Moonstone Beach Cambria
Discover Moonstone Beach in Cambria, CA, a unique coastal gem famed for its smooth, colorful rocks and scenic boardwalk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Moonstone Beach Cambria
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Moonstone Beach in Cambria, CA, a unique coastal gem famed for its smooth, colorful rocks and scenic boardwalk.
"This beach is made of gemstones, smooth, colorful rocks instead of sand, and it's straight-up magical."
🪨 Collect Beach Treasures
Bring a bag for collecting smooth, colorful rocks like moonstones and agates.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the flat, scenic boardwalk for easy walking and stunning ocean views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Along Moonstone Beach Drive
A scenic, mostly flat pathway offering breathtaking ocean vistas and wildlife sightings.
Rockhounding Treasures
The beach itself
Discover smooth, colorful moonstones, agates, and jade polished by the ocean waves.
Sunset Spectacle
Moonstone Beach
Witness vibrant sunsets painting the sky over the Pacific, a truly unforgettable coastal experience.
Wildlife Spotting
Ocean waters near the beach
Keep an eye out for seals popping their heads up or sea otters playing in the surf.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Moonstones
Boardwalk Bliss & Sunset Magic
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🪨 Collect Beach Treasures
Bring a bag for collecting smooth, colorful rocks like moonstones and agates.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the flat, scenic boardwalk for easy walking and stunning ocean views.
🌅 Catch a Breathtaking Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary; plan your visit to catch the vibrant colors. +2
🦦 Spot Local Wildlife
Look for seals and sea otters playing in the waves.
Tips
from all over the internet
🪨 Collect Beach Treasures
Bring a bag for collecting smooth, colorful rocks like moonstones and agates.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Boardwalk
Enjoy the flat, scenic boardwalk for easy walking and stunning ocean views.
🌅 Catch a Breathtaking Sunset
The sunsets here are legendary; plan your visit to catch the vibrant colors. +2
🦦 Spot Local Wildlife
Look for seals and sea otters playing in the waves.
🏨 Stay on Moonstone Drive
Many hotels offer direct beach access and ocean views.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking along Moonstone Beach Drive fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Moonstone Beach, particularly its unique rock-covered shores and the picturesque boardwalk. The sunsets are consistently praised, and many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to spot local wildlife. Some reviews mention occasional oil on the beach, which can be a drawback for some visitors.
"Such a nice place. Fresh food, fast service. Beautiful scenery."
Thomas “Tommy”
"The beach is absolutely stunning as was the water! The rocks are perfect for rock hounds and treasure hunters alike! However, I want to say, there has to have been a ship that ran ground recently or something because there was oil throughout the rocks as well as in the sand (you couldnt see it) but the smell was strong. I was barefoot and that's when I noticed all of the oil stuck to the bottom of my feet. Made it a challenge to clean off.
BUT BUT BUT the park was cool and the squirrels were AWESOME! I know the sign said don't feed them, but she was pregnant(not pictured) and kept saying "please ma'am, can I have a crumb".
The bathrooms are clean and stocked with TP. Clean. Will stop again but won't likely go down to the sand."
Katie Butterfield
"Nice Sunset Views"
steven yia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Moonstone Beach is located in Cambria, California, along Moonstone Beach Drive. It's easily accessible via Highway 1. Many visitors drive here as part of a Central Coast road trip. +1
Yes, there is street parking available along Moonstone Beach Drive. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Many hotels are situated directly on Moonstone Beach Drive, offering convenient access to the boardwalk and beach.
Yes, Moonstone Beach Drive is a scenic stretch of Highway 1, making it a popular stop for those driving the iconic California coast.
A leisurely walk along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is highly recommended for enjoying the views and beachcombing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Moonstone Beach and its boardwalk are free to access. There are no admission fees.
Moonstone Beach is open to the public year-round, from dawn until dusk. The boardwalk is also accessible during these hours.
No advance booking is required for visiting Moonstone Beach itself. However, if you plan to stay at one of the hotels on Moonstone Beach Drive, booking in advance is highly recommended.
While collecting is popular, it's encouraged to be mindful and leave most rocks behind to preserve the beach's natural state. Avoid taking large quantities.
