What to Do in Cambria This Summer

Start with a Beach Walk and a Fresh-Baked Treat

There is no better way to begin a summer day in Cambria than with a walk along the shore, keeping an eye out for smooth moonstones washed up by the tide. The marine layer usually burns off by mid-morning, leaving you with bright, breezy skies perfect for exploring. After working up an appetite, head straight to Sandy's Deli and Bakery. Grab one of their fresh deli sandwiches or a pastry to enjoy as you continue your morning stroll through the village.

Sandy's Deli and Bakery — Arrive early for the best pastry selection; their fresh sandwiches are perfect for a beach picnic.

Tip: Park along Moonstone Beach Drive early in the morning. The spots right near the boardwalk fill up quickly once the coastal fog clears.

Sip Your Way Through the Village

Cambria's wine scene thrives in the summer heat. The afternoons are ideal for ducking into a cool, relaxed tasting room. Start at Moonstone Cellars right in the heart of town for a taste of their handcrafted local wines. If you want to explore regional producers from Paso Robles and beyond, Wise Owl and Co. offers a brilliantly curated flight selection in a cozy, stylish space. For small-lot premium pours, make your way over to Twin Coyotes Winery. Their relaxed setting makes it incredibly easy to lose an afternoon to good conversation and great wine.

Moonstone Cellars — Their Central Coast varietals are perfect for a summer afternoon; ask about their latest red blends.

Wise Owl and Co. — An excellent stop for sampling a wide variety of regional Paso Robles producers all in one room.

Twin Coyotes Winery — Seek out their small-lot releases for a truly unique taste of the local terroir.

Tip: Most tasting rooms in the village are within easy walking distance of each other, so wear comfortable shoes and leave the car parked.

Browse the East Village Art Galleries

When the sun is at its highest, retreat to the shade of the East Village and immerse yourself in Cambria's thriving art scene. The variety here is astounding. For breathtaking depictions of the local coastline, spend some time at the Terry DeLapp Gallery taking in his signature California plein air landscapes. If you prefer contemporary local works, The Vault Gallery, housed in a historic old bank building, offers an incredibly elegant backdrop for fine art and jewelry. Don't skip Gallerie LuLu, a beautifully curated space that perfectly captures the creative, independent spirit of the Central Coast.

Terry DeLapp Gallery — His plein air paintings beautifully capture the exact summer light you'll experience on the coast.

The Vault Gallery — Look up when you walk in to appreciate the historic architecture of this former bank building.

Gallerie LuLu — A fantastic stop for discovering unique pieces from emerging regional artists.

Hunt for Coastal Antiques

Cambria is a collector's dream, and summer is the perfect time to meander through the town's many antique shops. You can easily spend an entire afternoon treasure hunting. Start at Antiques on Main, where the diverse collection of vintage items always yields a surprise. Then, weave your way over to Darla's Antiques, a local favorite for carefully curated coastal finds. Finally, pop into Granny Had One to dig through their beautifully preserved selection of collectibles. You are almost guaranteed to find a unique piece of California history to take home.

Antiques on Main — A great place to start your Main Street treasure hunt; check their seasonal vintage jewelry displays.

Darla's Antiques — Their tightly curated selection means every item in the shop is worth a close look.

Granny Had One — Take your time digging through the shelves here—you never know what nostalgic piece you'll uncover.

Toast the Sunset with a Local Pint

As the day cools down and the sky shifts to vibrant shades of pink and orange, cap off your summer evening at the Cambria Ale House. This is the perfect, unpretentious spot to gather after a long day of exploring. Grab a craft beer, find a spot to relax, and toast to a perfect summer day on the Central Coast. If you prefer to take your evening drinks down to the beach, swing by Bob and Jan's Bottle Shop first to stock up on a curated selection of local spirits and wines for a sunset picnic.

Cambria Ale House — Ask the bartender for their current local craft taps; the casual atmosphere is perfect for sunset.

Bob and Jan's Bottle Shop — The best stop in town for picking up a special bottle to enjoy with an ocean view.

Tip: Sunset over the Pacific happens early in the summer compared to the rest of California. Check the exact time and arrive at your viewing spot at least 20 minutes prior to catch the best colors.