The picturesque town of Cambria is located just south of San Simeon State Park, California, one of the oldest and most beautiful parks in the state park system. The dramatic splendor of this portion of the central coast is one of California's best kept secrets. With unspoiled beaches and dramatic nature trails, this uniquely beautiful area offers pristine coastlines and dazzling vistas.Cambria can be divided into three distinct sections. The East Village, where Main Street crosses Burton Drive and Bridge Street, forms part of the town center. About 2 miles from the coast, the East Village is comprised of beautiful old Victorians houses that date back to the 1870s. Many of these are now home to art galleries, shops, boutiques, bookstores, fine restaurants and inns.
The West Village, which is located around Main Street and closer to the ocean, also offers charming streets lined by similar attractions. Many of the fine restaurants serve an interesting variety of cuisine-often complemented by a bottle of local wine. The Cambria Chamber of Commerce is located in West Village, offering visitor information about Cambria and the surrounding area.
Moonstone Drive and Moonstone Beach form the third section of Cambria. Moonstone Drive follows the coast on a scenic loop that parallels Highway 1. It offers a variety of lodging and dining options as well as wonderful shopping, but don't miss the natural lure of the area. Rather than the more common white sand beaches of southern California, Moonstone Beach is made up of small pebbles, polished smooth by the sea. Spend some time combing the sand for driftwood and gemstones; you're sure to find hidden treasures including jasper, jade, and the moonstone agates for which the beach is named.
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