Two communities in San Luis Obispo County have been named to a list of “Nine Overlooked Towns to Visit on the Pacific West Coast,” according to the Online World Atlas.
Cambria and Morro Bay are at the southern end of the unranked Great Tour, which departs north from Port Townsend, Washington.
However, some people who live in this Central Coast treasure may take issue with the “overlooked” designation as they spend the holiday weekend searching in vain for a prime parking spot or a 7pm dinner reservation. Each attraction also features one or more nationally renowned landmarks, attracting visitors from all over.
“The Pacific Coast offers visitors the opportunity to experience Wild America, even for those passing through on their way to another destination,” the website says.
The listing highlights the West Coast’s spectacular wilderness areas, rugged and remote beaches, incredible sea stacks and rock formations and magnificent coastal forests, the Atlas said.
The listing says the towns do make for a quick stop for a quick meal and some entertainment, or they can provide a pleasant diversion throughout the vacation.
Here’s why Cambria and Morro Bay made the list:
Aerial view of Cumbria from the North Rim.
(Provided by Vineyard Professional Real Estate)
Cumbria offers “fun and adventure”, rich scenery, boardwalks, protected forests and
This central California coastal town of approximately 6,000 residents is located at the southern end of the scenic Big Sur section of Highway 1, which ends at the Monterey Peninsula.
Cambria “offers fun and adventure for everyone who takes the road less traveled.”
“Moonstone Beach is one of the main attractions, with a mile-long boardwalk and stunning wildlife,” the website says. “After spending a few hours at the beach, check out Cambria’s downtown and shop for gifts,” dine, hike in the mountains and among native Monterey pine forests, go horseback riding, or even stay a night or two at local lodging or an Airbnb.
People stroll along the seaside Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Cambria in 2017.
(Joe Johnston/Tribune)
WorldAtlas also praised a nearby attraction in San Simeon: Hearst Castle, which boasts “two huge swimming pools, an airport, a movie theater and (once) the world’s largest zoo.”
Dawn over Hearst Castle in December 2021, photographed by Bill Franciscovich, photographer and cyclist from Cumbria.
(Courtesy of Bill Francescovich)
The listing also mentions Cambria Garden Shed and Rich Man Poor Man Antiques, both located within a short stretch of Main Street in the town’s East Village business district.
As high-level cirrus clouds, composed entirely of ice crystals at altitudes exceeding 13,000 feet, move into Morro Bay from time to time, they will catch the sun’s low-angle December rays at night, rendering the sky in vivid colors. These delicate stripes, often called horsetails, may produce spectacular sunrises and sunsets this week due to their peculiar feathery appearance.
(John Lindsay)
Morro Bay is more than its namesake rocks, fish and chips, and charming otters
The main attraction of this coastal city highlighted by World Atlas is Morro Rock, “a volcanic plug connected to the coastline by a causeway,” according to the website.
“Drive to the rock, but you can’t climb it,” the website warns. “It is a protected habitat for the peregrine falcon” and “a cultural site for the Salinan and Chumash tribes.” People who try to flout the law may be arrested.
These waters contain wildlife and fish, and there is a pier that juts out into the sea.
“For those who happen to see the sunrise at Morro Rock, you may also spot adorable otters floating in the water below,” Atlas said.
Whales, sea lions, dolphins and seabirds are also often sighted. Everyone, cameras ready!
On Monday, September 29, 2025, a humpback whale leaped out of the water about a mile off the coast of Morro Bay. From April to November, you can see humpback whales in the Pacific waters off San Luis Obispo County during their migration.
(played by Joan Lynch)
The website mentions the Shell Shop on the Embarcadero, a 71-year-old business in Morro Bay. By the way, one can sign up here for sunset cruises, undersea boat tours, and even bay gondola rides.
The city’s Little Old Town and farmers’ markets were also mentioned.
WorldAtlas includes other ‘neglected’ California coastal communities
In addition to Cambria and Morro Bay, the nine towns and cities listed in the World Atlas include:
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Port Townsend, Washington
Communities in San Luis Obispo County that have previously been mentioned multiple times on WorldAtlas’ “Best of” lists include Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo, each named one of the Best Places to Retire in 2022; Cambria will be one of the Most Beautiful Small Towns in 2023.
