If you’re looking for a place to rest, recharge, and re-inspire your artistic side, look no further than Cambria! With a range of restaurants, shops, and art classes, plus fascinating points of interest that can’t be missed, there’s a reason that Cambria draws artists of all kinds. Spend your days browsing the galleries and exploring the Central Coast, then spend your evenings enjoying live music alongside delicious food and boutique wine.
A Morning of Artistic Exploration
Get the most out of your day with an early start! Plan a fun morning activity to get you excited and ready to be inspired during your time on the Central Coast. Make sure to call ahead to reserve a spot for your tour or class.
Lily’s Coffeehouse
Every great vacation starts with coffee, so make Lily’s Coffeehouse the first activity of your day! With delectable drinks, mouth-watering pastries, and nourishing breakfasts, you’ll be energized and ready to go. If you visit on a Saturday morning, be sure to sample one of their crepes!
Harmony Glass Works
Just a few miles away from Cambria, in the little town of Harmony, there’s a unique glass shop with beautifully artistic work. Browse their selection of sculptures and ornaments, many of which were crafted in their in-house studio, and find a few treasures to take home!
Hearst Castle
The historic Hearst Castle is a stunning mansion that dates back to the 1920s. Completely unique, the building took nearly 28 years to construct, is comprised of 165 rooms, and features materials from all over the world. Take a guided tour and experience this architectural wonder in all its glory.
Harmony Café at the J. Buckley Theatre
Owned and run by Italian master chef Giovanni Grillenzoni, Harmony Café is one of Cambria’s best-kept culinary secrets. The restaurant hosts a wine and paint party every Saturday afternoon at 12:00, with painting materials and a glass of wine included in the ticket price!
An Afternoon of Creative Inspiration
After a morning of excursions, spend the afternoon relaxing with some retail therapy. Cambria is known for its lack of chain stores, so check out a few of the more artistic-leaning shops on Main Street.
Cinnabar
With treasures from all over the world, wandering Cinnabar is an experience like no other. From hand-dyed leaf lamps to clay ornaments to carved wooden furniture, you never know what you’ll find. Plus, their focus on fair trade and sustainability makes every purchase completely worth it.
Artifacts Gallery
Artifacts Gallery is a large, established fine art gallery that has existed in the same Cambria location for over 25 years. Their broad selection of art is truly something to see, so take your time looking around. You’ll be glad you stopped by.
Windancer Gallery
If you enjoy art that you won’t see anywhere else, step inside Windancer Gallery. The shop features a stunning selection of tuned wind chimes, decorative wind chimes, bird feeders, handcrafted whirligigs, wind wheels, windsocks, and fountains.
Soto’s True Earth Market
While you’re walking Main Street, grab a bite to eat at Soto’s True Earth Market. An organic shop with delicious healthy options, the market is the perfect place to stop for a nourishing snack. If you’re looking for more of a meal, go all the way to the back of the store.
Jordan Gallery
A gallery and private studio, Jordan Gallery showcases various limited edition prints on metal and paper, fine art from regional painters, panels and multimedia, and modern sculptures from around the world. Browse their collection and maybe choose a few pieces to take home.
An Evening of Musical Enjoyment
Make your Central Coast getaway a fully-rounded artistic experience with an evening of live music! For such a small community, Cambria has plenty of opportunities to catch live musicians performing on any given night. Just be sure to call ahead or check venue websites to ensure you don’t miss your favorite act!
The Cow Tipper at Oceanpoint Ranch
The Cow Tipper doesn’t just serve seasonal soups, smoked baby back ribs, simple salads, and other good eats—it’s also a live music venue! Every Wednesday night, this restaurant at Oceanpoint Ranch becomes a great spot to hear local bands perform. Enjoy the music and consider visiting the firepits to enjoy s’mores! Reserve seats and check the performance schedule on their website.
Cambria Pines Lodge Fireside Lounge
An intimate gathering place in the Cambria Pines Lodge, the Fireside Lounge features Central Coast wines, beers, and cocktails with a jam-packed weekly schedule of live music. Sip a glass of local wine and enjoy performances from popular local musicians.
Moonstone Cellars
Along with their selection of varietals, Moonstone Cellars serves up live music performed by a selection of musicians on several nights each week. Check their website to view all upcoming events, including open mic nights, and enjoy an evening of music and boutique wine.