Are these 2 SLO County towns ‘overlooked’ travel destinations? New listing says so

Two San Luis Obispo County communities have landed on a list of nine “overlooked towns worth visiting on the Pacific West Coast,” according to the online WorldAtlas.

Cambria and Morro Bay are at the southern end of an unranked highlight tour that starts up north at Port Townsend, Washington.

Some people who live in those Central Coast treasures might quibble with the “overlooked” designation, however, having searched in vain for prime parking spots or 7 p.m. dinner reservations on a holiday weekend. Each also has one or more nationally lauded landmark that draws visitors from far and wide.

“The Pacific Coast offers visitors, and even for those passing through on their way to another destination, a chance to experience wild America,” the website said.

The listing highlighted 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 small towns indeed can be a quick stopover for a quick meal and a little recreation, or they can provide delightful distractions for a complete vacation, the listing said.

Here’s why Cambria and Morro Bay made the list:

Cambria has ‘fun and adventure,’ scenery galore, a boardwalk, protected forest plus

This small Central California coastal town of about 6,000 residents anchors the southern end of the dramatic and scenic Big Sur stretch of Highway 1, which ends at the Monterey Peninsula.

Cambria “offers fun and adventure to everyone who takes the path less traveled.”

“Moonstone Beach is one of the main attractions with its mile-long boardwalk and stunning wildlife,” the website said. “After a couple of hours at the beach, check out Cambria’s downtown area and shop for gifts,” dine, hike in the hills and native Monterey pine forest, ride a horse, even spend a night or two at an area lodging or Airbnb.

WorldAtlas also lauds a nearby attraction that’s actually in San Simeon: Hearst Castle, with its “two massive swimming pools, an airfield, a movie theater and (what once was) the world’s largest zoo.”

The listing also mentioned 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.

Morro Bay is much more than its eponymous rock, fish and chips and enchanting otters

The main attraction highlighted by WorldAtlas for this coastal city is Morro Rock, “a volcanic plug connected to the shoreline by a causeway,” the website said.

“Drive to the Rock, but you cannot climb it,” the website warned. “It is a protected habitat for peregrine falcons” and “a cultural site for the Salinan and Chumash tribes.” People who try to flout that law can be arrested.

There’s wildlife and fish in those waters, and a pier that reaches out into the sea.

“For those who happen to catch the sunrise at Morro Rock, you might also spot cute otters floating in the water below,” the Atlas said.

Whales, sea lions, dolphins and sea birds are also seen frequently. Cameras at the ready, folks!

The website mentions Morro Bay’s 71-year-old business, the Shell Shop on the Embarcadero. By the way, that’s an area where people can sign up for a sunset cruise, subsea boat tour or even a gondola ride in the bay.

The city’s small Old Town district and farmers market also were mentioned.

WorldAtlas included other ‘overlooked’ coastal California communities

Beside Cambria and Morro Bay, the WorldAtlas list of nine towns and cities included:

• Port Townsend, Washington
• La Conner, Washington
• Astoria, Oregon
• Pacific City, Oregon
• Bandon, Oregon
• Trinidad, California
• Mendocino, California

Among the many previous mentions of San Luis Obispo County communities in past WorldAtlas “best of” lists were Paso Robles, Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo, which were all named as among the best places to retire in 2022; and Cambria as one of the most picturesque small towns in 2023.

This story was originally published February 15, 2026 at 2:54 PM.

Kathe Tanner

The Tribune

805-781-7904 (voicemails only)

Kathe Tanner has been writing about the people and places of SLO County’s North Coast since 1981, first as a columnist and then also as a reporter. Her career has included stints as a bakery owner, public relations director, radio host, trail guide and jewelry designer. She has been a resident of Cambria for more than four decades, and if it’s happening in town, Kathe knows about it.