Found along Highway 1, Downtown Cambria is a true hidden gem - full of small town charm and incredible natural beauty. From trying the local food and treats to exploring eclectic shops, there's always something to experience in this delightful coastal town! Here are some top things to do in Downtown Cambria for your next trip! 

Downtown Cambria is comprised of two sections - the West Village and the East Village - which lie on either end of Main Street. The two villages are separated by about three quarters of a mile, with lots of fun shops and stops along the way! While it is possible to walk from one end to the other, the easiest way to explore each village is by car.

Both villages are well known for their shopping, featuring local artists’ galleries, clothing boutiques and restaurants. The West Village has a funky, eclectic, central coast flare to it, while the East Village is reminiscent of its historical roots. Both are uniquely awesome and totally worth exploring! Here's a guide to some of the must-visit spots and activities that make Downtown Cambria a special place.

Try a Delicious Dessert

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Have you ever heard the Italian question, "Dolce o salato?" "Dolce" refers to sweet, while "salato" means salty or savory. In Downtown Cambria, you’re sure to find lots of both. Dolce Salato Ice Cream, located in the West Village, has got your sweet tooth covered! They serve frozen yogurt, coffee, homemade shaved ice, ice cream and fresh fruit smoothies. They also offer a specialty sheeps milk ice cream sourced from Negranti Creamery, a locally owned ice cream business - which may sound unusual, but is totally delicious (make sure to try the salted caramel flavor)!

If you prefer your sweets in pastry form, you’re in luck! Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe serves everything from pies and cakes to brownies and cream puffs. If you stop by, you have to try their speciality: Olallieberry pie. The Olallieberry is a cross of a blackberry and a raspberry, and makes a truly delicious pie. Locals and visitors all agree -  this Downtown Cambria shop is a must visit for dessert lovers. 

📍 Dolce Salato Ice Cream: 801 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428 

📍 Linns Easy as Pie Cafe: 4251 Bridge St, Cambria, CA 93428

Visit a Local Market

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Soto's True Earth Market External Building View Cambria

Cambria is a great place to visit a fresh market and try the local flavors of SLO CAL. Every Friday afternoon at 2:30pm, rain or shine, Cambria’s Farmers Market takes place in the Veteran’s Hall parking lot in the West Village! This market features delicious, seasonal produce and prepared foods, sourced from various farms and businesses. If you visit, be sure to check out Julia’s Juices and Baba Hummus - they’re both delicious SLO CAL staples!

Not visiting on a Friday? You can still stop by Soto’s True Earth Market - they’re open 7 days a week. They offer an array of natural foods, local produce, sustainable meats, gourmet sandwiches, delicious sides, salads, local wines and craft beers, making for perfect place to grab lunch in the East Village. Seriously good food made with fresh ingredients - it doesn’t get much better than that!

📍 Cambria Farmers Market: 1000 Main Street  

📍 True Earth Market: 2244 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

Antiquing in Cambria

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Downtown Cambria is an antique lover's paradise, home to countless unique thrift, antique and vintage shopping experiences. Head over to Antiques on Main or Rich Man Poor Man Antiques to find the perfect vintage treasure to take home! 

Antiques on Main is a massive Downtown Cambria antique store, spanning over 10,000 square feet across three levels. Having been in the same building for 17 years, it’s filled to the brim with unique antiques and furniture as well as knowledgeable staff that are happy to assist you in finding that perfect treasure.

Rich Man, Poor Man Antique Mall is an equally as impressive antique shopping experience, home to a revolving door of fantastic vintage inventory. You can find both of these stores in the East Village, but don’t stop there! Trust us, all the thrift and antique stores in Downtown Cambria are worth a visit. Each has a unique collection of items that are sure to impress even the most seasoned antiquer.

📍 Antiques on Main: 2338 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

📍 Rich Man Poor Man: 2094-2114 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

Embrace Cambria's Shopping Scene

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Shops in Cambria's West Village

Cambria features some of the most unique and interesting shops in SLO CAL! While it may seem like we’re stating the obvious, it’s absolutely worth dedicating a few hours to explore all that Cambria's shopping scene has to offer.

