01
Best overall pick
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Cambria – Marine Terrace • Coastal Bluff And Forest Preserve • Best Overall Coastline Hike
A network of easy-to-moderate trails weaving between ocean cliffs and Monterey pine woodland, with big views in every direction.
Locals treat Fiscalini as their backyard, and it really does have a little bit of everything: wave-battered bluffs, quiet benches, and shaded inland paths. Stick to the Bluff Trail for nonstop ocean drama or loop inland for a more sheltered walk among twisted pines. Sunrise and late afternoon bring softer light, fewer crowds, and a good chance of spotting dolphins or migrating whales offshore.
02
Easiest oceanfront option
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Cambria – Moonstone Beach • Easy Oceanfront Boardwalk • Best For Relaxed Sunset Strolls
A flat wooden boardwalk traces the shoreline above Moonstone Beach, perfect for a casual walk with constant ocean views.
This is the go-to walk when you want maximum scenery with minimal effort. The boardwalk runs above a string of coves and tidepools, with stairs dropping down to the sand if you want to beachcomb for actual moonstones and sea glass. Come at golden hour to watch the sun drop behind offshore rock stacks while pelicans cruise by at eye level.
03
In-town canyon climb
Strawberry Canyon Trail
Cambria – Near East Village • Shaded Canyon Singletrack • Best Close-To-Town Workout
A short but spirited climb from neighborhood streets into a cool, tree-lined canyon above town.
Tucked just uphill from Cambria’s East Village, Strawberry Canyon feels surprisingly wild once you leave the pavement. The narrow dirt trail winds through oaks and coastal scrub, gaining enough elevation to get your heart rate up and open up views back toward the ocean. It’s a smart pick for a quick morning leg-stretcher before coffee or dinner in town.
04
Shady forest ramble
Fern Canyon Henry Kluck Memorial Trail
Cambria – Pine Forest Inland • Monterey Pine And Fern Woodland Trail • Best Forest Escape
A cool, ferny canyon walk through rare Monterey pine forest that feels miles away from the busy highway.
If coastal winds are howling, this sheltered canyon is a welcome change of pace. The trail threads through dense ferns and mossy trunks, showcasing the unique Monterey pine ecosystem that makes Cambria’s hillsides so distinctive. Expect a gentle grade, birdsong, and filtered light rather than big vistas—this one is all about atmosphere and shade.
05
Scenic day trip north
Boucher Trail at Piedras Blancas
San Simeon – North Of Cambria • Wild Coastal Bluff Trail With Wildlife Viewing • Best For Elephant Seal And Lighthouse Views
A windswept bluff trail north of Cambria with classic Big Sur–style coastline and close-up looks at the elephant seal rookery.
A short drive up Highway 1 delivers you to one of the most dramatic stretches of shore in the area. The Boucher Trail rolls gently along clifftops, with constant surf, rugged rock outcrops, and views of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse in the distance. Build in time to stop at the signed elephant seal viewpoints, where you can watch the enormous animals nap, spar, and bellow on the sand below.