Cambria

From the rocky shorelines and pebbled beaches to the hills crowned with rare forests of Monterey pines and cypresses, Cambria has snug habitats for a wide array of human and animal residents.

Offshore, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects the ocean environment for the whales, dolphins, otters, seals, sea lions, elephant seals and seabirds that call it home. On land, the Cambria Land Trust and other organizations have worked to preserve several tracts of land for public enjoyment and preservation.

You won't find any fast-food restaurants or big box stores in Cambria. You will find friendly local merchants and residents who are never too busy to stop for a chat or a hug. Slow down, relax, have a long look around. There's only one Cambria.

Location: On California's Central Coast, midway between Los Angeles (240 miles south) and San Francisco (240 miles north).

Population: Estimated 6,700 full-time

Elevation: Sea level to 200 feet

Area of Town: About 3 square miles

Climate: Mild Mediterranean, the famous California ‘blanket climate', where nights are cool enough for a blanket year-round. Days are never too hot nor too cold to go outside and have fun. And the air quality is among the best in the state, delicious with the spicy smell of pines and the tang of the ocean.

Summer brings some days with morning and evening fog sandwiching bright sunny afternoons. No air conditioning required! 60-75 degrees.

Fall is the favorite season of most Cambrians, with warm sunny days, starry nights and huge harvest moons rising over the golden hills. Seasonal rains begin in late October to November. 55-75 degrees.

Winter is the time of year when our wells are recharged and the hills receive their annual average of 20”-25” inches of rainfall. Quiet, rainy days are interspersed with crystal clear sunny days where the puffy clouds sail away. Nights are crisp enough to make that fireplace feel very cozy. 40-62 degrees.

Spring features emerald green hills and a months-long parade of wildflowers. Sunny skies with some afternoon coastal breezes. 50-67 degrees.

Activities: How do you recognize a Cambrian? He's the one rushing around trying to fit in all the fun things there are to do here. From shopping to kayaking, there are activities for every taste. A partial list: golf, live music, theater, surfing, fishing, festivals and fairs, antiques, swimming, wine tasting, art galleries, lawn bowling, whale-watching, picnicking, Farmer's Market, hiking, Highway One cruising, tennis, wildlife viewing, yoga, poetry readings, tap-dancing, beach-combing, Italian lessons, day-tripping to nearby towns, and that perennial tradition for Cambrians: taking every single tour offered at Hearst Castle!

Community: Cambria is a true community—a gathering of people with a common purpose—to enjoy and preserve the special way of life they've chosen. You're free to stay in your own good hole and play hermit of the pines, but if you choose to participate in the active life of the town, you'll be warmly welcomed. Sharing your gifts, whatever they may be, is considered to be a kind of obligation by many here. A partial list of clubs and organizations can be found on the Chamber of Commerce website (www.cambriachamber.org). The Cambria Community Center, the Joslyn Recreation Center and the Vets Hall host numerous classes and events throughout the year.

Shopping: Cambrians don't have to leave town for supplies. A well-stocked gourmet grocery with deli, a supermarket that's recently expanded its selection of organic and natural foods, and several convenience and liquor stores all provide plenty of choices for stocking your larder. Hardware stores, pharmacies, office supplies, fresh-roasted coffee—all the essentials are available here. And of course don't forget Farmer's Market every Friday afternoon, when Cambrians stock up on fresh local produce and catch up with their friends.