Without Hearst Castle, Cambria would be just another farming town, but being next to the state’s number-two tourist attraction (after Disneyland) has turned Cambria into quite a busy little hive. Apart from a few hokey, tourist-trapping souvenir shops at the north end of town, it’s a casual, walkable, and franchise-free community of arts and crafts galleries, boutiques, and good restaurants; from Hwy-1, Main Street makes a three-mile loop around to the east, running through the heart of town.
Above Cambria, a folk-art landmark known as Nit Wit Ridge ($10; 805/927-2690) was built by the eccentric artist Art Beal, who used old Busch beer cans, sea shells, roof tiles, and broken-down car parts to build, over 50 years starting in the late 1920s, what is often called a “Poor Man’s Hearst Castle.” The sprawling three-story house, with great views and intriguing details, is now open for tours at 881 Hillcrest Drive.
Back in town, hearty breakfasts are available at the Redwood Cafe (805/927-4830) at 2094 Main Street, while well-prepared multiethnic and vegetarian food is on the menu at Robin’s (805/927-5007), a half block off Main Street at 4095 Burton Drive. For BBQ, check out the Main Street Grill (805/927-3194), at 603 Main Street. Places to stay range from standard motels like the Bluebird Inn ($70 and up; 805/927-4634), at 1880 Main Street, to the spacious suites and cabins at rustic Cambria Pines Lodge ($140 and up; 805/927-4200), on a hill above Hwy-1 at 2905 Burton Drive.
Five miles south of Cambria, Harmony (pop. 18) is a former dairy town turned arts and crafts colony, with a range of galleries and a small wedding chapel. Another diverting little town, Cayucos, sits along the coast 10 miles farther south.
