Moonstone Beach Reviews

Moonstone Beach is a great walking beach with a boardwalk that spans the entire length of the beach. The rocks, for which the beach is named, are beautiful. This is a great place to walk or run, and there are several spots to just hang out and reflect. Check out the driftwood "teepees"!

Enjoyed our walk on the boardwalk with the sea breeze and fog. A very easy walk among the pines, with restaurants across the road. Bring a light jacket even in June-July because it is windy and cold.

There are beaches and beaches... this one is nice to view, but... this is not a beach... OK, as stated above... for me----> beach is to be a place to swim, water is to be 24 C and above (26C+ preferred) and it is to be sunny and I am to be on vacation...

so, the question is -- what is your idea of a beach?

This was the last part of the U.S. Pacific coast I needed to see and visit so I’m glad the weather and life commitments made it possible. Each part is unique, but also the same, and MSB has that combination of ruggedness and serenity that just wants to make you stand there and breath deeply. Spotting otters in the surf, hearing seals “talking”, listening to the waves hit the rocks, people watching, and watching the kayak fishermen working the kelp beds. We stayed at a nice motel at MSB and enjoyed being able to participate in all the changes that take place between just before sunrise and full sunset! The path/walkway system will accommodate just about all age groups and provides you the opportunity to take a short or long walk, and anything in between. You go to Pismo to swim, you go to MsB for the experience. Don’t miss the experience!

This beach is truly beautiful and peaceful. A beautiful wooden boardwalk and trails along the beach makes this a great place for a morning or sunset walk!

We walked along the boardwalk before and after dinner. It goes along the stretch of Moonstone beach. Easy walk, great view and the scenery is beautiful.

A must do.

On a three week road trip everytime we said we were stopping at Cambria said oh it lovely or it's great, but there's just not much here that is good or exceptional, beach is dreary and quite unclean in places, much nicer beaches around on same coast, town is overpriced and food also I really would not come back.

Very romantic, we took long sunset strolls and collected the tiny mood rocks from the beach. we even witnessed an engagement. In the mornings theres lots of families and puppy dogs taking strolls. the views were exceptional.

Love the beach. House was perfect. However you must be quiet. House had everything you need. Plenty of towels and firewood for the fire pit. We had a great time in this house. Catching up with friends

Took the family here at the end of the day. Great beach with rock formations, tons of drift wood and big waves. Kelp plants washed up which the kids liked playing with. Definitely recommend

So many different colors glistening in the sun! Have fun collecting a few moonstones, or just enjoy the feel of the rounded stones under your feet.

Suggest going early before the crowd comes around or after 8:30-9am. Quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.

Every time we come to Cambria we must visit Moonstone Beach. It's always a treat. The beach, the sand between your toes, the wind, the driftwood and pebbles....... It's not so nice in the rain but when it's sunny it's a great treat.

It was quite a treat to walk along the shore and view the water without getting sand in my shoes. The boardwalk is easy to navigate, and there are many spots to stop for the view or to access the sand and water. We saw lots of surfers, dolphins, and kayakers. There are a couple of parking lots (with restoooms) but there is plenty of parking along the road with access to the water and boardwark.

Bring a woolly jumper and a windproof anorak with a hood for a walk on Moonstone Beach. Even when it's hot and still in Cambria, the wind on the beach never lets up. But it's worth it. We love looking for moonstones (a kind of agate, not the feldspar type), and the beach is usually very quiet and safe. People clearly have beach parties and camp fires (lots of wood gets washed ashore) but we've never done that, being (well) over 30. There's a lot of sea-weed at high-tide mark which can be a bit smelly until it's dried out. There's erosion all the time and one day Moonstone Beach may have disappeared. Make sure you see it while you can.

not ideal for families with kids, but a great place to take pics of the ocean and the mountains behind it!

Awesome views and you can walk at your leisure or take an exercise walk. Great wildlife and dog friendly. Beautiful!

I've been using the "Action Tour Guide" that I found here in TripAdvisor and downloaded for my drive down the PCH. It directed me to turn off Highway 1 to see this small beach and encouraged me to walk on the boardwalk. I am traveling with my 79 year old mother and the boardwalk was perfect for her. I chose to take the short hike onto the beach while she stayed up top. We both had a great time and took pictures of each other.
The beach is more pebble than sand, which I enjoy, and boulders are easy to climb and get some great pictures. There are an array of restaurants and hotels along this areas and it almost makes me wish I would have booked here.
It's a lovely beach for people of all ages and abilities. The boardwalk is also ADA compliant.

