Cambria Sightseeing

30 Art Galleries including one of the top Glass Art Galleries in the Nation. See fine art produced by famous local artists as well as international artists. Watch artist work at their studios. Purchase as much as you like and have it shipped home.Moonstone Beach – Pick up semi-precious jasper stones of all colors on the beach. Enjoy the tide pools full of crabs, sea anemones, fish, and sometimes starfish and an octopus or two. Climb the cliffs to the left of Shamel Park and see indentations in the rock where Chumash Indian women ground acorns.

Laugh with the Sea Otters at play, the occasional northern fur-bearing seal, or drive up Highway 1, 12 miles north of Cambria, just south of Piedras Blancas lighthouse to see the Elephant Seals.

Watch for whales from Leffingwell Landing while you picnic and photograph the spectacular views of waves crashing on the rocks.

Culture abounds in Cambria; Listen to live jazz bands and music of every genre at local restaurants and night spots. Enjoy plays at one of our local theaters. Relax! Enjoy wine tasting, at one of Cambria’s wine tasting rooms or tour the Paso Robles wine country near by. Start with Harmony Cellars, our closest winery just five miles south of Cambria. Then head west to the other wineries off Hwy 46, 2 miles south of Cambria.

Visit Hearst Castle
An architectural wonder designed by Julia Morgan in an era when female architects were few. The Enchanted Castle fulfilled the dream of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst to build a European style castle filled with fine art atop his favorite mountain on his ranch in San Simeon. In the Santa Lucia Mountains of California on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, craftsmen labored nearly 28 years to create a magnificent estate of 165 rooms, and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools, and walkways. Its rooms were furnished with an impressive collection of Spanish and Italian antiques and art. Its name is La Cuesta Encantada "The Enchanted Hill".

The Castle is open for tours daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, Four daytime tours and one Evening Tour are available in the Spring and Fall. Tickets are sold for specific tour times and may be charged to your MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card. Tours depart from the Visitor Center by bus at the time printed on the ticket. An audio tape program provides background information during the 15 minute, 5-mile trip to the Castle. Since tours often sell out in advance, reservations are recommended. For Reservations 1-800-444-4445.

Reservations may also be made in person at the Hearst Castle ticket office, open daily.National Geographic Theater Hearst Castle A film so big, you can't miss it! Experience 5-story tall movies! Located in San Simeon at the Hearst Castle Visitor Center. For Show Times call 805-927-6811. Ticket Information

Tour California State Historic Landmark #939, "Nit Wit Ridge”

A three level house on 2 1/2 acres of terraced rock gardens. It was created by one man by the name of Arthur Beal, (Capt. Nit Wit, Der Tinkerpaw) who created this environment out of collected materials.

Stroll The Streets of Cambria
A charming village still quiet and quaint but teeming with culture. Shop the unique shops where you’ll find crafts and wares you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.

Look for mouth blown glass, toy soldiers, whimsical timepieces, hand fired and dressed porcelain dolls, wearable art, antiques, cat & dog collectibles, Native American crafts, country keepsakes and myriad other treasures.

If You Enjoy Touring

Drive or mountain bike the 18 mile Santa Rosa Creek Road. Start off Main St. and take the leisurely 2 hour winding drive with charming views of farming and ranching as it has been for a century. Stop at Linn's Berry Farm to tour and sample their world famous Olallieberry pies and preserves. What kind of berry? An Olallieberry is two-thirds blackberry and one-third European red raspberry.

For sports Enthusiasts
Hike the trails at Moonstone Beach Drive, Santa Rosa Creek Road or San Simeon State Beach. Play Tennis at Coast Union High School campus, Volleyball at the lodge, swim at the heated pool at Shamel park or the heated pools at many of the local inns. Surf or windsurf from charter boats out of Morro Bay, 20 minutes south. Have Fun!

Activities

VIRG'S LANDING Morro Bay 1215 Embarcadero 762-5263 Whale watching and fishing. 20 minutes south, live bate, tackle licenses, rentals.

