Cambria is a small beach town in the central coast area of California that blew us away. The jagged coastlines are abundant with wildlife and walking paths that are spectacular from every angle. If you’ve never thought to visit Cambria, keep reading… you might just change your mind.
Is Cambria worth visiting?
Absolutely yes, you should visit Cambria. It has something for everyone – whale watching, hikes, bike paths, delicious seafood, and spectacular views.
One of our favorite ways to visit Cambria is to soak in all the natural beauty without the crowds of southern and northern California. While the pandemic changed a lot about visiting California cities, Cambria’s outdoor areas mean you have a lot to see while in this beautiful central coast town.
What is there to do in Cambria today?
You could truly spend a week just watching the tides come in and out and seeing all nature has to offer when you visit Cambria, but here are our top 6 activities to do in between soaking up those beautiful views:
1. Walk or bike the coastal paths while spotting marine life
Cambria has paths along the coast throughout the entire town. There are several inlets that lead you directly to the ocean (and all of it has free parking!). You can walk the paths near Moonstone Beach or go into the nearby neighborhoods for a truly spectacular view via this trail.
Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars because you can spot sea otters, dolphins, whales, and sea lions from just about everywhere along the coast of Cambria. If you can’t find any, just sip on a glass of local wine…. Or as my Grandma Nancy likes to call it, “whale-watching juice”.
2. Eat at the Sea Chest Restaurant Cambria
The Sea Chest Oyster Bar is not just your ordinary restaurant. This small, beautiful spot takes no reservations and has some of the best seafood you’ll ever have (with big portions too!). Unlike popular seafood spots in southern California, the Sea Chest restaurant in Cambria is reasonably priced for what you get.
Plan to start waiting in line at 4:00-4:30 pm for a dinner seat (they open at 5:30). This is a spot where you must show up an hour or more in advance to get a table. They seat everyone in waves (this was the case before, during, and after the pandemic). If you miss the first wave, you’ll have to wait for an hour or more before getting seated. The good news is you can have cocktails while you wait!
The most desirable tables at the Sea Chest are at the oyster bar or tables with an ocean view. If you want one of these, try to be one of the first people in line. Plan for weather, so bring gloves, a hat, and jacket if you’re waiting outside on a cooler evening.
Our favorite Sea Chest restaurant Cambria menu items:
- The complimentary bread
- Fresh oysters
- Calamari strips
- Seasonal fresh fish
- Scampi and scallops combo
Our only regret was forgetting our leftovers at my dad’s house…..
Pro tip: The Sea Chest restaurant in Cambria offers a corkage fee, so you can bring your own bottle of local wine and get charged a fee of $15. This saves a lot of money compared to ordering at the restaurant AND many local vineyards sell magnum bottles of wine. So, you can bring your magnum from Paso Robles and drink lots and lots of wine at a reasonable price with dinner.
As a side note… although they have a kids menu, this is more of an adult restaurant.
3. Check out the Elephant Seals
These massive seals flock to the central coast to mate and raise their young. They’re named after the male’s prominent schnoz that resembles an elephant trunk. The number of seals throughout the coast from Cambria to San Simeon is truly astounding.
You can easily view these elephant seals off Highway One (aka PCH) from several turnouts. If one is too busy, just head over to the next one. Be careful of local rodents… they look cute but will aggressively approach you if you have food!
When to see the elephant seals:
January is the peak month for births, while May is the month for molting. Come in late April to see big seal pups playing in the ocean while just kicking off molting season. If you want to see their violent mating ritual, February is the time to visit Cambria. To see the annual cycle of elephant seals, read here.
Do not approach elephant seals off trail. They are massive (3,500 lbs+) and territorial.
4. Hike San Simeon Bay
The San Simeon Bay hike remains one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes we’ve been on to date. The entire trail overlooks bright blue ocean waters of San Simeon from above. You’ll start the trail at the beach parking lot and walk a short distance along the beach until you hit the steep trailhead on your right.
You pass through towering trees, beautiful flowers, and plenty of wildlife throughout this hike. There are several trails that snake through the area, giving you a totally different view around every corner. Stay on trail or risk coming in contact with poison oak, which is popular throughout the area!
If you’re wanting to relax after your hike, stop by the Hearst Ranch Winery to sip on some wine and learn about the local history and all that is the Hearst estate.
5. Stop and smell the roses
You’ll notice all the beautiful flowers and other flora when you visit Cambria. Each house and trail is covered with wildflowers and beautiful landscaping. It’s worth walking around town just to see all the colors that the central coast has to offer.
Some of the flowers were bigger than Ziggy and Ditto! It was truly a sight to see after spending months in the desert. It’s also one of the most calming experience in Cambria.
6. Enjoy wine tasting throughout Paso Robles
Mike had never been to a vineyard or winery until Paso Robles… but that changed quickly. Within a few days of our Cambria visit, Mike had been to 4 vineyards in 5 days. In the 1980s, there were fewer than 30 vineyards in Paso Robles open to the public for tastings. Today… there are more than 300.
This central coast wine country is booming for a reason. When it’s a little chilly on the coast of Cambria, you can pop over the mountain to Paso Robles for sunny warm weather. Vineyards have live music, tasting specials, and beautiful views throughout the year.
Pro tip: you don’t have to plan for a DD if you’re a Harvest Host member! You can stay at several vineyards and wineries throughout the area overnight in your RV. We loved Tobin James for a country vibe and delicious tastings.
Do not miss out on your chance to visit Cambria on your next California road trip. We love the less crowded area, beautiful views, and free parking (if you’re, Californian you know this is a big deal). Cambria is a great stopping point on the way to Yosemite National Park or if you’re just cruising the PCH.
Whatever reason you have for being in this area, Cambria is a must. Have you been to Cambria before? What is your favorite thing to do? If you haven’t been, which activity is the most appealing to you? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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