California is home to some of the most popular and iconic destinations for both local and international travelers, from our own L.A. to Malibu, San Diego, and Palm Springs. But what if you want to escape the city buzz and explore a town… not just any small town, but one that’s truly special, unique, and a little quirky?
With that in mind, the travel site World Atlas put together a list of the 12 best off-grid towns to visit across the country. Among the many places mentioned, there’s one just 3-hours from L.A. that stands out above the rest. That place is Cambria.
Located along California’s Central Coast, Cambria is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. Rolling hills covered in coastal chaparral and wildflowers embrace the town, while rugged cliffs dramatically drop into the Pacific Ocean, creating picture-perfect shoreline views. The beaches here vary from quiet sandy stretches ideal for peaceful strolls to rocky coves bustling with marine life. In fact, the nearby Piedras Blancas coastline is home to a large colony of elephant seals that gather on the shore throughout the year.
But by far, what truly defines Cambria are its two completely unique landmarks. On one hand, there’s the luxurious, opulent, and world-famous Hearst Castle. On the other, perhaps the most striking contrast: an “anti-castle” known as Nitt Witt Ridge, a handmade home crafted from recycled materials that you really have to see to believe…
Hearst Castle, luxury and legacy
Perched high on a hill with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Hearst Castle is one of California’s most iconic architectural marvels. Commissioned by media tycoon William Randolph Hearst and designed by architect Julia Morgan, its construction began in 1919 and stretched over nearly thirty years.
Known as La Cuesta Encantada or The Enchanted Hill, the estate boasts 115 rooms, 127 acres of lush gardens, two stunning pools (the Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool), and an impressive collection of European art. During its heyday, Hearst Castle was a glamorous retreat for celebrities and influential figures alike, including Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill.
Nitt Witt Ridge: recycled art and wild creativity
Just a few miles away from the grandeur of Hearst Castle lies Nitt Witt Ridge: a one-of-a-kind structure that completely breaks the mold of traditional architecture. Built by self-taught artist Arthur “Art” Harold Beal between 1928 and 1980, this “anti-castle” is made almost entirely from recycled materials and found objects like bottles, cans, seashells, and broken ceramics.
Beal, AKA “Captain Nitt Witt” or “Der Tinkerpaw,” transformed a 2.5-acre hillside into a whimsical maze of terraces, passageways, and quirky structures that resemble a rough, handmade fantasy castle. Though Nitt Witt Ridge is currently closed to the public, it remains visible from the roadside. It’s a recognized as a registered California Historical Landmark and celebrated as one of the most remarkable examples of 20th-century folk art.