Perfect for walking and strolling. Public restrooms at the parking lot. Can get windy and sunny in the late afternoon

dont miss the memories to be made there. Watch the movie Aracnaphobia for it was filmed in Cambria and moonstone beach. if you are 1 or 101 I am sure you will have a awesome memory of this gorgeous beach, the moonstone pebbles and all of the California purple crabs that emerge at sunset. Be sure to take a flash light, you might miss half of the beauty of this beach if you don't. read more

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! read more

I loved this beach! We walked the dogs all the way around the wooden walkway which was perfect for them. We walked as far as we could to the end then headed to the shoreline :) Watched the surfers & after walking not far at all were able to have our own little beach area all to ourselves. Let the dogs off the leash and we all played in the water everyone was super friendly. The fact that the beach is covered in tiny beautiful stones just makes it cooler than most beaches. There are some pretty ones. I asked a lady who seemed to be a local, and she said the moonstones were the ones that were somewhat opal/clearish in color. I thought they were gorgeous, and when you walk the shoreline you can find stones in every color, I found it fun to grab one in every shade: purple, green, blue, etc :) Great place to take kids or dogs I know they say no dogs allowed ON THE BEACH, but no one cared or told us anything also they have doggy bags for their mess by the walkway for your convenience, so if you grab a couple of those just in case take them to the beach w you. Luckily my dogs are well trained and only like grass lol ;) The fact that you can get your own little area all to yourself is a HUGE PLUS here. read more

Moonstone Beach - Beaches Near Me - Cambria, California

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We trekked along this beautiful, uncrowded beach during a brief stopover in Cambria during late August. In addition to several of the "moonstones" we noticed many other interesting pebbles and shells along the shoreline, as well as several tidepools accessible during lower tides; among the creatures we observed were anemones, sea stars, crabs, herons, gulls, seals, and even an otter or two. The only downside were the clouds of flies clinging to rocks and washed-up seaweed along the tideline, but they didn't bite and were only mildly annoying. Keep in mind while collecting that the beach runs up against the protected Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, and that all marine life is protected. I'm looking forward to my next visit! read more

Spent hours exploring here & didn't want to leave! From the ocean to the stunning cliffs to the colorful rocks & moonstones to the tide pools filled with crabs & starfish to the seals perched out on the rocks....it's California nature at it's finest! read more

Amazing tide pools and great treasure hunting..what more could you ask for in a beach?? My family can spend hours here exploring all the nooks and crannies of the tide pools. And when they tire of that they spend hours more searching for ocean treasures. Moonstone Beach is not your typical soft sand beach as it is covered in colorful stones and shells, most of which have been tumbled smooth by the ocean however if you're planning on being here for awhile or have sensitive feet then I suggest you bring your water shoes. If you walk up north of the beach you will find a staircase that leads to a parking lot and a few picnic benches in a shaded area. We usually have lunch here after playing on the beach and are always able to grab a table. The only downside to this beach is we have yet to find any close public restrooms although if planned correctly you won't have to worry too much about it. read more

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I totally enjoyed this place! Watched the sunset, walked on the boardwalk and captured some great pictures. Memories with some one very special will always be here. Looking forward to going there next year, the year after and the next. read more

We've been enjoying Moonstone Beach for years in Cambria. Restaurants and motels fill one side of the road. The coastline is rocky and jagged in most places, with a few places for beach combing and walking. There is a wonderful trail that winds along the edge, perfect for a sunset stroll. read more

I collected so many stones and pieces of sea glass. Beautiful beach. Wear shoes, rocks hurt

We love Moonstone beach!!! My husband loves collecting rocks and brought home a big bag of moonstones. He's promised me some moonstone earrings!! He wasn't able to find a lot of tide pooling which was a little disappointing, but maybe it has to do with the time of year you are there? He did find a little. I sat on the beach and watch dolphins in the water!!! In all our years going to the coast, I have never seen dolphins just off the beach!! I love what Cambria has done with this beach. The 1 1/2 mile long beach board walk with benches and little turn outs with railings is wonderful! There are multiple sets of stairs with railings going down to the beach, making access very easy. The first night we were there I was too tired to walk along the sand, but thoroughly enjoyed myself meandering down the boardwalk and absorbing the breathtaking view. I could sit every now and then when I wanted and then stroll down a bit farther. Most relaxing beach I've ever been to. Moonstone beach is a rare beach that has it ALL. You can surf, look for semi-precious moonstones, tide pool, watch the sea life, or stroll along the board walk. There is plenty of parking in the lot or along the side of the road and restrooms. (I didn't use them so not sure how clean they are.) At the end of Moonstone beach is Leffingwell Landing, which has another beach access & picnic tables. The entire area is kept pristine. Not a nasty piece of litter to be seen anywhere....good job Cambria!! We will definitely be back to Cambria & Moonstone beach!!! read more

Love going here and walking on the rocks. Love looking for moonstones and just listening to the waves come and go.