Famous Moonstone Beach is a beautiful spot with lots of cool stones...but...the "Moonstones" found here are not real moonstones. Moonstones are a type of Feldspar...these are not. Still a fun place with lots of sea life in the tide pools when the tide goes out.

This beach is great for walking and enjoying the sea air. A boardwalk extends from beginning to end. A row of quaint hotels lines the road.

Spend an hour or two, or three combing through all the little rocks on the beach. Beautiful scenery and the warm rocks feel great under your feet. Choose a color, see how many you can find.

Beautiful weather and view! Loved the boardwalk. Very well kept up and nice to walk on something on the beach other than sand.

Lots of driftwood, the beach is not sand it is gravel but fine gravel. I am used to the sand beaches of Carmel 100 miles north of here. Neverthless, it is attractive and very nice for watching the sunsets, which you can do from your car or from the great boardwalk there.

Moonstone beach is a marvelous "hunt" for moonstones~~tiny little colorful stones that have been smoothed by the ocean waves and deposited on the sandy beach for children of all ages to choose and keep, or to toss back into the water. It is a lovely beach and lots of fun. Members of my youth orchestra, Symphonie Jeunesse, have been collecting moonstones on each concert tour to Cambria for 8 years!

We love Moonstone Beach. nice boardwalk for walking. Great tide pools at low tide, we have seen crabs, star fish baby sharks, even a baby octopus.

Short stop close to the pacific coast highway. Cool place with natural round, polished stones. Worth a stop.

I LOVE Moonstone beach.. we've been going to Cambria for 20 years & love Moonstone beach.
We recently contacted a local photographer to take our pictures on the beach for our 34th anniversary & so excited to see them.
Its hot or miss with a sunset there but when you see it, its breath taking. Watching the sun setting then disappearing is perfect.

All the properties along Moonstone Beach tout the "beauty" of the beach. Well that description is debatable to me. It's a dark and rocky beach that one cannot walk or lie on. All one can do is walk on the boardwalk and look at the ocean. The town of Cambria is just so so - again what's the big deal?!If I go back out that way again, I would choose Pismo Beach over Cambria for a stopover for driving up the coast.

This is a lovely beach on the coast, right off of Hwy. 1. Windsor Road takes you to its parking lot. Park your vehicle and plan on spending 1-2 hours exploring this unique area. There's a wooden boardwalk going north for a mile, meandering through parks--all the time with the dramatic coast to your left. After the walk, we took our bikes and rode along Moonstone Beach Road (there's a narrow bike lane) for two miles, again towards north where the road merges with Hwy 1. Lovely Inns, Bed and Breakfasts and eateries line this road on the right, with the spectacular ocean to your left. When we returned to the parking lot and walked around more, we noticed that the Santa Rosa Creek empties itself into the ocean right on this lovely beach--making the area a sanctuary for birds and all sorts of marine life.

A great little spot to getaway for romantic weekend off from the kids. Weather was great the town and surrounding area was cute and full of nice shops and restaurants. Lots of vineyards about to for lazy afternoons spent tasting wine. Will definitely go back.

Easy stroll on a wooden boardwalk trail with fantastic views of the Pacific. It's about 1 1/2 mile walk.

Moonstone Beach is one of those rare places that stays with you. It’s accessible, unpretentious, and a natural playground for curious minds and peaceful souls alike. Whether you're a solo wanderer, a family out for a day trip, or just in need of a refreshing view, Cambria’s Moonstone Beach offers up charm, treasures, and those quiet moments that linger long after the tide rolls back.

Spent a weekend in Moonstone Beach. Was exceptional. Stayed on Moonstone Beach Dr, was close to restaurants, oceanfront and downtown Cambria. Very quaint, interesting downtown area. Lots of shops, much history. Haven't torn down all of their historic buildings. Very much worth your timed.

We travel a lot and came here last year, which invented us to return and stay longer. This is how the pacific shore should be seen. We will be back.

We chose a windy/cold time to visit, but it was worth it. Very unique, walkable and good access to get down on the beach.

We were hoping to find a quiet place to enjoy sunset and have an evening stroll next to the Pacific Ocean, and Moonstone Beach provided both.

