Well, it’s official. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Cambria, California is one of the country’s best small towns to visit in 2022. Situated equidistant (a little under 4 hours) between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Cambia in Northern California is a town full of charm, beauty, and a wealth of activities that attract visitors from near and far. Read on to learn more about the things to do in Cambria and why you should add this small town to your list of places to visit when you’re in Northern California.

Cambria, California is located in San Luis Obispo County off the infamous Highway 1 along the California coast.
John Elk/the Image Bank via Getty Images
The name, which dates back to the late 1800s, comes from the Latin language and actually means Wales. Its population currently hovers around 5,500 residents.
The spectacular beauty and diverse topography here are among what draw folks from all over to visit Cambria in Northern California.
Joe Josephs / 500px/500px via Getty Images
One of the best places to get a little taste of the overall al fresco flair is by visiting the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. The preserve encompasses an inland forest, a verdant and wildlife-abundant marine area, and dramatic coastline bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Cambia, California is one of the best small towns in Northern California to go to If you’re looking for a romantic getaway too.
Olallieberry Inn Website
Here you’ll find a wide array of accommodation options, including numerous bed and breakfast inns where you and your significant other can relax and enjoy the enchanting landscape.
Named after the city’s famous olallieberries, a scrumptious blackberry variety, The Olallieberry Inn is a town favorite in Cambria, California.
Olallieberry Inn Website
You’ll enjoy luxury at every turn here, including full hot gourmet breakfast, tea, hors d’oeuvres, wine in the afternoons, and freshly baked cookies.

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One of the many things to do in Cambria is to take a look at the art galleries scattered around town too.
The Vault Gallery/Google Maps
The Vault Gallery is one of the most well-known in Cambria, California. Founded in 1991 and situated in the Historic Bank Building, the art showcased here features beautiful photography, paintings, sculptures, and other artistic mediums.
The restaurant scene is another reason why Cambria is one of the best towns in NorCal. Foodies will definitely find a home here, where gastronomic adventures abound around every corner.
Cambria Pines Lodge/Facebook
Restaurants in town span the gamut from coastal cuisine to Thai, Mexican, Greek, Italian, and more.
The town’s Cambria Pines Lodge also has a restaurant inside called the Cambria Pines Lodge Restaurant. The menu here includes great steaks and fresh farm-to-table creations among other tasty fares
Cambria Pines Lodge/Facebook
Therefore, make dining one of the things to do in Cambria.
Recreational options in Cambria in Northern California include horseback riding, hiking, cycling, bird and whale watching, and other activities.
VeloCambria/Google Maps
If you don’t have your own wheels, a great place to rent some for the day or weekend is at VeloCambria. The entity rents traditional bikes, e-bikes, has a café, and offers guided cycling tours. This is also another fun way to discover why Cambria is one of the best towns in NorCal.

Awe-inspiring beauty, a wealth of recreational activities, amazing food, and inviting accommodations. This is only the beginning of what you’ll experience in Cambria, California, one of the best small towns to visit in 2022.

Have you been to Cambria in NorCal? If so, what did you enjoy the most? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there.

If you’re looking for other amazing small towns to explore, check out these 15 picturesque Northern California spots.

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More to Explore

Cambria, California

Marla S. | September 14, 2022

What are the most charming small towns in NorCal?

Along with Cambria in Northern California, there are many other sweet towns in the state that are worthy of a visit. Per this list of small towns in NorCal, some will make you feel as if you've been transported back in time. Others on this list of best towns in NorCal offer stunning water views and serene landscapes. And, if you'd like to explore other parts of the state, take a look at this list of 10 charming small towns in SoCal.

What is the most unique town in NorCal?

While Cambria, California is full of charm, there are other towns in Northern California that have their own flair too. Weed, California takes the title as one of the most unusual places to go for a visit when you're heading to Mount Shasta. Along with its quirky name and stunning surroundings, Weed's unique vibe includes family-run businesses and a massive welcome arch as you enter the town.

What are the friendliest towns in NorCal?

Some of the best towns in NorCal have stunning scenery, quaint downtown areas, and friendly people. Known as the "Gateway to the Sierras", Clovis, California is a sweet town with a chill and welcoming vibe that appeals to visitors. Another friendly town worth checking out is is Livermore in Northern California thanks to its small-town feel.

 

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