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! read more

Beautiful Beach! May have a lot of tourists/busy, however there are many quiet areas of the beach, along with great scenic hike trails. Tide pools! Many areas w/ benches to sit and watch the ocean/great for pictures! Tip: bring a jacket! Even in the Summer months, the breeze along with the ocean mist may get a little chilly. I am not sensitive to the cold, and wished i had brought a jacket at times. Would NOT recommend swimming in the ocean due to the sharks/jelly fish. Also ocean can get very cold, even in summer seasons. read more

What a beautiful beach. It is a great place to take pictures and just hang. We were here on New Years Eve, and there wasn't too many people. It was really quiet and low key, at least the day we were there. It seems like a great place to listen to the ocean and get away from things with your own thoughts. read more

You can't go wrong with a mini get away with this place. Great atmosphere, friendly locals and amazing food. Amazing views and many things to do close by. Herst Castle and lots of Wine tasting. read more

One of the most beautiful beaches on the central California coast. Rugged beauty mixed with rich sand beaches. We always stay right across the beach! Love it read more

Great place to watch the sunset. My best friend and I climbed onto a big rock and just watched the sun go down as the waves broke over the other rocks. It's very tranquil and just a gorgeous spot to stop and watch the waves break. The beach is definitely more rocky than sandy but it's fun to go through and pick some nice rocks to go in your collection. I think I would definitely recommend this spot for sunset rather than daytime. the beach almost glows at dusk and the sunset is just amazing! read more

Beautiful view of the pacific. Really nice boardwalk to watch the crashing waves. We ate sunday brunch and Moonstone beach bar and grill across the street. 2 glasses of champagne come with breakfast items. This was a beautiful little escape and easy to get to on our Paso Robles wine trip this past weekend! read more

So beautiful. Great for walking. Waves too rough for kids, suspect unsafe undertow. 8 year old knocked over by waves that unpredictably whipped up. Sand is thick grainy pebbles and very distinct. You can find little moonstones but not many large moonstones left. You can see Hearst Castle on a clear day. Tons of driftwood and virtually no seaweed. Blue jellyfish sometimes wash ashore and little sandpipers everywhere. read more

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! read more

This is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to! Unfortunately, I was only able to stop by for a few moments but I loved it. I will definitely be back! read more

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. read more

Moonstone is my perfect (not so) secret hideaway. I've been a few times and every time has been special. It's a place I've gone to get away, celebrate, think, let go, reevaluate and plan. It's a stretch of beach I have walked a dozen times and have made plans to sit on the same rock and have sunsets all to myself. It's my little slice of earth heaven and it's the only pebble beach I've ever been to. Aside from the obvious wonders this beach offers, the town of Cambria is just a wonderful, charming, friendly and enough to keep you busy and entertained for the entire weekend. i just might become the Duke. read more

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. read more

A beautiful beach, no trash, I love the calm waves, sea gulls and squirrels.

I found this to be a very rejuvinating beach experience. Sat and mediated as the morning fog evaporated and the sun came out. Watched 4 young guys surf (with wet suits). It was so peaceful - I will definately be back to explore this expance of California Coast again. read more

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! read more

Great beach! Quiet, relaxing, beautiful, and peaceful. Nice sand and lots of moonstones to pick up. Low tide was great, some of the largest sea stars I've ever seen at a low tide. This beach was really centering and calm. I loved every second of staying here. 20 minutes from Hearst castle, 30 minutes from the elephant seals, 30 minutes from major wine tasting in paso. Perfect location! read more

A bit rocky but quiet, mostly older crowd not many kids. Someone there today mentioned needing to have a "beach pass" to park but we took the chance. Stayed all day with no problem. Great way to spend the 4th! :) read more

Very cool beach. The sand is not the typical Quartz type sand or shape. It's round and has an array of color. Quite a beautiful area.

Great beach to have the kiddos running around and searching for amazing rocks/gems while getting some energy out!

The boardwalk is really nice to walk along with a friend or with your pooch : ) We stayed in the sand/rocks however and walked down the beach because it was not crowded at all! (we went during the week) I was so pleased to hear only the splashing of waves and no other sounds. Very peaceful! There are perfect areas set up with benches to watch the sunset! beautiful. read more

This is such a pretty beach! I love the boardwalk here that goes all along the beach. The beach is very clean and kept up well. It gets pretty rocky along the water due to the "moonstones" aka pieces of glass turned into smooth pebbles from the water. This is a nice relaxing place to take a walk along the coast and enjoy the view. read more

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. read more

Beautiful beach! For a town, hotel and beach rentals that are dog friendly the main beach would be perfect to be dog friendly since it's a great walking beach. read more

Relaxing time to comb the sand for agate and colored pebbles and sea glass. A wonderful way to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Moonstone beach is interesting and a fairly quiet beach. My family went for the day and had a picnic. It was overcast, but warm. The beach was clean. We found wonderful rocks to take back home as trinkets to remember our family beach day. It really cool to walk the beach and see driftwood huts and caves that are built on the sand or off the rocks. We were able to chill out, nap, and watch seals off the beach swimming in the ocean. My daughter was especially impressed with the dark purple glittery sand. Its hard to find a great family place that's 100% free, no parking fee, nothing. We brought our own food and beverages. It was great. read more

Nice boardwalk and great for a walk on the beach. Found plenty of moonstones.

One of my favorite places in the world! Very special and SO BEAUTIFUL!! I love walking barefoot with all the smooth time smooth rocks. LOVE the wild and rocky northern beauty! read more