Cambria

Welcome to Cambria

Cambria, California is a small seaside town in San Luis Obispo County between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The town and surrounding area are known for its extensive collection of rare Monterey Pines. The community has been known by many names like Slabtown, San Simeon, Rosaville, and even Santa Rosa. The community is the 484th largest community in the state and spans 8.508 square miles of the land area consisting of two neighborhoods. Many notable residents have called Cambria home including, but not limited to actor Shia LeBouf, saxophonist Red Holloway, author Catherine Ryan Hyde, and photographer Arthur Tress. Local beaches are perfect for everything from sandcastle building to swimming and boogie boarding.

 

The town name “Cambria” is derived from the Latin word/name for the Country of Wales. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were people of the native Chumash tribes. The recorded history of the area began with the arrival of Spanish missionaries and explorers. The first Europeans to arrive were members of the Portola Expedition in 1769. When Mexico gained its freedom from Spain the land that would one day become Cambria, was part of the Rancho Santa Rosa Mexican land grant. Fertile lands, abundant lumber, and freshwater soon attracted settlers. The discovery of cinnabar for quicksilver production made the budding community boom from 1867-1870. Though mining faded after only a few years the town endured. Today, tourism is the main industry in Cambria.

 

The town is part of the Coast Unified School District and local schools one elementary, one middle school, and Coast Union High School. Cambria is home to the historic East Village, Moonstone Beach and Boardwalk, the Cambria Historical Museum, Nitt Witt Ridge, a California State Historical Landmark, and more. Hearst Castle, a historic mansion, park, and museum is a mere six miles away from the community. Homes for sale range from small homes to estate-like properties but are predominantly middle-class or higher in nature. Call Robert Sousa at (805) 460-3000 for assistance in finding a place to call home in beautiful Cambria, California.