FRIENDS OF THE ELEPHANT SEALS 924-1628 P.O. Box 490, Cambria,93428 Come visit our new office at 250 San Simeon Ave. Ste 3B, in The Cavalier Plaza, San Simeon, 3 miles north of Cambria. Dedicated to educating people about elephant seals and other marine life.

Art Galleries

MELANEE SYLVESTER GALLERY 724 Main St. 927-5450 Featuring paints in the early California Impressionist style, Florals, landscapes & seascapes.

ARTIFACTS GALLERY 775 Main St. (800) 927-7335 or 927-4465 Extensive selection of country’s top artists, creative custom framing, prints & originals. Disney collectables.

CASA de ORO JEWELRY 4090 Burton Dr. #5 / 927-5444 Custom jewelry designing, repairs, weddings, chains, charms and unique "one of a kind" jewelry featuring local and U.S. artists. Local Cambria and San Luis County artists work on display and for sale. Serving Cambria for 23 years in the same location.

GALLERY OF WEARABLE ART at the PORTEHOUSE 4015 West St. / 927-2492 A boutique specializing in one-of-a-kind fashions, sizes small thru 3X, unique accessories, fine art, and unusual home interior items.

HOME ARTS 727 Main St. 927-2787 Unique home & bath furnishings, perfumes, ceramics, textiles.

HOWARD KLINE GALLERY 750 Sheffield Street (west village) 805-927-2917 One of the few artist-run galleries in the country. Howard creates charming and expressive watercolors in brilliant colors. Buy direct from the artist. Gallery established in 1972. Purchase securely online @HowardKline.com or visit the gallery. Open daily 11-5

MOONSTONES GALLERY 4070 Burton Dr. 800-424-3827 or 927-3447 "Where American imagination takes shape." Ceramics, glass, jewelry, waterfalls, wood clocks, kaleidoscopes, metal, fashion accessories.

PAPER OMELETTE www.paperomelette.com 2026 Main St. / 927-2249 One-of-a-kind handmade books, cards, letterpress stationery, writing accoutrements, papers from around the world, objects d'art and original paintings.

SEEKERS GALLERY Burton/Center St. (800) 841-5250 or 927-4352 Museum quality American glass art by 250 leading artists.

STEPHANIE'S SPECIAL CREATIONS 927-4272 Original hand painted designs on wearable art: Duster length jackets, vests, overalls, children's clothing; as well as note cards, matted prints, wall & floor art. For a note card catalog, call me! Studio open by appointment only.

TERESA BELLE GALLERY & GIFTS 766 Main St. 927-4556 Eclectic collection of fine arts and unique gift items handmade by some of the areas finest artisans and craftspeople.

VISIONS OF NATURE PHOTOGRAPHHY GALLERY 784 D Main St. 888-201-7555 or 927-0740 Large format landscape nautre photography printed on Ilfochrome paper.

Bike & Kayak Rentals

CALIFORNIA KAYAKS COMPANY 927-1744 In William Randolph Hearst Park ~ 6 miles north of Cambria in San Simeon Cove Located on the beach at Hearst State Park. We rent kayaks with instructions and assist in and out. We also rent boogie boards & wetsuits. We have hourly rates for kayaks and also conduct guided tours.

CAMBRIA BICYCLE OUTFITTERS 926-2230 - 1602 Main Street. We’ve still got that old shack of a shop in “downtown” Cambria, complete with some museum pieces. (For the old-timers out there, yes, that was us in the original issue of Mountain Bike Action – and every issue since!) This is still ride HQ for some of the best singletrack on the California coast.Â

Fishing/Whale Watching

VIRG'S LANDING Morro Bay 1215 Embarcadero 772-1222 Fishing and whale-watching tours. Live bate, tackle, licenses, rentals.

Historical Landmark

NIT WIT RIDGE 881 Hillcrest Drive (West Village) 927-2690 Michael & Stacey O'Malley. Nit Wit Ridge is California State Historic Landmark #939. It consists of a three level house on 2 1/2 acres of terraced rock walled gardens. It was created by one man by the name of Arthur Beal, (Capt. Nit Wit, Der Tinkerpaw) who used rocks, wood, abalone shells, beer cans, tile, car parts, TV antennas and miscellaneous nick knacks. Reservations are required to tour the entire house and grounds. The tour is approximately 45 minutes, which includes a 4-minute video. Call Michael & Stacey for a tour.