We stayed nearby "Moon Stone" beach and this is always a great place to walk to, meet people, enjoy the ocean, and look for shells, drift wood and moon stones. The moon stones are small white in color and translucent so you really have to look. It is best to use a stick or a strainer to sort out the smaller rocks. Sea Glass is also fun to look for which are more colorful.

Among so many beautiful natural settings Moonstone stands out. We walked and looked and visited the shops. It is far more than the wonderful rest stop.

This is a very nice beach. While you can't walk long distances on the beach, there is a boardwalk that allows you to access the beach at different locations. Fun beach to search for moonstones and build driftwood teepees.

The beach is beautiful but if you think there are rocks of all colors your really have to spend time to find them. A ton of drift wood. Hit or miss, there are better beaches.

One of the best places we’ve stayed. The room was spacious, beautiful, and immaculate. We had an ocean view too which allied us to sit out at night, see the stars , and see whales in the daytime. There are walkways to the ocean or just walk and admire the views. The breakfast was more than expected and the front staff friendly and informative. We’ll definitely be back.

Moonstone Beach has beautiful views and the tide pools are full of hermit crabs, sea anemone and barnacles. We must be careful with our footing to avoid stepping on live animals. We could not see any harbor seals in the Point Lobos Natural Preserve but we found many of them lying on the rocks and they did not mind us when we walked up to about 20 feet away. We also saw an Egret and a Great Blue Heron about 30 feet away. Looking for smooth and colorful moonstones is also fun. We spent two hours here enjoying the nature. It is right next to the Leffington Wells State Park, where you can find a public restroom and a few BBQ grills.

So I have decided to share a secret. Most people park along Moonstone Beach Drive and walk the boardwalk or the beach below - and that is definitely worthwhile. Here's the "secret:" If one drives to the north end of Moonstone Beach Drive and parks at the little park where the road goes back onto Highway 1, you can find a more secluded beach. From the parking area, head north a few hundred feet and you will find some old stairs leading down to the beach. I have usually found myself alone there, meaning you have the joy of solitude on an uncrowded beach, but also you have a better chance of finding gem quality moonstones. Hint: Take wading shoes and look around the bases of some of the rocks, as they seem to gather there. Walk north if you like, or head back south and you will find stairs back up to the road, although there is a bluff top path back to the parking area that is more enjoyable.

Beautiful views, natural beach area with unspoiled coast line. Great walking area. Wonderful dining options nearby.

Perfect December day to walk along the beach on the boardwalk. Park at Moonstone beach lot and take a stroll on the mile long boardwalk. The scenery is unobstructed and the wildlife abundant. The giant junipers arching over the walk along the path and well-placed benches make it the perfect stroll. Kids and elderly, easy walking and plenty of room for strollers and wheelchairs:)

Wooden walk along side of beach, beautiful area nice walk beautiful scenery. Could drive or walk got places to pull over walk.

It's a California beach. You really cannot go too wrong. It was cold and windy when we visited. But it was still a beautiful spot. It looked like lots of driftwood comes to shore there and visitors built interesting structures. There was decent parking but I bet it can get busy. There are hotels near the beach but very little for other services. It's worth a visit.

Beautiful beach and great boardwalk easy to walk

Sunset was beautiful Lots of hotels and dining options although be aware on Tuesday many local restaurants are closed. and those that are open close early

Our family loved this beautiful beach. My kids loved searching for polished stones to make into unique jewelry. Loved it. Beautiful boardwalk goes for several miles or you can step onto the sand.

I can hear the beach waves from my room, all day and all night long. I also have a partial full view of the beach. Needless to say, it is an easy walk across the street. Sunday one of the Cambria Fire Department engines spent some time parked and working or not, we all enjoyed a swell with some nice overhead waves. This section of beach had seven surfers out at 8:30 AM. Good waves and good rides. Several dozens of families of all types, some with children, young couples, older couples, some singles and their dogs, all out in the sunny morning for to explore the beach. And a few of the very local resident squirrels.

The scenery and beauty of moonstone beach is beautiful. Wooden path walkways to stroll along beach. Seals to entertain you. Beautiful pines along the way. Just a beautiful place to unwind and relax.

A beautiful place to stroll and watch the sun set. A boardwalk along the low bluff and occasional bench make the walk enjoyable.

