Major city · United States
Cambria
Give Cambria one night, two if you want Hearst Castle and the elephant seals: it is a Highway 1 stop, not a base.
Cambria is a small coastal town on Highway 1 in San Luis Obispo County, about 10 miles south of San Simeon and Hearst Castle. Most travellers use it as a one-night stop between Monterey and Santa Barbara, or as a quieter alternative to Morro Bay. The village has restaurants and inns; Moonstone Beach Drive has the oceanfront motels and the cliff boardwalk. A car is the practical way to arrive and to reach the castle and the seal colony.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (fog and crowds), Dec holidays (Christmas market traffic)
- Airports
- SBP · SFO · LAX
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cambria911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- San Luis Obispo County Sheriff (non-emergency)805-781-4550
- Caltrans road conditions800-427-7623
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cambria, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyCambria is a low-crime small town and generally safe for visitors.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 805-781-4550 San Luis Obispo County Sheriff (non-emergency) · 800-427-7623 Caltrans road conditions
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSBP San Luis Obispo County Regional (About 35 miles south by car; the closest airport with scheduled flights.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical way to arrive and to reach Hearst Castle and the elephant seals.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner main$25–40
- Street or quick mealDeli sandwich or takeaway lunch$10–16
- BeerBeer or glass of wine$8–15
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–30
- Museum or sight ticketHearst Castle tour ticket$25–35 (check)
- Budget bedFamily suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$220
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$220
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$400
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$110 · Mid US$180 · High US$320
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SBP San Luis Obispo County Regional (About 35 miles south by car; the closest airport with scheduled flights.) · SFO San Francisco International (About 230 miles north by car; a full driving day on Highway 1.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 230 miles south by car; usually the cheaper flight, then a 4-hour drive.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Feb
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Mar
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jul
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jan (6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C) low), wettest Jan (8 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cambria: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
Feb
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
4 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
Jun
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical way to arrive and to reach Hearst Castle and the elephant seals. In town, SLO Regional Transit Authority runs buses along Main Street and Moonstone Beach Drive; check current routes and times before you rely on them. The village is walkable once you park.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
San Simeon and Hearst Castle
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive Highway 1 north about 10 miles
Castle tours are by timed ticket; book ahead. Elephant seals haul out on the beach just north of town, mostly in winter.
Morro Bay
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive Highway 1 south about 20 miles
Harbour, the big rock and waterfront seafood; an easy half-day.
Paso Robles
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive Highway 46 east about 31 miles
Wine tasting rooms and hot springs; a full day if you drink.
Door to door: About 45 min
Drive Highway 1 south, then US-101
Bigger town for a rainy day: mission, shops, restaurants.
Big Sur
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h to the first stops
Drive Highway 1 north
A long, slow, winding drive; check for closures before setting out.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Moonstone Beach Drive
Oceanfront motels and inns, the boardwalk at the door; 5–10 min drive to the village.
East Village (Main Street)
Walkable restaurants, shops and cafés; the better choice without a car.
West Village
Smaller, quieter cluster of inns and eateries on the north side of the creek.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $140–220 excl. bed
- High
- $220+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × US$220 | US$220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$180 | US$360 |
| Hearst Castle tour ticket2 × US$30 · check | US$60 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$74 |
| Trip total≈ US$407 per person per day, bed included | US$814 |
Moonstone Beach oceanfront rooms sit at the top of the range.
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax is added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Deli sandwich or takeaway lunch | $10–16 |
| Sit-down dinner main | $25–40 |
| Beer or glass of wine | $8–15 |
| Hearst Castle tour ticket | $25–35 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Highway 1 can close after winter storms: check Caltrans road conditions before you drive the Big Sur stretch.
- Sea Chest is cash only and the line starts around 5PM for a 5:30PM opening.Sea Chest is cash only and the line starts around 5PM for a 5:30 AMPM opening.
- Coastal fog is common in summer mornings; plan the boardwalk for the afternoon.
- Cell coverage is patchy on parts of Highway 1 north of town.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- San Luis Obispo County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 805-781-4550
- Caltrans road conditions
- 800-427-7623
Pocket card
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CambriaCambria
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Sheriff non-emergency805-781-4550
- Caltrans road conditions800-427-7623
Embassy
No embassies in Cambria; consulates are in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Cambria → San Simeon by car: about 10 miles, 20 min
- Cambria → Morro Bay by car: about 20 miles, 30 min
- Cambria → Paso Robles by car: about 31 miles, 45 min
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the beach access? — Where is the beach access?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is the highway open? — Is the highway open?
Cash is still useful: some restaurants are cash only.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cambria. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (fog and crowds), Dec holidays (Christmas market traffic) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SBP: last flight arrivals, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: East Village, West Village, Moonstone Beach Drive.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Hearst Castle, Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, Nitt Witt Ridge) and eat pages with last orders.
- Highway 1 closure fixtures so gate A–D can go green.