Yes, restrooms are available along the boardwalk, and they are generally well-maintained.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Moonstone Beach is famous for its unique shoreline covered in smooth, colorful rocks and pebbles, rather than sand. It's also known for its scenic boardwalk and beautiful sunsets.
Swimming is possible, but the water can be cold and the waves can be strong. It's more of a beachcombing and scenic walking destination.
You can find a variety of beautiful stones, including moonstones, agates, jade, and other colorful pebbles polished by the ocean.
Yes, tide pools can be found along Moonstone Beach, offering opportunities to observe marine life during low tide.
The boardwalk is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located along Moonstone Beach Drive and in the nearby downtown Cambria area. +1
Sea Chest Oyster Bar is a popular spot, but be prepared for a wait and bring cash. White Water is another highly recommended option for dining and boutique stays. +1
Picnicking is a great option. You can bring your own food and enjoy it along the boardwalk or on the beach. Some visitors recommend bringing chairs and wine for a sunset picnic.
Sea Chest Oyster Bar is known for its fresh seafood. White Water offers a unique boutique hotel and dining experience. +1
Explore Moonstone Beach Drive for beachfront dining or head into downtown Cambria for a wider variety of restaurants and cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Moonstone Beach Boardwalk offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The unique rock formations and ocean views are very photogenic. +2
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Sunrise can also be spectacular. +1
Yes, the colorful rocks and polished moonstones make for excellent close-up photography subjects.
The boardwalk itself, with its wooden planks and ocean backdrop, is a popular subject. Look for interesting rock formations and the seals in the water. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of the rocks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for seals and sea otters playing in the water, which is always a hit with children. While swimming might be chilly, the beach offers plenty of space for kids to explore and play among the pebbles. Many of the hotels along Moonstone Beach Drive are family-friendly and offer convenient access to the beach.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1As a day-trip destination, it offers a concentrated dose of California coastal charm. You can easily spend a few hours here enjoying the beach, the boardwalk, and perhaps a quick bite at a nearby cafe. If you're heading north towards Hearst Castle or south towards Morro Bay, Moonstone Beach is a must-stop for its unique beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
💍 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking a stay at one of the charming boutique hotels on Moonstone Beach Drive, many of which offer ocean-view rooms and a tranquil ambiance. Enjoying a picnic with wine on the beach as the sun sets is a classic romantic experience.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Moonstone Beach Rocks
+2While the allure of taking home a piece of this natural beauty is strong, it's important to practice responsible beachcombing. Many visitors and locals encourage leaving most of the stones on the beach to maintain its unique character for future generations. However, finding a particularly special piece is a common and cherished experience for many who visit. The sheer variety of colors and textures makes each walk along the shore a treasure hunt.
It's worth noting that occasionally, visitors report encountering oil on the rocks or in the sand, likely due to ocean currents or past incidents. While this can be an unpleasant surprise, it doesn't detract from the overall charm of the beach for most. The sound of the waves crashing against these countless stones creates a distinctive and soothing soundtrack to your visit.
The Iconic Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk offers unobstructed vistas of the Pacific Ocean, making it a prime location for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for seals playfully bobbing in the surf or sea otters gliding through the water. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocky shore is a constant, calming companion as you walk.
Many visitors highlight the boardwalk as the perfect place to experience a Cambria sunset. The vibrant colors that paint the sky as the sun dips below the horizon are truly spectacular and a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The boardwalk's proximity to numerous hotels on Moonstone Beach Drive also makes it incredibly convenient for guests to step out for an evening walk.
+1Charming Accommodations on Moonstone Beach Drive
+6Several well-regarded inns and boutique hotels line this scenic drive. Options range from the Fireside Inn and Pelican Inn & Suites, known for their charming ambiance and beachfront access, to White Water Inn, which offers a stylish boutique hotel experience. These establishments often feature amenities like ocean-view rooms, fireplaces, and easy access to local attractions.
+3Booking a room on Moonstone Beach Drive allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the coastal atmosphere, enjoying morning ocean breezes and evening sunset strolls without needing to drive. It's a popular choice for both romantic getaways and family vacations, providing a comfortable and picturesque base for exploring Cambria and the surrounding Central Coast.
+1
Social
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