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Moonstone Beach
Categories: Active Life Swimming Pools Active Life Beaches Swimming Pools, Beaches [Edit]
Moonstone Beach DrCambria, CA 93428
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
46 reviews for Moonstone Beach
46 reviews in English
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Review from Karen Y.
12/31/2011
I could probably say this is one of my favorite beaches ever. It's not number one for sure, but it's definitely pretty cool.
Free parking. Free rock hunting. Free views.
Don't come with expectations of finding large amounts of moonstones here. You won't. And don't expect them to be all shiny like they have in the jewelry stores either. They're actually not too pretty when you find them on the beach. I like finding the jade and sea glass better.
I couldn't find the tidepools anywhere here. But then again I didn't explore too far cause I got distracted by trying to find more moonstones. Where are they? -
Review from Ann L.
10/8/2011
FREE. We walked around on the boardwalk from one parking lot to Leffingwell Landing. I'm guessing the entire area for beach is Moonstone Beach, they don't have an official sign that mentions Moonstone Beach, just Moonstone Beach Drive.
Many houses in the area had Scarecrows, later found out it's for Cambria's Scarecrow Festival going on this weekend Oct 7-9, 2011.
Trying to find Moonstone is pretty difficult. It's a clear rock w/ what looks like powdered sugar on top, some have streaks of gold in it. I found one tiny rock that a Moonstone store worker said looked like it. Yay.
I didn't come when it was low-tide so didn't see sea creatures. Bummer.
Worth a few hours to walk around. -
Review from Tiffany P.
Chino, CA
One of the highlights of Cambria is Moonstone Beach. There's a boardwalk and many lookout spots if you prefer to not get your feet all sandy. But the best place for a stroll, is along the beach. There you'll find several great rocks and shells for collecting.
We take our dog here every time we're in town and she loves it! The tide pools are also great to check out. And the last time we visited, there were several sea lions...always nice to see if the season is right.
This is not really a swimming beach because of the tides, not to mention the water is really cold here. If you plan on picnicking at the beach, just stay clear of the rock area...there are a million gnats flying around, which would probably ruin your meal. -
Review from Denny B.
Vista, CA
1/8/2012 1 photo
Definitely a chick thing. Big whoop, a boardwalk on a cold and windy beach. Venice Beach it ain't.
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Review from Mckenzie S.
Bakersfield, CA
12/11/2011
Very romantic and quintessential CA central coast. Beautiful views and an excellent area to take photos (when the sky is clear). Plenty of wildlife to view. Easy parking. Just Beautiful!
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Review from Jo Ann Q.
Corona, CA
I agree with Darcie R., this place is a great spot to take pictures, walk on the beach, and cuddle with a loved one. Coming from the island of Guam and surrounded by the ocean majority of my life, I appreciate all the ocean has to offer (corals & sea creatures under the sea is a whole other world!!) and listening to the waves crashing on the shore just takes me home!!!
We walked around a bit and savored the beach scene!! The birds flying into the skies, the sea lions playing in the water, and the motion of the waves teetering those body surfers is relaxing!! -
Review from Nikki M.
8/10/2011
Moonstone Beach is incredibly beautiful! Unfortunately, when I was here, it was very windy and cold. Because of this, my boyfriend and I couldn't really take advantage of the pretty scenery.
The boardwalk is great to walk on, and we did take a short walk on the beach (before we got too cold). Love the look of Central Cali beaches, and Moonstone is top notch. -
Review from Jennifer N.
Walnut Creek, CA
9/2/2011
GAH! How did I forget to write a review of this place when I visited the Central Coast last year! Moonstone Beach is downright magical. I went here early morning twice for a run along the length of the boardwalk and again in the evenings to watch the sunset and collect stones from the beach. Lots of ground squirrels and bunnies. I even saw a seal resting out on the rocks.
I'm not in to "romantic" anything but I'll admit hanging with my boyfriend here was kind of special. One of my favorite spots on the Central Coast. -
Review from Megan M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite places to go. The tide pools are fun to explore durring low tide and you can spend hours searching the shor for pretty polished stones. This is not really a barefoot/flip flop kind of beach, so wear your tennis shoes. Bring your camera too, this place is beyond beautiful.
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Review from Darcie R.
Cambria, CA
A beautiful boardwalk, and beach. It's a great spot to walk your dog, take pictures of the landscape, cuddle with a loved one, or check out the tide pools. There are benches and lookout spots in several places, and if you choose to walk along the shore, lots of different size drift wood to pick up. I don't recommend swimming here as there is a rip tide. You may see some local surfers scoping out the waves, but they have been swimming there their whole lives. If you're looking for a place to boogie board, or go for an easy swim, I recommend Cayucos Beach or San Simeon Cove (Hearst State Beach across from Hearst Castle) for that.
To the people who are commenting on the smell of the beach, it's a beach. What else would it be like? Rose pedals and lavender?Listed in: Sight Seeing on the Central…
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Review from Kara B.
East Bay, CA
2/19/2011
Had NO idea that dogs weren't allowed on this beach, I think I just assumed, this is Cambria the most dog friendly town around, of course I can bring my pup on the beach. The only sign that I noticed said, "dogs on leash" and that was on the boardwalk. So I "innocently" took my dog down to the beach twice. No one said a thing to me, and most people just smiled at him fetching the ball in the surf.
Anyway, with that said, since it doesn't allow dogs, that's minus one star. Otherwise this beach is a beautiful beach with endless opportunities of pebble collecting. One woman was looking for heart shaped rocks & others were looking for moonstones, hence the name. Even though it was valentines day weekend, it wasn't crowded, so we were able to enjoy a quiet, relaxing walk along the beach.
I would definitely recommend this beach to look for pebbles, relax, swim, take a stroll, "accidentally" take your dog for a swim, or whatever you like to do at the beach. But since the beach is comprised of pebbles, sand castles aren't possible :(
Not far from this beach is Hearst castle, Harmony winery, and Piedras Blancas (where the Elephant Seals hang out), all places I would highly recommend you check out! -
Review from SubPrimeTime T.
Escondido, CA
8/2/2010 10 Check-ins Here
Start saving your money and take a long deserved trip to Moonstone beach.
The boardwalk is lined with motels. I've been to several and they're all pretty much the same. Some have better breakfast than others, but it's all the same. During the off season and weekdays, you can get a descent deal.
The Boardwalk and beach are quite nice for an early morning / sunset walk. If you time it right, you can find a really good set of tide pools at low tide. Squirrels are everywhere, and I wouldn't recommend feeding them.
- Summer, well this place gets warm/hot, and the beach cottages are very stuffy. Come in the shoulder seasons and you will have a great time.
- Avoid the Sea Chest...Read my review..."The Bill Belichick of seafood restaurants"
- Do take a drive up the road to Sebastian's for lunch.Listed in: Cambria
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Review from Janice T.
7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Take a relaxing walk along the boardwalk and sit on one of the scattered benches to watch the sunset!
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Review from Michael W.
La Verne, CA
4/20/2010 1 photo
AMAZING beach.
Instead of sand the beach is made of tiny colorful round little rocks.
They are all kinds of amazing colors. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Its like standing on one of the rock bins they use to try and sell kids a collectible bag of rocks they scoop up.
Usually not many people so its very peaceful.
Right across the street from a lot of hotels -
Review from FroSays C.
Atascadero, CA
6/26/2011 5 Check-ins Here
So have you been looking for that perfect place to take pictures on your way up or down the coast on Hwy 1 this is it. Amazing Sunsets, romantic walks on the beach or the boardwalk. We have seen many take there wedding pictures here. This is a true gem of the west coast. Great restaurants and hotels line moonstone beach drive, so stop and stay you will be glad you did.
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Review from Flor D.
6/23/2008
Amazing. Beach.
Packed up my cooler, stashed my wine, cheese, baguette, some chocolate, and some blankets. I was ready for a fun lunch. I thought escaping to Paso would mean escaping the 100+ degrees of San Jose.
WRONG.
It was hotter than Texas in Paso...if I recall, 107 in downtown. So what's a ice princess like me to do...head west towards the beach! I headed to Moonstone, since I had been here before, and loved it. The sand is rocky and easy to walk on. Clean with wonderful spots to plop and take a nap. The vibe is definitely chill, and there are alot of great mini boardwalks that lead to the beach. You can head down to the water by steps,or stay on the mainland and watch the view from the scenic stops on the road.
