Cambria-A Superb California Weekend Destination

Cambria Coastline. Cover photo and inside photo by Nancy Somers.

Cambria, California is a wonderful weekend destination off Highway 1 on the Central Coast between Morro Bay and San Simeon.  We were generously invited by a client who has a beach house in Cambria situated about 2 blocks from the ocean, with fantastic views, who invited us for a weekend stay.       

Deer spotted at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Photo by Nancy Somers.

The beach house is close to Fiscalini Ranch Preserve.  Through local fundraising by “Friends of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve”, they were able to purchase the ranch for public open space and trails.  This preserve is a photographers dream.  There is a trail that runs along the ridge above the coastline.  In total there are over 400 acres of trails.  You can see an abundance of wildlife including Egret, Blue Heron, Kestrel, Ground Squirrel, Deer, and Sea Lions.  If you look carefully you may even see Wild Turkeys.

Moonstone Beach is one of Cambria’s best scenic beaches with a nice boardwalk for people to stroll.  There are access stairs down to the beach.  This is a great beach to spot elephant seals and a watch a beautiful sunset.  There are several motels and gourmet restaurants on Moonstone Beach Drive. 

Harmony. Photo by Nancy Somers.

Six miles south of Cambria is “Harmony”, population 18.  Harmony is famous for its blown glass factory and the Harmony Pottery Shop.  Harmony winery is on a hill above the town.  You can do some wine tasting while sitting outside and enjoy the view of the green rolling hills and farmland.

Further south is Morro Bay, famous for its big rock.  A stop at the Natural History Museum in Morro Bay State Park is a must for the kids.  Everything is hands on and you have a magnificent view of Morro Bay and Morro Rock.  Take a drive around the Rock and you might just see some Sea Otters.  

Sea Otters frequent Morro Bay. Photo by Nancy Somers.

Cambria is nestled among the pine trees and the town is quaint and free from franchises.  Cambria is full of cute boutiques, antique stores, gardens, and restaurants.  It is like going back in time to visit beautiful and serene Cambria.

For more information about Cambria, California visit The Cambria Chamber of Commerce at www.cambriachamber.org, or call (805) 927-3624.