Because Cambria is a secluded coastal hamlet, there are plenty of ocean-view activities to take advantage of. From tasty chow and relaxing retreats to historic sites and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone in Cambria—and that something probably has a view of the ocean.
1. Explore Highway 1
Whether you’re gearing up on your bike, coasting on your motorcycle, or road tripping in your car, you can now see the best the Central Coast has to offer via Highway 1, which has now fully reopened following the mudslide closures. Cambria is the perfect meeting place halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the trip from either direction is worth taking more than once. Learn More
2. Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk meanders along the cliff above Moonstone Beach. The boardwalk is pet-friendly and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, but more so, it offers a sense of small-town community where everyone is smiling and saying hello. (It’s really hard to be in a bad mood on the boardwalk.) Learn More
3. Fiscalini Ranch
The Boardwalk leads directly to Fiscalini Ranch, a nature preserve spanning nearly 450 acres of lush forest and grasslands that feature numerous trails. The most outstanding natural feature is the dramatic ocean bluff that runs more than a mile along the shoreline of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where you can view migrating whales, elephant seals, and other ocean mammals. Learn More
4. Lunch at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill
This local, cult favorite restaurant is on Moonstone Beach Drive that features both ocean views and delicious food. Waterfront dining with a casual spin has never been so good. There are no reservations allowed here, so arrive early and enjoy a beverage on the deck while you wait for your table. Learn More
5. Dinner at Sea Chest Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
The Sea Chest has been serving fresh seafood for over thirty years. Located on Moonstone Beach Drive just across from the beach, diners will enjoy a delicious meal with ocean views, plus some of the best oysters on the west coast. Learn More
6. Elephant seals
The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is just up the road from Cambria. It’s home to about 17,000 animals in total, and seeing the animals in person is truly magnificent. Peak population is in early spring, but there are elephant seals stopping by to lounge year-round, enjoying their coastal residence. Learn More
7. Piedras Blancas Light Station
This historic lighthouse is perched on the cliff up the road from the elephant seal rookery. It is stunning from every direction, and on weekends visitors can take docent-led tours to learn about the history and natural wonders of the area. Learn More
8. Oceanfront lodging
Moonstone Beach Drive is peppered with unique, locally-owned lodging properties that overlook the ocean. Each property has a different look and feel—but they all offer luxurious accommodations, close access to the beach across the street, and the perfect vantage point for watching the sunset. Learn More
9. Harmony Headlands State Park Hike
In a secluded and peaceful setting along Highway 1, eight miles south of Cambria in between Harmony and Cayucos, Harmony Headlands State Park sits unassumingly along the coast, secretly home to pristine, diverse natural beauty and a dramatic coastline. Hike the winding trail to reach the cliffs for breathtaking views. Learn More
10. Salmon Creek Trail
This hidden trailhead north of Ragged Point is a somewhat challenging trek that is totally worth the work because there are also waterfalls and awe-inspiring ocean views. Put on your hiking boots and grab your camera… adventure is waiting for you. Learn More