This is a must see while in Cambria. Husband and I enjoyed walking the trails overlooking the coastline. We wouldn’t have known about it if not for this one good stranger we met at a beach park. He recommended we go there snd also drive to Ragged Point.
Don’t forget to check Main Street for boutique and antique shops.

Unbelievably beautiful! Our early morning visit was overcast and peacefully quiet. Parking was difficult in this area even at this early hour.

Friends encouraged us to give it a try and it was beautiful. We even saw a few seals basking on the rocks. We walked about a mile in each direction from the parking lot on the south end

The beach is one of the great things about Cambria. There are tidepools, a walking trail, and lots of serenity and beauty all around. It’s walking distance from all of the hotels on the street.

So relaxing! Perfect day trip to the beach from the central valley! This will definitely be our family’s regular destination. 💕

Nice place to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Nice beach, pretty easy to access. Beautiful scenery and views of the ocean, sunrise and sunset. And great place to hunt for Moonstones and other gems!

We were excited to visit this beach and look for moon stones. It was a little disappointing as we only found a couple. Actually, a local picked the out for us and they were super tiny. I thought they would be plentiful as the photo indicates, but they were not. Worth a quick visit, and if you're lucky enough to hit it at the right time, I'm sure you can find more.

Quiet, windswept, and perfect for a romantic getaway or just a peaceful time away. Close to other great attractions.

When it’s hot in Paso, we run to the beach. If we’re in the mood for a hike, Moonstone Beach is our first choice. The mostly updated boardwalk is a mile end to end, so two miles round trip. You’re right above the beach, so the air and views are superb. Lots of places along the way to access the shore. We often bring a picnic lunch or stop at the Moonstone Grill. Parking is usually no issue, though it does get busy on weekends.

We stay across the street so we can walk this beach morning and night. The boardwalk makes it easy to walk for everyone, with steps to the sand for walking as well. We saw seals sunning themselves one morning and a stunning sunset that night.

Very nice walk along the side of the sea. Wonderful Pacific, lots of squirrels. We really enjoyed it and are happy to recommend it.

Romantic walk. Beautiful sunsets. Great for kids! Make sure to bring a jacket. It's always breezy and a bit chilly at dusk.

Moonstone Beach is a must stop when you are in or near Cambria, California. It is simply stunning. There are places to walk and a few places that have boarded walk ways for those that need more flat areas and the wheel chair bound. There is plenty of parking and it does not get too crowded.

I suggest going at sunset and just take a seat and watch the beautiful sunset over the blue ocean with all the greenery around. Wear shoes. The beach area has a lot of rocks and if your feet are not used to that, well, ouch.

It is not usually too warm even in the summer. It tends to be cooler and at sunset you may need a light covering.

Strollers are easy on the wooden pathway and you can see everything from there. One way is the beautiful ocean and the other way is filled with flowers, shrubs and greenery.

This is really a special place.

This beach is beautiful with gorgeous driftwood and beautiful cliffs and terrain. There is a well maintained cliff side walking path/hiking trail that is well maintained and lovely. Many side trails take one down to the beach. It’s a beautiful beautiful spot!

What a beautiful place for a picnic !!!!! So refreshing and a great stop after visiting Hearst Castle.

This is a great place to walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the ocean view. They have benches along the boardwalk. It has several places overlooking the sandy beach and rocks. There are also places to access the beach and find driftwood.

I was expecting something better. The thumbnail photo for the beach on this app features beautiful, multicolored rocks. I didn't see anything that looks like the thumbnail photo. They mostly look like little grey pebbles.

Still, my kids had fun finding cool rocks and little shells. There are some neat large rocks jutting out from the shore.

It is a picturesque place to take photos and watch surfers.

Early morning, during the day or watching the sunset along the walking path makes for an inspiring day. Easy path to follow and the view always spectacular. Easy access to the walk, easy walking. Watch for whales along this gorgeous coastline. With luck, you may find a moonstone at Moonstone beach.

Such a beautiful place to go for a stroll with that special someone. It is not too crowded. Beautiful views. Cool weather.

Never get tired of dropping by here whenever we are in Cambria.

Moonstone Beach is
a gem, boardwalk on the bluffs above, and great beach walk if you wish. Lots of parking if not staying on Moonstone Dr. Very refreshing, can be windy so come prepared but beautiful.

really one of the best beaches to visit in the morning or afternoon however late at night the tide comes it and i wouldnt recommend it.

