Do good. Feel good.
It’s that time of year again! The annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration is here. For the fifth year running, the Central Coast will be hosting the celebration along Highway 1 from Saturday, January 13 to Wednesday, February 28. The seven-week celebration offers visitors almost 40 Coastal Discovery events and Stewardship activities.
In Cambria, we treasure our location for so many reasons: the lush natural environment, coastal views, rich history, and wealth of delicious local food and wine. During the celebration, we encourage visitors to get involved! There are tons of special events and year-round activities that will allow guests to immerse themselves in our coastal heritage.
Here is a cheat sheet for some of the events happening in and around Cambria to celebrate our amazing region! Head to the Highway 1 Discovery Route website for more information about what’s going on all over the Central Coast during the celebration.
On Saturdays from January 13 through February 24, 2018, guests can see the film Oceans for free at the Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Film Festival! The film is being shown at 6 p.m. at the Hearst Castle Theater, which features a huge five-story screen. The film celebrates our natural aquatic and underwater treasures that are preserved within the National Marine System. For more information, check out the Coastal Discovery & Stewardship site.
BlendFest on the Coast
Paso Robles Wine Country’s 4th annual BlendFest will take place in Cambria from Friday, February 9 through Sunday, February 11. This annual event is extra special this year, as a portion of the proceeds from the weekend will benefit those affected by the Southern California wildfires. This wine-filled weekend includes some fun blend-themed events: the Grand Tasting, the Winemaker Dinner, and a Blending Seminar! Get your tickets today!
Piedras Blancas Light Station Historical Tours
Just 15 miles north of Cambria on a rugged, windswept coastal point rests the historic Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. Named for the large nearby white rocks that sea captains used to guide them to shore, the Piedras Blancas Light Station was first illuminated in 1875 to guide mariners along the rocky California coast. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the past. A variety of tours is offered year-round, including sunset and whale watching Tours, as well as guided tours of the restored lighthouse and surrounding buildings. Lighthouse tours are offered every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, so be sure to check their website for more information!
Fiscalini Ranch Activities
Fiscalini Ranch has year-round activities that will connect visitors with nature, but during the Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration, there are some special events you won’t want to miss. From ranch clean-ups to docent-led walks, Fiscalini Ranch is sure to bring out the outdoorsman (or woman) in you! The first Ranch Walk of 2018 is on January 13, and docent walks take place throughout the month. You can find more information about activities on their website.
Cambria Art & Wine Festival
In true Cambria spirit, the Art & Wine Festival combines two major pieces of Cambria’s personality into one wonderful weekend. From Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28, patrons can learn about local wine and local art all in one place. Festival highlights include shopping specials, wine tasting, wine pairing, raffle prizes, live demonstrations by artists, an art show, silent auction and more! Click here to purchase tickets, and don’t forget to book your stay, too!
Hands-On Citizen Science Outing in San Simeon Cove
Just a few miles up the road from Cambria is San Simeon, which, among other things, features the Coastal Discovery Center. The Citizen Science outing provides visitors with the knowledge and resources to help protect our sacred marine life. The Plankton Monitoring Program takes place weekly on Saturdays, and is a kid-friendly option for those passionate about saving our oceans. For more information, check out the San Simeon Activities Guide page.
Cambria Clean-Up Kit & Appreciation Tote Bag
Giving guests are always invited to help clean up Cambria! You can pick up your kit at the local Visitor Center and head down to Moonstone Beach for stunning views while you make a difference for the marine life in the area.
Elephant Seal Exploratory Tours
Every Saturday during January and February at the elephant seal rookery, the Exploratory will feature a presentation on northern elephant seals, followed by a question and answer period with a panel of Friends of the Elephant Seal’s most experienced guides. Each Exploratory Rookery Tour will assemble at Cavalier Plaza. Doors open for coffee at 9:30 a.m. and the presentation begins at 10 a.m., lasting about 90 minutes. The Rookery Tour will be assembled 30 minutes later at the kiosk south of the parking lot of Elephant Seal Vista Point. The Piedras Blancas Northern Elephant Seal Rookery is located 8 miles north of San Simeon on Highway 1. Admission is free, and reservations are welcome but not required.
These are only a few of the incredible events happening during the annual celebration. If you would like more information you can visit their website. Bring your family, bring your friends and bring your sense of adventure to the fifth annual Coastal Discovery & Stewardship Celebration.