Located roughly midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the city of Cambria and the surrounding area represents some of the best of the Californian coast. Whether you’re looking for a vacation rental that puts you right on the beach, or want to experience the rolling hills and renowned vineyards of inland Southern California, you’ll find what you’re looking for in and around Cambria. Book a stay at a Cambria vacation rental today. Here are the most noteworthy destinations in the Cambria area.

1. Cambria

The coastal town of Cambria, California is known for its beauty, and offers plenty of activities. It has interesting sights for travelers of all ages. Spend a relaxing day on the beach or walking along the Moonstone Beach Boardwal. Bring the whole family along for a tour of Cambria’s historic lighthouse. In town, you’ll find high-quality dining and shopping as well as a bustling art scene with numerous studios and galleries.

2. Cayucos

The beach town of Cayucos has an enduring quiet atmosphere that appeals to visitors looking to get away from it all. The area’s white sand beaches offer plenty of opportunity for swimming, kayaking, surfing and more. Try your luck fishing on Cass’ Wharf, then head back down to the beach to enjoy a picnic at one of the many designated picnicking spots or take it back to your vacation rental for dinner.

3. Morrow Bay

Just south of Cambria and Cayucos, Morrow Bay is a hot-spot of outdoor activities for the entire family. Enjoy picturesque hiking trails through varying terrain, as well as the warm sand of the California coast. Morrow Bay is known as a great spot for bird watching, with numerous exotic species that call the area home. The calm waters of the bay make it ideal for pleasure cruises, and there are plenty of ways to spend a day out on the water.

4. Los Osos

Located on the south side of Morrow Bay State Marine Reserve, Los Osos is a small city with great access to beaches and parks. Vacation rentals in Los Osos offer excellent access to modern amenities, shopping, and dining. Take advantage of the close proximity to Montana de Oro State Park, which stretches several miles inland from the beach, or take a walk through the lush greenery of the San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens.

5. San Luis Obispo

Located inland from Cambria, near the heart of California wine country, San Luis Obispo is a bustling metropolitan area that offers upscale vacation rentals and accommodations, as well as a fun, artsy downtown atmosphere. Enjoy a wide variety of dining options, then explore the city including its famous Bubblegum Alley, a 70-foot-long alleyway off one of the city’s main streets that has been adorned with thousands of pieces of gum left by visitors.

6. Avila Beach

The quaint community of Avila Beach features a long, straight pier that is known for its spectacular views at sunrise and sunset. Enjoy ocean water activities, or stick to the shores in the famous Avila Beach Hot Springs. Discovered in 1907, the spring has modern pool facilities and is fun for children and families.

7. Lake Nacimento

Located a short drive north of San Luis Obispo, Lake Nacimento is an 18-mile-long lake that serves as a popular vacation destination for Californians and tourists alike. Vacation rentals around the lake range from rustic cabins to fully equipped resort accommodations. Enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding 24-hours a day on the lake, or check out the resort pool if you prefer.

8. Paso Robles

A few miles inland, east of Cambria, Paso Robles is a medium-sized city. It’s located among the rolling hills and valleys of California wine country. Vacation rentals in Paso Robles offer a sense of peace without isolation. It has plenty of amenities ideal for couples and families. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard, or for a more family-friendly option, take in one of the many annual food festivals.

9. Templeton

Established as a railroad town in the late 1800’s, Templeton is a small community with a lot of history. Vacation rentals here are often in keeping with a bed-and-breakfast feel, and visitors who want to experience a bit of rustic, heritage atmosphere will enjoy the town. Take a carriage ride through a local ranch and enjoy the upscale and family-friendly dining that the area has to offer.

10. Adelaida

A short distance from Paso Robles, Adelaida makes for a great adventure, or a day trip if you’re staying outside the town proper. Built around the discovery of gold in a local river bed in 1848, Adelaida (pronounced without the last “a”) has heritage architecture and a sense of deep history. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk through the local cemetery. It’s thought to be haunted by the enigmatic ghost of a young Victorian-era woman.

11. Edna

Just south of San Luis Obispo, the small town of Edna lies in the center of Edna Valley, known for its world-class wineries and vineyards. Wine tours and tastings are popular for those looking to unwind in this peaceful area. Families with children will enjoy the mild weather and friendly, small-town atmosphere.

12. Pismo Beach

Less than an hour’s drive south of Cambria along the scenic coastal route, Pismo Beach offers a fantastic range of opportunities for family-friendly fun. Hike along Oceano Dunes, kayak or surf in the coastal waters, or even try horseback riding on the inland end of town. Vacation Rentals in Pismo Beach give you access to everything.