Cambria is a breezy coastal village set on the Pacific Ocean and fringed by evergreen Monterey pine forests. Pristine and undeveloped, there’s a good chance of spotting whales breaching offshore and sea lions basking on the beach.
Strolling along the beaches of Cambria, keep your eyes peeled for milky moonstones. The aptly named Moonstone Beach is one of the best places to find chunks of the precious gemstone. You can also collect amethyst, rose quartz and gypsum pebbles. Wooden staircases lead down to the beach from the clifftops.
Start your day right with homemade muffins and locally-roasted brews at a local café, then browse the independent galleries and boutiques strung along Main Street. There are loads of treasures to be found at the tony antique stores. After dark, head to a cosy bar to sip on award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah from the Central Coast wine region.
Getting there
Cambria is located on Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County, a 3.5-hour drive from San Francisco and four hours from Los Angeles. The village is compact and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Cambria and explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace.