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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Cambria
Central Coast California
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The little
town of Cambria is nestled among beautiful pine trees
and the Pacific Ocean. The area where Cambria is today
started out as the property of Mission San Miguel. After
the Spanish lost their claim to California, the land was
sold and granted out. During the 1860’s, investors
eagerly purchased the prime central coast land.
One man built a store, another a hotel, another a tavern,
and so on. The interesting fact is that the first five
men were all named George. Lull’s store, on the
corner of Bridge and Main Streets, was built by George
Lull in 1865. Cambria ended up growing very quickly and
soon was the second largest town in San Luis Obispo County.
The first name given to the town was “Slabtown”
because the buildings were all created from large left-over
slabs of wood. The lumber industry thrived until people
started wanting to conserve the forest. Mining, dairy
farming, and grain crops were the main industries for
many years. Today the main industry in Cambria are the
thousands of visitors that enjoy the charms of this quaint
central coast village.
The Pacific Ocean lends its beauty and cool temperatures
to the residents and visitors of Cambria. The rock formations
that have been created from years of crashing waves are
amazing. Just across Highway 1 is the forest of huge pine
trees that were saved from the lumber industry. All within
one walk, you can experience a wide variety of sights,
sounds, and smells. |
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Boardwalk Cambria Coast |
Cambria is known for its
gardens. They seem to be everywhere in town. You can find
them between shops, along the streets, and at most homes.
They range from veggies to some of the most beautiful flower
gardens you will see.
Take a drive up Hillcrest Drive and tour the home known
as Nitt Witt Ridge. Arthur Harold Beal who was a recluse
and self proclaimed artist was also the town trash collector.
He saved items that everyone else was throwing away.
It took him 50 years to build his castle on a hill. With
a shovel and a hammer he chiseled away at the hillside and
built himself his own little mansion completely out of other
people’s trash, salvaged materials, and beach-combed
junk.
Nitt Witt Ridge ia a California Historic Landmark and one
of California's remarkable 20th century folk art environments.
Free tours of the house and grounds are available.
Phil Hauser Art & Design is one of the art galleries
where you can observe or purchase original works of art
from local artists. The Allied Arts Gallery is in an old
one room schoolhouse that has been preserved for many years.
Shamel Park is a kid and dog friendly park where you can
unwind, go to the beach, play horseshoes, or have a picnic.
Close beaches include San Simeon State Park Beach, William
Hearst State Park, and Moonstone Beach. Up by Moonstone
Beach is the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse. This used to be
a whaling station for California and is now open for tours
and some awesome photography opportunities.
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Nitt Witt Ridge Cambria |
Cambria Coast |
Just up the road from Cambria is the sight
that thousands of people come to see every year. The mating,
nesting, and molting of thousands of elephant seals takes
place from January through the summer. They are amazing
creatures that will give you quite a show.
While you are in San Simeon, who cannot stop at Hearst
Castle? The amazing and immense castle built by William
Hearst, is an attraction that draws worldwide attention.
Located just up Highway 1 from San Luis
Obispo and Morro Bay and just south of Big Sur and Monterey,
Cambria is a great location for a day trip or that romantic
getaway you have been waiting for.
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Hearst
Castle is about 12 miles north of Cambria.
Must see destination. |
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San
Luis Obispo quiet little college town
where students, residents, and tourists mingle. |
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Fog
Catcher Inn steps from Moonstone Beach.
Fireplace in every room for romantic getaway. |
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Morro
Bay activities including kayaking,
fishing, shopping and guided harbor tours. |
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