PIEDRAS BLANCAS LIGHT STATION The Piedras Blancas Light Station became operational in 1875 and was originally operated by the United State Lighthouse Service. The construction of light house was completed in 1875 with additional support facilities constructed in later years. Modern times saw the operation of the Light Station as a function of the United States Coast Guard. In 2001, the Coast Guard relinquished the site to the BLM, which actively manages the historic light station. BLM’s mission as a federal agency is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations with a vision to enhance the quality of life for all citizens through the balanced stewardship of America’s public lands and resources. Recently the Light Station was designated an Outstanding Natural Area by an Act of Congress, which highlights the importance of the Station as a natural and historical national resource.

The light house was originally fitted with a Fresnel lens to light the way for marine craft. However, the lens was replaced with an automatic electric beacon in 1949 after the top of the lighthouse was damaged. When the lens was removed, the "Friends of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse" preserved it and placed it on public display in the "lantern room" located at the Pinedorado Grounds on Main Street in Cambria.

Tours are available to view the Light Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., and on the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Information on the mid-week tours may be obtained by calling (805) 927-7361. Currently, donations are requested in lieu of tour fees for the mid-week tours. Tickets for the Saturday tours are sold at the Hearst Castle Visitors Center on the day of the event. For information and to make reservations call (805) 927-6811. Tickets for the Saturday tour are $15 per person. Children under the age of 16 years are free. www.piedrasblancas.gov

Tours

OTTER-MOBILE TOURS & CHARTERS 831-649-4523 In addition to golfing, shopping and some of the most breath-taking scenery in the world, the Central Coast offers an endless assortment of activities and learning opportunities. Let Otter-Mobile Tours give you the entire experience!

WINE AFFAIR (800) 445-6868 or 805-927-4200 Enjoy the scenic beauty and friendly country ambiance of the Paso Robles Wine Country. Today, there are more than 25 wineries and 100 vineyards throughout this scenic region. Our half-day Wine Country Tours take you to a few of the area's finer wineries and where you will see the vineyards and production facilities as well as taste some excellent vintages. Picnic lunch provided. Groups Welcome!

Wine Tasting

HARMONY CELLARS 3255 Harmony Valley Rd. Harmony 927-1625 Taste award-winning wines at this small family owned winery. Nestled in the hills overlooking the quaint, artisan town of Harmony, just off Highway 1, Harmony Cellars Winery produces award-winning wines and offers a remarkable view of the coastal countryside.

Owners Chuck and Kim Mulligan built their winery to reflect the unique country atmosphere of the surrounding area. Roam the gardens, lounge in the gazebo or pack some goodies to enjoy with Harmony Cellars wine in the picnic area.

BLACK HAND CELLARS 66 W. Main Street · 805.927.9463 One of Cambria's most delightful treasures can be found in the West Village. Tucked into a sweet little courtyard is the ultra cool tasting room for Black Hand Cellars, a local boutique winery. Taste the fine varietals and visit with the helpful staff. Tom and Terrie also spent a great deal of time here so you can chat with them about their passion, Black Hand Cellars. Address 7Website http://www.blackhandcellars.com

FERMENTATIONS 4056 Burton Dr. 927-7141 Wine & gourmet food tasting,unique gifts, gift baskets

MOONSTONE CELLARS 927-9466 OR 877-517-WINE (9463). Our tasting room is located in Cambria’s “West Village” at 801 Main Street at the corner of Main and Sheffield Streets. There you’ll find gifts, open bottles of award-winning wines, and a great time! When not making wine, Todd will be your host. He gladly discusses the wines in detail with you in a fun and engaging way. We are open daily from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Wine tasting is $5 per person for six tastes, or for another $5 you can also keep the souvenir tasting glass.