What to Do in Cambria, California This Fall
Located right between San Francisco and Los Angeles, just off scenic Highway 1, Cambria, California is one of the most beautiful stops along the Central Coast. And no time is better for a visit than fall! Whether you’re looking for fun festivals, outdoor activities, or delicious food and wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As you read this blog and begin planning your upcoming trip, we hope you find exciting ideas for what to do in Cambria, California this fall. Then, be sure to reserve your stay directly with Cambria Vacation Rentals for the best rates on your property! We can’t wait to see you!
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Experience the Scarecrow Festival
For almost two decades, the Scarecrow Festival has brought colorful fall fun to Cambria and San Simeon as more than 200 whimsical creations are put on full display. Depicting scenes of picnics, high-flying zipline thrills, alien encounters, and more, it’s a wholesome event that provides excellent fall photo ops. As you wander the charming streets of Cambria, see how many scarecrows you can spot! And don’t forget to visit the “Welcoming Crowmmittee,” a display of woodland animals sharing a meal, and the “Baby Dragons” display created by local children.
Beyond the month-long celebration, if you’re in town on October 26, don’t miss out on the Salute to Scarecrows Starlight Celebration of Food and Wine. This ticketed event will feature music, costumes, and, of course, food and wine from local favorites like Cambria Pines Lodge, Indigo Moon, Linn’s, and Black Hand Cellars, to name a few. Tickets are $75 apiece, and the event runs from 6 – 8 PM at the Cambria Nursery.
Wine Tasting at Nearby Vineyards
When it comes to what to do in Cambria, California, this fall, one of the most popular activities is visiting nearby vineyards. With harvest season running through October, the air will be filled with the smells of fresh grapes, inviting you to come in and stay a while.
Whether you’re enjoying a wine flight on the beautiful grounds of Hearst Ranch Winery or indulging in the Pleasant Valley or Pacific Coast wine trails, there’s no shortage of varietals to taste. Consider booking a tour of a local winery to enhance your experience! With perfect weather and exquisite flavors, wine tasting in Cambria is a can’t-miss opportunity.
Explore Hearst Castle
In addition to the castle’s namesake winery, which is located just across the street, Hearst Castle offers myriad activities that make it worth a visit during your fall vacation. Built over the course of 28 years by newspaper icon William Randolph Hearst, the castle is a gothic-inspired feat that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and provides visitors with sights unlike anything you’d expect to find in California.
Keep your eyes peeled for zebras and other animals descended from the castle’s original menagerie species. Or take a tour of the property and experience what it was like to be a guest at this opulent home when it was in its prime. As the holiday season inches closer, the grounds will illuminate with sparkling lights offering a truly breathtaking scene high above the neighboring towns.
Watch the Elephant Seals in San Simeon
Speaking of unique wildlife, one of the most popular activities in Cambria is checking out the elephant seals at Point Piedras Blancas! Each October, the juveniles return to the shore for the “fall haul-out,” where they relax in the sun and rest after months of being on the move. During this time, the Northern Elephant Seal Rookery becomes more and more filled with returning seals as older males and females arrive to mate, birth, molt, and relax. Be sure to bring the camera along for this outing so you can capture shots of these majestic marine mammals
Dine at Delicious Restaurants
The food scene in Cambria is exceptional. Full of coastal town fresh flavor and local ingredients, no matter where you go, you’re in for a treat.
Visit legendary Linn’s Restaurant for breakfast or lunch and try their fantastic quiche or the cured salmon panini. Or check out the Sea Chest Oyster Bar for a sampling of line-to-table fish and seafood.
Beyond restaurants, you can also enjoy food tours like the one offered at Stepladder Creamery! Visit this 150-year-old family farm and sample their incredible cheeses, play with the “happiest goats in California,” and learn the art of cheesemaking all just 20 minutes away from your Cambria vacation rental.
Get Out in Nature
No trip to Cambria is complete without a visit to Moonstone Beach. This quiet stretch of coastline offers stunning views and a peaceful place to unwind. Fall is a great time for beach walks, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. You can search for smooth, colorful stones along the shoreline, watch for wildlife like sea otters, or just enjoy the sound of the waves.
For more great scenery, the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offers more than 400 acres around Cambria, filled with trails perfect for hiking and biking. Many are even dog-friendly, so if you’re traveling with your furry friend, everyone can experience a nice fall day outside.
Scenic Drives to Big Sur
If you have extra time during your trip, consider taking a drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Big Sur. The fall colors along the coast are stunning, and the drive offers some of the most beautiful views in California. You can stop at scenic viewpoints, grab a bite at local cafes, and take in the rugged beauty of the coastline. It’s a perfect day trip from Cambria, offering a peaceful way to enjoy the natural wonders of the area.
Book Your Fall Getaway to Cambria Today!
Now that you know what to do in Cambria, California this fall, the only thing standing between you and the ultimate getaway is finding your dream vacation rental! That’s where we come in. With gorgeous homes near local art galleries, beaches, restaurants, and more, we’ve got a spot that will put you near everything you could want to do during your stay. Plus, when you book directly with Cambria Vacation Rentals, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you got the best rate on your stay. Browse our full list of vacation rentals and book your fall trip directly today!
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