Cambria California – Seaside Village in the Forest

Seaside Village in the ForestCambria California is truly one of the most beautiful cities on the Central Coast. Located almost to the northern coastal border of San Luis Obispo County and to the South of San Simeon, Cambria lies on the Pacific Ocean nestled among the Monterey Pines. These Pines comprise one of only three such native forests.

Where to Live in Cambria California

Most of the residential neighborhoods in Cambria California are located in the forested Monterey Pine areas.  These unique areas convey the feeling of green mountain living with the additional advantage of blue ocean views.

Forest Ocean View
Forest Ocean View
 Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trial
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trial

There are also homes outside the forest that are close to or on the water. Some homes are elevated on hills which provide spectacular ocean views. Others are ocean front homes right on the cliffs adjacent to the entrance of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trial

This one mile walking trail follows the edge of the ocean cliffs and extends all the way to Abalone Cove. These unique seaside neighborhoods differ from typical beach towns as there are no nearby business districts.  Commercial development is exclusive to the east side of Cambria California.

Land and Water in Cambria California

There are several vacant lots scattered throughout all of the Cambria California neighborhoods. The vacant lots cannot be developed because the city almost never issues water meters. Currently, there is a 600 name waiting list to get a water meter permit. When these lots become available for sale, many of the locals will buy them to extend their lot size and protect their ocean views.  Cambria boasts a newer desalination plant built in response to past years of severe drought, but is limited in use due to the high cost to make clean water.

The West Village is considered the business district and attracts tourists year round. You will find unique boutique shops, galleries, family owned restaurants, B&B’s and Inns. A museum, veteran’s memorial, two fire departments, and city parks can also be found.

The Village hosts many popular annual festivities such as the fall Scarecrow Festival. Local businesses compete for ribbons creating custom humorous and fascinating human and non-human characters that delight the crowds.

Scarecrow-Festival
Scarecrow-Festival

Cambria California Business and Arts

The West Village is considered the business district and attracts tourists year round. You will find unique boutique shops, galleries, family owned restaurants, B&B’s and Inns. A museum, veteran’s memorial, two fire departments, and city parks can also be found.

The Village hosts many popular annual festivities such as the fall Scarecrow Festival. Local businesses compete for ribbons creating custom humorous and fascinating human and non-human characters that delight the crowds.

Cambria California Recreation

Cambria California is home to abundant marine life such as seals, otters, and urchins protected by two marine conservation areas. Recreation enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, cycling, picnicking, and beachcombing along miles of unspoiled beaches. The captivating ocean vistas are accessible all year round. The Elephant seal rookery of Piedras Blancas is 7 miles North of Cambria. Hearst Castle is a mere 4 miles farther up.

Elephant Seals
Elephant Seals

Cambria California is clearly one of the most endearing and scenic areas on the central coast, especially for retirees or people seeking a second home. There are homes in all price ranges from small cottages situated in the forest, to lavish villas on acreage.

The small home town attitude of the people living in Cambria will delight you. You can wake up every morning to white water surf and the sound of the ocean crashing on the cliffs. If your dream has always been to live in a home with an ocean view, or want live in a forest, or both, Cambria is clearly one of the most desirable areas in the world.

See ALL Cambria Homes In Real Time 

DAVID NORWOOD-CENTRAL COAST REAL ESTATE – CAMBRIA CALIFORNIA VIDEO TOURS

Out of Town and you want to receive more information or more photos of a home you think you will love.  Give me a call at 805-270-5860 and I will be happy to provide you with a video of any home you like.  When completed, I will upload your private video to YouTube.