! As a self-proclaimed California Cowgirl, OPR is my perfect blend of coastal & ranch-chic. Whether I was cozied up by the fireplace in my room, posted up in an Adirondack on the back lawn, or taking a walk through the private beach coves across the way - it was so lovely taking time away from screens and fully embracing the R&R Cambria has to offer.
OPR is one of five boutique hotels within the Pacifica Hotels Cambria Collection - I recommend looking into all of them to find your perfect fit!
Food & Drink
Sea Chest Oyster Bar - Cambria’s #1 institution. They don’t take reservations, it’s cash only, and you’re probably going to have to wait in line to get in - but it’s all 100% worth it for some delicious, fresh seafood. The space itself is quintessential small coastal town goodness too!
True Earth Market - a small health food store that’s great for picking up snacks before you get back on the road!
Cambria Coffee Co - coffee
Brydge - lovely dinner spot
The Hidden Kitchen - health-forward cafe & breakfast
Points of Interest
Sights
Moonstone Beach - Have you ever seen what moonstones look like?? They’re soooo cool. Cambria is known for these pearly rocks, and digging for these along the beach is a damn near perfect morning activity (with a coffee in hand ofc).
Hearst Castle - one of California’s most historic estates that offers a number of different tours. I HIGHLY recommend! It’s beautiful and extravagant, and the views of the coast & surrounding land can’t be beat. A mere 7-10 minute drive from Cambria. Keep an eye out for zebras (100% serious!)
Montaña de Oro State Park - the most stunning state park sitting on the cliffs of the Central Coast! Watching a sunset here will change your life. About 20-30 mins away from Cambria
Shopping
Cambria Nursery and Florist - you guessed it - quintessential small town cutie home & garden store!
Antiques on Main - amazing antique mall ideal for browsing
Rich Man Poor Man - more antiques
Second Take Thrift & Vintage - a nice curation of vintage
On My List to Try Next Time
Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe - pie!!
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - for an added dose of nature
Nearby Towns to Visit
More on these towns in a future TTS but feel free to DM me with any specific questions or recs in the meantime!
San Simeon - home to Hearst Castle as mentioned above!
Pismo Beach
Cayucos
Baywood-Los Osos - home to Montaña de Oro State park as mentioned above!
Paso Robles
Morro Bay
Did I inspire you to jump in the car and drive up the coast for some R&R?! Reply to this email directly or drop a comment on Substack with anything I missed. Also - San Luis Obispo guide HERE and more to come from my Central Coast adventure! See you later alligators!