In the East Village, explore Cinnabar, a spacious gift and home decor store housed in a refurbished barn that once served as the local blacksmith shop over a century ago. Cinnabar's collection of goods features handmade items from artisans around the world, using both traditional and recycled materials. It is truly a treasure trove, they carry everything from funky furniture to unique jewelry! Be sure to spend some time in their beautiful outdoor garden area and check out their collection of homemade pottery. 

Another must-visit is The Love Story Project, a unique shop dedicated to spreading and documenting love. They’ve been open for over four years, recording love stories and selling hearts, art and gifts. Make sure to visit their photo booth to collect a souvenir from your trip!

The shopping options in Downtown Cambria are endless. Stroll through Cambria Nursery and admire their beautiful grounds, swing by Plantae & Fungi to learn about the health benefits of plants and mushrooms or visit Bali Gems to find a sweet new ring! You're sure to come home with a lovely new treasure. 

📍 Cinnabar4121 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA 93428

📍 Cambria Nursery4039 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA 93428

Wine Tasting in Downtown

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Cayucos Cellars External View Building/Sign CambriaSLO CAL is well known for its extensive wine and viticulture scene, and Downtown Cambria is no exception! Wine tasting is a must during your visit and luckily, there's plenty of options to choose from.

Cayucos Cellars is a small family winery operated solely by a family of five. They produce between five hundred and eight hundred cases of premium wine annually. All wines are fermented using wild yeast and aged in neutral oak barrels! The tasting room, located in the East Village, is not only an opportunity to try exceptional wine, but also offers a chance to meet and chat with the winemakers Stuart and Laura, and their children, who all run the business. This a truly special SLO CAL experience. 

Cutruzzola Vineyards Tasting Room is another great wine tasting option, located in the West Village. They offer a very personal tasting experience, with optional cheese or charcuterie add ons. They are both dog and kid friendly, welcoming all to their adorable tasting room in Downtown Cambria! Be sure to check out the beautiful mural on the side of their building, painted by the Cambria Center for the Arts and some community members. 

📍 Cayucos Cellars: 2020 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

📍 Cutruzzola Vineyards: 555 Main St, Cambria, CA 93428

Check Out a Historical Location

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Mozzi's Saloon Building Exterior in CambriaDowntown Cambria is home to many historical landmarks, including charming neighborhoods filled with Victorian houses dating back to the 1870s, the Cambria Historical Museum, the Lull House and Mozzi’s Saloon.

For a traditional historical experience, visit the Cambria Historical Museum. Since its opening in December 2008, the museum has welcomed over 20,000 visitors, delivering each the message of Cambria’s heritage. To explore even further, you can take a Historical Cambria Walking Tour, provided by the Cambria Historical Society.

For those who enjoy a good story, Mozzi’s Saloon is a must-see. As the last "cowboy bar" in Cambria, it has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1866. The saloon has undergone several ownership and business changes, each adding to its fascinating tale. Although it was completely remodeled in 2007, Mozzi's has preserved its original ambiance. It features a full bar, live music and pool tables, all contributing its lively atmosphere.

The Lull House, Cambria's first building, was constructed in 1865 by George Lull. Originally serving as both his residence and a general merchandise store, it is now part of the Bluebird Inn. Visitors can still view this historic building by stopping by the inn!

📍 Cambria Historical Musem: 2251 Center St, Cambria, CA 93428

📍 Mozzi’s Saloon: 2262 Main St, Cambria, CA, 93428

More Downtowns in SLO CAL

Downtown Cambria’s variety of available experiences is what makes it an exciting place to visit. Whether you're trying sheep’s milk ice cream, hunting for antiques or enjoying a glass of locally crafted wine, Cambria is sure to be a peaceful escape from everyday life. So, take your time exploring and enjoy the charm of all the things to do in Downtown Cambria.

Getting around SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) is easy. You can travel between all the different communities within minutes. Looking for more Downtown adventures outside of Cambria? Check out our other recommendations below!