CAVEAT FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT DON'T JUST WALK ON BY:
So I saw an injured seal on the beach. People were just walking by, looking at the the poor, injured thing, offering it no help. I guess cause no one knew where to call? It made me cry and shed a tear...since the thing had been cut, and flies were starting to dig at it's skin. I called all these numbers frantically, looking for some assistance with no avail. Finally, I got a hold of someone, and they told me they would send someone down.
3 hours later I got a call back. The stupid little thing had gotten back into the water. Shows me. Mother nature doing her thing. Geez. Either way, at least I called...and If I was on one of those Front line specials, I would get the gold star! -
Review from Letie W.
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice boardwalk along the ocean. Great for a stroll. Moonstone beach is okay. Perhaps I was expecting more moonstones laying around, but instead found may rocks instead.
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Review from Emily S.
Stockton, CA
1/28/2008 4 photos
If you ever see me in Cambria.... you will most likely see my dog pulling me.
This beach takes my breath away everytime we walk the boardwalk. Yes, I said the boardwalk. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.... so minus one star for you. -
Review from Alicia C.
Anaheim, CA
1/31/2008
Such a gorgeous beach!
Its incredibly relaxing, and not too many people are here!
Great picture, cuddling, and reflective spots!
I love Moonstone Beach! -
Review from Anna S.
5/3/2009
this is one of my favorite beaches of all time. I found out about this beach when i was a kid from my book about rock finding in CA.
it's called moonstone beach because among the many rocks that cover the beach, there are millions of tiny moonstones, this milky/clear stone that has a slight pearlescence to it, almost like clear opals.
it's very peaceful, and cambria is an awesome vacation destination as well.
only thing to be careful of is that sometimes tar oozes up from the ground, so you don't want to wear fancy clothes and ruin them, i did have to throw away a pair of shorts as a kid because i got tar on it.Listed in: the great outdoors, wholesome fun, Road trip '08
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Review from Anna L.
7/6/2010
Stinky yet beautiful. The kelp the gets beached up on the sand smells like something from an orifice and attracts all kinds of flies.
The tide was kinda crazy so I guess that is why I didn't get to see any tide pools. I was kinda disappointed in that. I searched for awhile, but found nothing. We did creap around the beach and pick up some cool looking stones and rocks though.
The seals are very cute and performed Seal YOGA positions when the waves came in. -
Review from imelda j.
San Francisco, CA
12/10/2008
I listened to your waves crashing this morning when I woke up in my hotel room and gave me that warm fuzzy feeling that it made me smile in complete joy.
This morning I wanted to go for a walk, but for some reason your rocky beach called me to go for a stroll along your shore instead of taking traditional boardwalk path.
I enjoyed listening to my ipod "songs to chill to" playlist which allowed me to reflect on things going on in my life. Goldfrapp's "Black Cherry", Travis's "Falling Down" and "More than Us" was perfect background music to get emotional to while watching the birds fly around when your waves got too close to them. The sky was clear and blue while there was just enough wind to keep me cool. It was perfect.
I was alone with my thoughts on the beach for I was the only other soul there apart from the fisherman on the south end hoping you might provide him with some joy in tossing him a fish or two.
You were covered with billions of stones of all shapes and sizes. You also had a large amount of washed up kelp that I could have done without. You smelled bad at times, but that's ok. It's not your fault. But your stones were quite beautiful and interesting. I was so fascinated that I had to take a few back to the hotel to donate to the "moonstone beach" dish dedicated to you in the lobby.
I left with a few cool stones, but left you with my thoughts for they were ones that I needed to let go of. But your beauty and peacefulness will remain with me until I return again next year when I need a little r and r again ... thank you Moonstone Beach. I'll be seeing you again. -
Review from Vicki C.
San Ramon, CA
6/6/2007 27 photos
Moonstone Beach is located at the northwest end of Cambria, CA along the central coast. It is one of my favorite places to just BE in all of California.
Moonstone Beach is a wonderful place to stroll along. You'll start out by parking along the road or a small parking lot at either end of the beach. There is a boardwalk running the entire length of the cliff above the beach, with several nice lookout areas. The more able bodied can take stairs down to the beach or clamber down the rocks to the course, pebbly sand.