Walking along Moonstone Beach's boardwalk path is a must-do if you're in Cambria. The coastline is beautiful, and nature surrounds you as you stroll along a well-maintained boardwalk path. There are also many hotels and restaurants along the path if you want to stop for lunch and enjoy the view.

If you're not wearing the appropriate shoes for sandy beaches, this boardwalk allows you to walk for long while, admiring the waves and views while enjoying the seabreeze and smells from the ocean.

Definitely worth the stop! Great restaurants and charming cottages to stay at. Amazing sunrises and sunsets!

Heard so much about Moonstone Beach. Traveling to San Francisco from Ojai and stopped in Cambria for an overnight stay. Loved walking Moonstone Beach and boardwalk. Picked up lots of rocks, but doubt if I really got any moonstones!

We were here at low tide exploring the exposed rocks and small tide pool areas. I still am not sure what a moonstone is but we had fun looking at all of the different kinds and colors of rock. The diversity of rocks was pretty amazing. My kids had fun digging in the sand along the surf at low tide to expose all of the gravel/small rocks under the sand. It was a lot of fun. The boardwalk is a very nice walking trail too.

Even though it was cool and windy, it is a lovely beach. Would love to come back later in the season when it’s sunny and hot. We know it would be great place to enjoy!

Visited day after Thanksgiving while on family holiday - great place to spend 2-3 hours weather permitting. There was a big storm on the West Coast and when we first arrived it was raining heavily and we had to adjourn for gemstone searching and head for lunch instead. When we returned the sun was out and it was lovely just strolling along the beach and boardwalk. Plenty of parking and while there were many visitors it just does not feel crowded. Ample parking along Moonstone Boulevard, along with a handful of restaurants and many inns. Like the fine pebbles on the beach which does not stick like sand. Will definitely consider returning.

Stopped in here after a long day up and down the PCH and site seeing. Great little beach with a boardwalk above the beach and hotels/restaurants across the road. A tad busier than some of the other state parks and beaches but still a nice place to go. Seems to be plenty of parking and public restrooms. Would be a great place to stay on another visit.

At the recommendation from our hotel, we pretty much drove straight to the beach when we had unpacked to try and see the sunset as it had been a beautiful day. Wow. what a lovely beach, crashing waves, barely anyone around and exactly what we hoped to see - a beautiful sunset. Highly recommend visiting!

The beach stretches for a few miles and has lovely boarded walks alongside it if you do not want to walk on the sand. This is a very pretty area and it has lots of great hotels opposite the beach.

This is quite an easy beach to access. There is a long boardwalk along the beach that is very flat and is a very nice walk.

This is the place to be when the world seems to be spinning out of control. Listening to the waves hitting the beach, gazing at miles of open sand and water, lets our overstressed minds and hearts take a much needed break.
The reality is that this ocean is not welcoming to swimmers....rip tides make it dangerous...but that is what keeps this scene so perfect. People have not messed it up...yet. So I come to Moonstone Beach to be refreshed and to feel hopeful. It's one of the last coastlines near large cities that remains pristine.

I love to walk along the boardwalk here. You can keep it slow Nd easy or opt for a few hills and stairs down to the beach itself. Whatever I choose and in any sort of weather, it refreshes my soul.

The beach itself is beautiful!! Walking amid the colored stones was a treat! Once we discovered the moonstones and how to identify them, our trip was made. We spent hours walking, splashing, and just plain hunting. Definitely will be returning to this magical spot.

This beach is easily accessible with plenty of parking. Walk on the beach, find a seat with a lot of rocks and just start looking. I could spend hours here looking at all of the beautiful stones of every different color.

This beach was very lovely. We were there at medium tide so we were able to walk quite a distance. The only issue we had was that it was extremely windy which nI think was unusual.

Good beach with good sand and plenty of rock pools etc. Access is from the boardwalk down steps. The sand was clean, thee where also quite a few wigwams made from driftwood. We were unlucky in our search for the moonstone - just not our day, should have come sooner!

On my most recent trip to Cambria I spent quite a bit of time at Moonstone Beach finding sea glass and lovely little rocks to make jewelry out of. I honestly could spend hours sifting through those rocks and finding treasures. One of the most peaceful and beautiful places I've ever been.

