The central California seaside town of Cambria has a bit of a storybook air sprinkled with happily-ever-afters due to nearby Hearst Castle being built with Cambria resources and labor. There was also a shipwreck where all the imperiled crew members were rescued by the townspeople of Cambria.
Located between colorful San Francisco and bustling LA, Cambria is a charming small town within a day's drive to two of Cali's favorite big cities
The central California seaside town of Cambria has a bit of a storybook air sprinkled with happily-ever-afters due to nearby Hearst Castle being built with Cambria resources and labor. There was also a shipwreck where all the imperiled crew members were rescued by the townspeople of Cambria.
Located between colorful San Francisco and bustling LA, Cambria is a charming small town within a day's drive to two of Cali's favorite big cities. A happening part of the West Coast since prehistoric times, Cambria has attracted many due to its seaside locale, natural resources, abundant sea life, and laid back attitude. Its natural beauty on the shoreline and small town vibes which include a lack of chain and big box stores, allows it to continue to lure in artists, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts with its siren song of easy going people and sweet sea breezes. The natural features under and around Cambria are especially important as it is situated on a super-sized sandstone slab (thankfully the on-the-nose name of Slabtown didn't stick) and has two respected underwater conservation communities beneath its waters. Both White Rock State Marine Conservation Area and Cambria State Marine Conservation Area are protected marine communities that allow indigenous wildlife and ecosystems to continue to flourish. Added to that are the Monterey Pines and Moonstone Beach, creating a diverse array of backdrops for those who settle here and lots of reasons to get outdoors to enjoy all of that California sunshine.
The Pines by the Sea, as Cambria is sometimes referred to, offers an idyllic California coastal lifestyle which entices new residents and visitors. Those considering a move to Cambria should know that spring starts the tourism season, reaching its height in the summer months, and finding apartments for rent or townhouses for rent in Cambria should wait until the tourism season has ended. Checking out the town during the offseason may be a good idea, as life in Cambria can be quite different without tourists and their cameras hanging around.
Finding Rental Property
Those searching for rental property in Cambria will feel almost as if they are searching for mythical mermaids in this waterfront wonderland. Sure there are lots of rentals for visitors, but most of the residential real estate is inhabited by owners. Since landlords can fetch much higher rents by charging by the night or week it is hard to find a house to rent as a full-time tenant. When conducting an apartment search wait until the fall and see if you any landlords will accept you as a 6 month renter. Not only does this buy you some time to find a longer lease, but it gives the landlord guaranteed income until the tourists return for the warmer weather. Also, consider homeowners looking to rent out part of a home or those wanting to take on a roommate to reduce expenses. Allow more than the usual four week time frame to find homes or condos for rent. Nearby San Luis Obispo (SLO) has a greater selection of rental properties, and those needing a place quickly can sublet in SLO while combing Cambria for the perfect place.
As with many waterfront towns, the shift in the area's housing and prices vary due to proximity to the water. Cambria is not neatly divided into named neighborhoods but focusing on waterfront or inland locales is best for selecting a place to live here.
Waterfront Cambria: The westernmost part of town includes Moonstone Beach and neighboring Moonstone Beach Drive where million dollar views are not merely a figure of speech, although there are a few more affordable properties buried in this coveted location. The small West Village along Main Street is found here and offers shopping, dining, and art galleries.
Inland Cambria: The architecturally nifty Nit Wit Ridge, Cambria Historical Museum, and part of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve defines this part of town not directly on the water but still boasting of sea breezes and sunny skies. The counterpart to the West Village, the tiny East Village between Burton Drive and Bridge Street on Main Street offers its own shopping and dining along with 19th century Victorian properties.
Residing in one of California's treasured coast towns does bring a more chilled out lifestyle with little traffic, but it doesn't mean your evenings are limited to star gazing or Netflix watching. Locals stay as busy as they want in this town with plenty to do, lots of outdoor opportunities, and great eats.
Things to Do
An arts scene that includes the Cambria Art and Wine Festival, the Little Theater, and Instrumental Musical Ensemble pleases art lovers of all kinds, while the busy festival circuit includes the Cambria Festival of the Trees, Cambria Chili Cook-Off and Classic Car Show, Pinedorado Days, and a Scarecrow Festival just to name a few. Plus the many attractions in town as well as big city highlights in San Fran and LA ensure that there never is a reason to call mom and moan, "I'm bored."
Great Outdoors
Beaches mean water sports, and the area's great stretches of green space and geological formations lend themselves to hiking, biking, rock collecting and the usual park activities. A niche sport in Cambria that newcomers should check out is lawn bowling. Yes, it's a sport, and pretty popular in this town. Camping areas provide even more opportunities to be one with nature or at least grill a hot dog outside.
Out to Eat
Although the selection of grocery stores is pretty sparse in this small town, the dining scene is one of Cambria's celebrated assets. Bloody Marys and al fresco dining at Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill to seared scallops at the swanky Black Cat Bistro shows the range of dining to be found here. Along with bakeries and taco stands, hungry Cambrians can choose from casual to fancy pants places to grab a bite.
Getting Around
Buses ease the need for four wheels to get around, but typically cannot take the place of a car to get everywhere. The San Luis Obispo RTA has one stop in town at Main Street and Burton, but offers service all week long and is great for getting to nearby towns. Cambria also has a free bus known as the Otter, but it only runs Thursday through Monday during the peak summer season.