There are fantastic tide pools here (check the tide charts before going), where you can find starfish, urchins, green anemones, rock crabs, etc. There are also some good rocks for climbing as well as huge piles of driftwood. You can collect jade and other colorful pebbles too. Keep your eyes open, and you'll even find some milky white moonstones, though these are usually small and not gem quality.
You will also see interesting sea life here. Seals and sea lions are easy to spot near the tide pools, and occasionally sea otters can be seen playing in the kelp beds near Leffingwell Landing. I'm told you can see whales migrating from the shore, but I haven't been lucky enough to spot any when I've been here.
Up along the boardwalk there is a bench under a craggy old Cypress tree that is well worth seeking out, if you want to read a book or just kick back and gaze out to sea.
The south end of Moonstone Beach is a great place to fly kites. You'll get the right amount of wind and no power lines!
Dogs aren't allowed on this beach, but there are seldom any rangers around to enforce this rule, so take your chances and bring along Fido.
There are no grills or tables on the beach, but you can walk over to scenic Leffingwell Landing, where there is a nice picnic area and restrooms. While you're at Leffingwell, be sure to climb down onto the smooth rocks below, since this is the best place to find starfish and hermit crabs.
The only reason this beach rates 4 stars instead of 5, is that it is not a swimming beach. In fact, there aren't even any life guards here. If that's what you want, drive about 12-15 miles south to Cayucos. -
Review from Tyson L.
Glendale, CA
3/20/2009 1 photo
I suppose its called Moonstone beach because of the cratered side of the rock, right under where the wooden lookout point is. (see pic) You'd have to walk down to see it.
Its a serene beach. A few surfers, bunch of other tourists. Occasional squirrel. The wooden walk way up top is nice for anyone not wanting or able to walk down to the beach, but the most characteristic part of the beach is the pretty little pebbles that are all over the sand. Kinda makes walking harder since your feet go deeper in, but its manageable. -
Review from Faith B.
2/16/2011
Talk about setting the scene for a romantic sunset stroll!!! I'm a huge fan of this area. It's a quiet, beautiful spot that is located right across the street from a long row of hotels that fill Moonstone Beach Dr. A must to check out in this little getaway town!
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Review from Jerry C.
Santa Clara, CA
1/6/2011
I even found some moonstones!
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Review from Lisa N.
Stevenson Ranch, CA
10/29/2007
I like being able to walk around the rocks and look for starfish and other creatures in the tidepools. You can also see seals (or are they sea lions).
This is also a popular spot with surfers so you can watch them as well. I think it is amazing anyone can stand atop a board and ride a wave in. For me its fascinating to watch. -
Review from EFFIGY F.
New York, NY
10/8/2008
A wonderful board walk along the beach. It is wonderful and beautiful. If you have a chance to see the seals in the morning they are quite a site. We have seen people painting the landscape which I find delightful. Dogs are welcome to walk along here so there can be many stops for greeting each other.
it is great natural therapy. -
Review from Julia L.
San Jose, CA
8/29/2008
Absolutely gorgeous beach (although rocky, not sandy).
I was disappointed in everything Cambria had to offer, but this beach.
Sweeping views, gorgeous sunsets, tide pools, cute promenade which is ideal for jogging or walking your dog.
Grab a picnic blanket, some wine and cheese and your sweetie and come here to watch the gorgeous sunset. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Howard, MD
8/18/2011
A beautiful pebble beach full of wildlife. The little boardwalk, which is just decking overlooking the beach and rocks, has little ground squirrels running under and out. Birds everywhere. Walk to the overlook and you can view the spotted seals..you can go down close to them, but leave them alone, they are relaxing and sleeping. They were so cute! Walking on the beach is great and if you climb up on the rocks you can join the seals and there are small pools in the rocks with little hermit crabs. Once again, don't get too close, don't touch , don't disturb these creatures. Such a peaceful place!
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Review from anna r.
Morgan Hill, CA
2/6/2011
Beautiful just beautiful. This is on our list for a honeymoon. Very cozy, beautiful weather, beautiful ocean, great food. Getting married this year, and were thinking of coming here to get away.
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Review from Omar R.