We took a day trip to Moonstone Beach on Saturday. New to the area, we've checked out Morro Bay and Pismo and this is our favorite. Seems a little less crowded, and is well kept. Plus i think Cambria is such a cute little town. Will be coming back often.

peaceful, accessable, best sunsets......the old wooden walk way is perfect for strolling the beach area

This place is just perfect! It’s heaven on earth! I could stay here forever! A must see as it is stunning xx

This is one of my favorite beaches of all time! It's weird saying that because it doesn't have a white, sandy beach. It is a beach that has incredible rocks and agate. It was so fun looking and exploring. It has these amazing rock formations if you walk about .5 miles down the beach. There is this one area in particular with a rock formation that looks like a chair (you can actually sit in it) that GOD placed there so you can admire his creation. I could spends hours and hours there, and it is fun for the entire family. The waves are some of the most powerful one I have heard.

We had some time to kill so spent an hour or so on this lovely beach, some people had set up waiting for the sunset so clearly it’s a popular place for that. Nice beach to walk along and explore, at one end there were some rocks with seals on them. Free parking and worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Visited on 9/20/2018 (Thursday): Moonstone Beach is a unique beach, one like I've never seen before. There are little stones when the water recedes, and you can even find these white/transparent stones called Moonstones. There are also a ton of other cool looking stones that you can find. There was also a lot of driftwood and dried up seaweed on the shore which attracted a lot of interesting insects. The view from above the beach is amazing, especially during sunset. There's an awesome restaurant called Sea Chest nearby and lots of hotels.

We ate here twice on our trip. Once in person and once as take out. The view of the setting sun was fabulous. Food was good (not outstanding) and decent value for the money. The takeout service was excellent. In restaurant dining, the service was a little slow, probably due to a training situation.

What a Great Beach just to relax at/ Cambria is amazing place to Bike at with Cambria Bike Rentals at the Center of Cambria.

Walking along this boardwalk with the sound of waves and all the birds is a lovely, calming experience and there are no crowds.

As per the photos, there is nothing else I could say or do to convince one to visit this beach. The moonstone drive is beautiful as well.

We don't get what the big deal is with this 'beach'. With the exception of a decent open ocean view & a boardwalk to travel across for an hour of your time, this was more or less a let down. Didn't see an single moonstone, there's lots of driftwood on shore, & it's not a 'beach' you would want to lay out on. In addition, it's not within walking distance of main street Cambria (not that Main Street Cambria is anything to write home about either).

We enjoyed ourselves much more along the water in Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, & up the road of Moonstone at the Elephant Seal Rookery. The sunsets are great here but they're great almost everywhere on the California coast.

Warning: If you have young kids you may want to think twice about hanging out in this area any amount of time. We couldn't help but think our kids would've been bored out of their minds if we'd had brought them here when they were young.

You can't beat the central coast of California for amazing sunsets and Moonstone Beach is a great place to view one (or more).

We were fortunate to visit Moonstone when there was very high surf, and entertaining by more than a dozen surfers who came out before sunset (which was also high tide). Later in our stay, we were told by a local that there was a whale in the distance and sure enough, there was! Free parking, nice boardwalk, and peaceful surroundings make this an all-time top five favorite location.

I love Moonstone Beach and so does my family. It’s never crowded, which makes spending time on the beach more memorable.

Walking on or near the beach is always delightful and calming. Lots of interesting driftwood on Moonstone. Many folks were walking their doggies.

No dogs allowed, however. Beach is strewn with ocean debris....adds to the charm. You can take a walk along the boardwalk, which is dotted with benches, for just taking in the gorgeous scenery.

I love love love Moonstone Beach. Every pebble and every stone are gorgeous. I could hunt for moonstones for hours. I love to just watch the ocean and to walk along the boardwalk when not on the beach itself. It is so calming, it is very relaxing.

Need to wear shoes, sandals, flip flops, etc. Rocks and gravel every where, but a nice view of the ocean.

“Moonstone Beach” is a very enticing name. There is a very nice, long boardwalk all along this beach. You also have access to the beach area itself, conveniently. The rocks, and associated tide pools, were a lot of fun. And yes, there are plenty of stones, similar to gravel, but very colorful. The coastal cypress trees give it a similar look to the beach at Carmel. Lots of surf the day we were there, including people taking advantage with surfboards.

