Ultimate Guide to the Top Things to Do in Cambria, CA

One of the most picturesque spots along California’s Central Coast, Cambria welcomes visitors from all across the country each year. Some are searching for wine-tasting adventures; others are on epic road trips. Regardless of what brings you to our beautiful stretch of coastline, you’ll find stunning scenery, open arms, and tons of exciting activities.

To help you make the most of your time, we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to the top things to do in Cambria, CA. So, whether you’re here for a week or a day, you’ll find the perfect activity for your visit. Take a look at our picks for the best way to spend your time and see how many you can add to your itinerary while you’re here!

Outdoor Adventures in Cambria, CA.

In a place as beautiful as Cambria, spending time outdoors is a must during your visit. Nature enthusiasts will love visiting Moonstone Beach. This state beach park gets its name from the beautiful pebbles that line the shore. Take a stroll along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk at low tide and search the tide pools for sea urchins, anemones, and other marine life. Or just enjoy a sunset with an incredible view over the water.

A short 13-minute trek from Cambria, you’ll find the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon. Every year, more than 25,000 of these majestic sea mammals come ashore for their mating season. Here, they’ll rest for a few months and molt before venturing back to sea. Visiting the Piedras Blancas Light Station is another great way to see them. During your visit, you can tour the lighthouse and learn all about the area’s maritime past. The rookery is open every day of the year and is free to visit, making it one of the ultimate things to do in Cambria, CA., no matter when you’re visiting.

Hikers and bikers will love Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, which is easily accessible, especially if you’re staying in one of our Park Hill vacation rentals. Here, numerous trails wind through the more than 350-acre plot, giving way to sweeping views of the ocean and beautiful natural landscapes. If you’re traveling with your pup, feel free to bring them along for the fun!

Whether you’re sticking around Cambria, visiting Big Sur, heading to San Simeon, or checking out any of the other nearby communities, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy. For more top things to do in the area, be sure to check out our Cambria Area Guide!

Wineries and Tours in and around Cambria

Northern California usually gets all the praise for West Coast wine, but if you know where to look, you can find some of the most incredible vintners right here in the central region. Whether you’re a sommelier in training or just someone who appreciates a nice glass with your meal, visiting Cambria gives you a chance to explore fantastic vineyards as you sip your way through your stay.

Our top selections include:

Hearst Ranch Winery – The San Simeon location is closest to Cambria, and also comes with the perk of being located across the street from the iconic Hearst Castle. Built by broadcasting tycoon William Randolph Hearst between 1919 and 1947, the castle was once home to a staggering menagerie, and today still houses wild zebras and other novel animals. After your guided wine tasting, which you can do seaside or on the expansive patio, you can head over to the castle for a guided tour of the grounds.

Black Hand Cellars – If you like reds and you want a vibe that’s totally unique, be sure to pay a visit to the Banish Family’s Black Hand Cellars. With a speakeasy-styled tasting room that pays homage to their great-grandfather’s history as a famed winemaker for the Black Hand Mafia, you’ll feel transported into a bygone era as you enjoy their delicious blends.

Cutruzzola Vineyards – To the west of the Paso Robles wine region, Cutruzzola Vineyards lies just outside Cambria’s town center. With grapes fed by the salt air and cool ocean breezes, their award-winning boutique collections are a must-try. If you love Riesling and Pino Noir, be sure to stop by when you’re in town.

In addition to these select wineries, you can also spend a day or two on the Pacific Coast Wine Trail or the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. With multiple wineries along each pre-set route, these wine trails are a great way to visit multiple tasting rooms and sample the most varieties during your stay.

Unique Experiences on Your Cambria Vacation

In addition to our quaint town charm, local shops, and gorgeous natural spaces, there are several unique things to do in Cambria, CA.

If you’re interested in taking your daily activities beyond the shore, you can charter a boat and head out from Leffingwell Landing for a day of fishing or sightseeing. If boating isn’t on the lineup, the area is also great for hiking and enjoying a picnic.

Foodies can’t miss a chance to try our famous olallieberry pie – a local specialty found at Linn’s Restaurant, where they grow and harvest their own supply. An excellent companion plant to all the wine grapes in the region, this blackberry-esq treat is found in everything from pies to muffins and tarts.

And for those looking for cultured indulgence, the art galleries in Cambria are filled with unique works that range from contemporary to fine art. You can enjoy gallery tours, or just spend an afternoon browsing the works of local makers. You may even find a piece to complete your private collection or something to commemorate your vacation.

Regardless of how you spend your time in Cambria, you can find things to do that are as unique as you.

Book Your Cambria Getaway Today

As you browse these and other top things to do in Cambria, CA., remember the best way to enjoy your getaway is to book your stay in a classic Cambria vacation rental versus a hotel room. The character of our town is tangible, and when you choose to stay in a vacation rental, you can experience an authentic piece of the community spirit. Plus, a rental gives you space for everyone to spread out and a peaceful home base to unwind in each night. 

At Cambria Vacation Rentals, you’ll find a variety of vacation homes offering something for everyone. Whether you want an oceanfront home, a Cambria rental with a hot tub, or a pet-friendly property, we have them all. Plus, when you book directly with us, you can avoid the third-party fees that places like Airbnb tack on to your bottom line.

Save time and money when you browse our available Cambria vacation homes and book directly today!