Burbank, CA
5/28/2011
this is a gem! so we park and walked the whole boardwalk!!! we even walked in the tide pools. the really cool thing was that its a nursery for the sea lions pups. we saw like ten just sun bathing! it was just really nice to enjoy the day there. i wish i could live there! just beautiful!!! a must do if you love the beach!
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Review from Ali O.
San Leandro, CA
6/26/2009
This is a beautiful, beautiful beach. Stop here if you are traveling up the coast or on your way to San Simeon. The shore is littered with beach stones, moonstones, pebbles, and interesting rocks. It is great for rock hounds, couples, or romance ( wink wink). This is a good stop on a road trip or for a weekend getaway. There are lots of little inns and B and Bs nearby if you want to stay the night with your special someone. This beach is a must see in my opinion. I think it is gorgeous and calming.
Listed in: California Camping and Road…
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Review from Keisha A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/3/2010 2 photos
Moonstone Beach is ridiculously beautiful. It's the stuff California dreams are made of. Go during sunset to watch the amazing view as the sun hits the water. It's so romantic and peaceful that if you're not with a lover, you might find yourself making the moves on your unsuspecting, startled sister. (Eww, no, that didn't happen, but it's that sublime).
Listed in: California Love
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Review from Cindy G.
Cypress, CA
1/16/2011
Oh my. Moonstone Beach totally rocks. Rocks, Rocks, and more rocks. Beautiful sun rises and sun sets. Miles of beach to explore with purple california crabs you can pick up. Sea urchins and the millions of tiny hermit crabs you might mistake for sea snails. If you do not stay on the beach you can day visit by parking almost anywhere. It is open and very easy. Off season the hotels offers many great deals. In Jan. we got a deal at the Fireside Inn, buy 2 nites get 1 free. Check for the tide tables for high and low tides. Go during low tide for the best view of the tide pools. At night bring a flash light to look for the many purple crabs. So very cool. Any thing you do on Moonstone Beach will be awesome and no " do overs required".
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Review from Jane J.
Riverside, CA
1/21/2009
Amazing beach! Sooo clean. Being from socal, dirty beaches is all you see. The water was clean, the beach was clean, the waves were big, and the fog made it just a little bit more beautiful (I came during January). It is correct to say when someone mentioned that the beach is stoney/rocky instead of sandy. It is also correct that dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but I did see one on it. You must stop by when in Cambria or San Simeon!
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Review from Ava A.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2010
We've always passed by this town on our way to Carmel and Monterey. My favorite beach off Hwy 1....maybe even in California. It's beautiful. There's a wooden trail that's about 1 mile long where you can jog and take in the scenery...the awesome beach. There are stairs that take you to the beach with its tidepools and you can see the seals that hang out near the west end of the trail.
The quaint small hotels are right across the beach separated by a little paved road that you can take to Cambria's little town. It's perfect for a romantic getaway. The sunsets are comparable to Hawaii's. Really cute hideaway that I wish I would have discovered sooner. -
Review from Bradley N.
Missoula, MT
11/26/2009
Hmmm ... there are nicer beaches in the Big Sur area without the boardwalk and the wedding couples and the stone seekers. The Pacific being the Pacific, you can hardly go wrong here at sunset, of course. It's not a place to avoid, by any means. But Cambria has more to offer than this.
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Review from dee t.
Long Beach, CA
11/2/2009
Husband and I passed by this beach after our stop at Cambria. It's such a beautiful and peaceful beach. I took pictures with the beautiful moonstone rocks. It's quite a romantic place. What a treat!
Listed in: Norcal road trip
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Review from Marmalade J.
San Francisco, CA
3/12/2009
Every summer when I was younger, my extended family rented a huge house across the street from the beach in Cambria. While all the beaches in Cambria are absolutely beautiful, Moonstone is the best. Incredibly clean, nice thick sand. There are trails (yes, real trails with built-in paths) up along the sides which I was dragged upon. What we really wanted to do was scale the kid-size cliffs. Per our parents request, we scampered north along the beach to reach the tide pools, where we were instructed to gather any good shells to decorated our mothers' bathrooms. I vividly recall throngs of seal/sea lions lounging around on rocks not ten feet away from us. The best of California!
