Cambria has a variety of hiking and biking trails for
outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. Enjoy a leisurely
stroll along boardwalk at Moonstone Beach Dr or challenge
yourself with an intense biking experience. There are
plenty of choices when you visit Cambria, California.
Leffingwell Landing Park. Enjoy views of sea
birds, sea otters, and migrating California Gray Whales
as you walk along the bluff trail toward San Simeon
Creek.
San Simeon Beach State Park. With spectacular
scenery that includes rocky shoreline and pine forests,
San Simeon State Park offers a variety of hiking trails,
wetlands, campgrounds, monarch butterflies, and views
of migratory birds like mallards, egrets and herons.
East West Ranch. This 436-acre ranch includes
several outstanding trails for hikers and bikers of
all skill levels. The bluff trail is an easy stroll
offering fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Berry Trail. Access this steep, unimproved
trail at the end of Pine Court. This trail is very popular
with mountain bikers, but experienced hikers looking
for a challenge will enjoy the hike as well.
Santa Rosa Creek. A wide trail running along
and above the west side of Santa Rosa Creek, this trail
includes two moderately difficult and steep sections,
and is popular for both hiking and biking.
Bicycle Rentals: Ace Hardware offers bicycle rentals
for adults and children.
All rentals include a free helmet. The store is open
from 8am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and 10am to
5pm on Sunday.
Address: 1266 Tamson Drive Cambria CA 93428 805 927-9930
Elephant Seal Rookery. Located seven miles
north of San Simeon, the Piedras Blancas elephant seal
rookery offers visitors the chance to see more than
8,000 elephant seals living and mating in their natural
habitat. The breeding season runs from December through
April, with elephant seals visiting the area throughout
the summer and fall months. For more information call
Friends of the Elephant Seal, 924-1628.
Cambria Art Galleries. With more than 30 art
galleries offering everything from art glass to watercolor
painting, nature photography to handmade jewelry, you’ll
find the best work from well-known local artists and
craftsmen in Cambria’s quaint downtown area.
Nitt Wit Ridge. Nit Wit Ridge is a California
State Historic Landmark in Cambria. It is located at
881 Hillcrest Drive. Nitt Wit Ridge is a house built
entirely of found objects. The house stood vacant for
nearly a decade before being purchased by Michael and
Stacey O'Malley who give guided tours (805-927-2690).
They have a sign hanging in front of the building stating
the time of the next tour or you can call to make an
appointment. The tours last about 45 minutes and are
a complete walkthrough of the house and the grounds
led by someone who has researched the life of Mr. Beal.
They ask for a donation of $10 per person for upkeep
of the property. Nitt Wit Ridge is the perfect foil
to all the excesses of Hearst Castle and it is arguably
the most unique thing about Cambria. It is well worth
a drive-by viewing even if you don’t tour the property.
Cambria Farmer’s Market. Every Friday at the
Veteran’s Memorial Hall the Farmer’s Market is held
from 2:30pm -5:00pm. The market offers fruits, flowers
and vegetables grown on farms and orchards throughout
Central California. Fresh baked goods, pies, BBQ and
many other gourmet items add to the culinary fun. Call
805 927-4715 for more information.
Hearst Castle. The famous palatial estate
of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, Hearst
Castle is a 250,000-acre ranch overlooking the Pacific
Ocean in San Simeon. With spectacular buildings designed
by San Francisco architect Julia Morgan, the estate
is a wild blend of architectural styles inspired by
Hearst’s travels through Europe. Highlights include
an outdoor pool featuring an ancient Roman temple transported
from Europe and reconstructed at the site, ancient mosaic
floors, 127 acres of gardens, and the world's largest
private zoo with zebras and other exotic animals still
roaming the grounds. Call 800 444-4445 for ticket and
tour information
Wineries. The Paso Robles area produces a
variety of fine wines that are prized by connoisseurs
and distinctive restaurants throughout the world. With
over 150 award winning wineries, it is the third largest
grape growing region in the country. When you register
at the Blue Dolphin Inn ask for a Wine Country brochure
and enjoy a self guided tour.
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