Where artistic coastal charm meets uninhibited hillside scenery

Along the scenic SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) coastal cliffside sits Cambria, a woodland beauty with rustic and antique charm. From sandy shores to meadow-like fields and ranches, to a downtown area with artsy charm, Cambria has it all – making it the perfect place to spend 24 hours (or more)! Follow this Cambria itinerary for relaxing, adventurous and visitor-friendly things to do.

Breakfast: Lily’s Coffee House or Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe

Back to Top of List
Linn's easy as pie cafe front sign
Indulge in homestyle breakfast foods and immerse yourself in the true Cambria spirit of comfort and relaxation

Before you embark on your Cambria adventure, fuel up at Lily’s Coffee House with freshly made breakfast burritos, bagel sandwiches, paninis, quiches and much more. Alongside a farm-fresh breakfast and an assortment of pastries, embellish yourself in the artistic essence of Cambria by making a combination of your own drink from their selection of unique flavors of drinks and coffees; peanut butter, lavender, maple flavors, you name it!

Stop by Linn’s to grab some coffee, sweet treats or a slice of Linn’s famous Olallieberry Pie. Not a fan of Olallieberry? Choose from a selection of their other delectable pie flavors such as Pecan, Coconut Cream, Lemon Meringue, Chocolate, Banana and so many more – they even have gluten free options!

Morning Activity: Explore Downtown Cambria or Visit Cambria Nursery

Back to Top of List
Shops in Cambria's West Village
Shop 'til you drop, from downtown charm to a secret-garden paradise

Downtown Cambria is a true hidden gem along the SLO CAL coast where shopping small at local businesses makes this one of the most unique things to do in Cambria. The Downtown area is comprised of two main areas - the West Village, known to emit more of a unique, artsy, eclectic, central coast flare, and the East Village, nostalgic of its historical roots. Meeting in the middle, these two distinct areas unite in the soul of Downtown Cambria.

Let the never-ending assortment of eclectic shops and local foods lead you down Main Street and get lost wherever this charming spot takes you. Cambria’s collection of local shopping features local artists’ galleries, clothing boutiques and restaurants serving up local, farm-fresh foods. This is perfect for those who love to shop small and allows you to find unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Visit a local market, such as Soto’s True Earth Market, go antiquing or even wine tasting. Downtown Cambria has it all!

Not too far away is another treasure, Cambria Nursey & Florist. Centered in the heart of Cambria, you can explore their flourishing collection of florals, herbs, plant and tree varieties, gardens and other unique treasures. Whether you’re there to explore, learn from their specialized horticulturists or grow your own garden, Cambria Nursery offers a vast variety of floral-filled endeavors for you to choose however you would like to enjoy.

Bonus Hidden Gem: Historic Chinese Temple

This newly restored Chinese Temple is amongst one of the most unique and ‘hidden gem-worthy’ things to do in Cambria. The historic site is home to one of the oldest remaining Chinese temples in Southern California. It dates back to the 19th century, when Chinese immigrants spearheaded the county’s economy as miners, laborers and fishermen.

Lunch: Sandy’s Deli or Boni’s Taco Truck

Back to Top of List
three tacos on a plate with lime and radishes
Savor a quick bite of Cambria’s best "fast-food"

For lunch, head over to Sandy’s Deli, where you can pick up a “100% yummy” sandwich, burrito, salad or homemade soup. For tasty food in a laid-back environment, Sandy’s is right up there with all the 100% awesome things to do in Cambria.

With its central location, don’t stop your adventure – grab some food while exploring Cambria at Boni’s Taco Truck. Their famous tacos Al Pastor will leave you energized throughout the rest of your Cambria visit.

Afternoon Activity: Take a Stroll, Head to the Beach or Go Horseback Riding

Back to Top of List
Couple walking trail on Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria
Explore the great outdoors and admire the pristine coastline from any of these must-see places

If you’re looking for both adventure and beauty in Cambria, look no further. The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a 430-acre open space in Cambria ranging from the scenic ocean bluffs through a grassy marine terrace, inland to a forested ridge. Here, you can find all kinds of wildlife and marine life. Bask or adventure in its scenic beauty with over eight miles of trails and scheduled docent-led walks. The Ranch is a topographic culmination of all things Cambria.

What better way to unwind from your adventure than an afternoon at the beach! Moonstone Beach is one of the most well-known things to do in Cambria. Where the sapphire waves meet the ridged cliffside and rolling hills, Moonstone Beach is an iconic coastline experience fit for any beach-seeker. Whether you want to take a splash, relax on the warm sand, explore the tide pools, catch a wave or take a mile-long stroll along the boardwalk, Moonstone Beach has it all.

Heading east from Moonstone Beach is Covell Ranch. Nestled in a landscape rich with history and natural beauty, it’s no wonder the indigenous Chumash people named Cambria, tsɨtkawayu, Obispeño for “Place of the horses.” Paying homage to this, Covell Clydesdale Ranch offers scenic horseback riding through 2,000-acres of open meadow, showcasing the beauty of both the land, and the Clydesdale horses.

Dinner: Robin’s Restaurant or Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill

Back to Top of List
Exterior of Robin's Restaurant in Cambria
Where international flavor fusions and classic eats are served alongside classic Cambria ambiance

Nonstop adventure worked you up an appetite? Robin’s Restaurant chefs up farm-fresh, local food with international flavors. Within a restored adobe home, Robin’s attracts tourists and locals alike - all craving a delicious, handcrafted meal met by an ambient, cozy and reminiscent atmosphere. Their spacious garden setting, rustic nooks and warm fireplace is what makes Robin’s, Robin’s.

Afternoon-ed at Moonstone Beach and don’t want to travel far? Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill offers amazing food with an unforgettable view. Overlooking the oceanside, this place aims for comfort, cuisine and embracing the beauty of the beach. Best known for their impeccable seafood, they also serve up some of the best steak, lamb, chicken and pork dishes in Cambria.

Evening Activity: Crack Open a Late-Night Brew or Roast S'mores

Back to Top of List
People roasting s'mores over the fire pit
Cozy up by the fire as the cool Cambria night falls, or with some friends over drinks for those 21+

If you’re looking for the perfect Cambria nightcap, at The Coastal Taproom you can kick back, relax and unwind from your 24-hour adventure in Cambria. Grab a beer on-tap, grab some post-dinner grub and choose from a variety of board games, shuffleboard tables, TVs playing the big game or just chill in their outdoor space. Their outdoor patio is dog-friendly with fun lawn games and occasional live-music performances - the perfect way to end your adventure-fueled day.

Looking for more of a cozy night in (but outside)? Oceanpoint Ranch’s cozy outdoor fire pits and seating areas offer the perfect location to watch the sun set after the best 24 hours of things to do in Cambria. Head to the front desk at Oceanpoint Ranch and ask for all things s’mores! You’ll get a s’mores kit with all the fixings; all you have to do is enjoy.

In just 24 hours, you can explore the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and all the coastal charm that Cambria has to offer. The mix of artistic flair and natural wonders ensures you’ll leave Cambria with unforgettable memories, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the diverse beauty of the SLO CAL coast. With this Cambria itinerary, take your time, enjoy the quiet beauty and let this quaint coastal town transport you to a world of unimaginable serenity.