Beautiful peaceful beach to take a walk. lots of driftwood on this untouched gem. We biked along the shoreline and walked on the beach, Great restaurant nearby and wonderful Cambria Beach Lodge

Do you want to walk safely by the ocean, without getting sand in your shoes? This is the place for you. They have a wooden walkway, wide enough for 2 to walk side by side comfortably. The view is so gorgeous & there are spots for you to leave the trail to sit & relax or take steps down to the beach to sit or check out the spoils. Beautiful flowers line the walk as the season allows. Can get windy, so he prepared.

I live here are the central coast and as far as beauty, Moonstone Beach is the best. I like looking for sea glass on the rocky beach. It is beach for walking not really for lounging but there is a nice picnic area by the parking lot. There is also a nice boardwalk.

Not too many actual moonstones left along the beach, except for very small ones, but nice to walk along the beach, dip your toes in the water and collect some colorful rocks for a small rock garden!

Beautiful! It's a quiet stretch of beach away from the crowds. No 2 sunsets are alike so it's always a first. Perfect for walking your dog. Early morning sunrise is even better!

Always Enjoy been near the ocean!! I enjoyed the most about Moonstone Beach is the walkway along the ocean shore! With Blue skies and the walkway is line with beautiful yellow wild flowers!! Each morning, very early when the sun is just rising, the walk is so peaceful, beautiful ... with not many people, one's connection to Mother Nature is Wonderful!!

Little boardwalk that follows the coast with steps down to Moonstone Beach. Take the time to experience the walk and take in the amazing view.

We walked to the beach. Sat in our beach chairs provided by Captains Cove Hotel and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Boardwalk is very nice for walking.

The views along Moonstone Beach cannot be beat, and the wooden boardwalk along the top of the bluff makes it easy to enjoy. The walkway includes a few extensions toward the beach.

This beach is really peaceful! Not too many people and the kids were able to run around without being overcrowded like Pismo and Morro.

This beach is small but offers beautiful views of the coast. There is a well maintained boardwalk that spans the length of the beach for those who enjoy a brisk walk by the ocean. A word of caution is that the steps going down to the beach can be very slippery and muddy.

Such a lovely walk along the coast. There is a wood walk makes it easy for people who have difficulty walking, wheelchairs and strollers. It’s pretty flat although there are some uneven places but considering it is right on the beach it’s in remarkable shape.

We spent 4 days in Cambria right across from Moonstone Beach and walked on the boardwalk or beach a couple of times each day. It is just beautiful and so different than our beaches in Southern California where were from.

If in Cambria you’ll want to do this walk. There are benches and picnic tables in some places so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. And this area is quite popular at sunset because the view is spectacular!

We stayed in late August 2019 and had both a sunny morning and a very foggy morning. The boardwalk path is easy to use with views of the beach below. Lots of driftwood for people to use for sculpting and lovely sunset views in the evening. It's a quiet road off of Highway 1 which makes it more peaceful.

Try to find stones in different colors here. There are a lot of them. Someone is bulding sculptures of the wood from the sea. Easy to park and no cost. Just a quick stop 10-20 minuters, it depense on how many stone you want to find.

If you're in the general area of Cambria, Moonstone Beach is worth a visit. It's free to access, has easy free parking and is as safe as a pacific coast beach can be. It's not pretty enough to warrant a special trip but if you're in the area anyway it's certainly worth visiting.

We walked from the south end where Santa Rosa creek is located to the north end to the bridge. Really nice boardwalk with views of seals, whales off shore, lots of birds and wildflowers. Park your car at one end and enjoy the views, the beach, the bird watching, wildlife and then eat at moonstone grill.

Moonstone Beach is my happy place; it's my husband's happy place.

We have been visiting Cambria for nearly 30 years; first when we lived in Southern California and, for the past 25 years, we've been driving in from Nevada at least once a year.

We sit on a patio in an ocean-facing room and spend hours watching the ocean, the surf, the surfers, walkers, joggers, cars, dogs, California ground squirrels, seagulls and other birds. There is nothing more relaxing.

The Boardwalk makes for a nice leisurely walk. You can see the tidepools. This is not a beach for laying out and sun-bathing. And this Boardwalk is nothing like the Boardwalk in Atlantic City. It's just a pathway that parallels the ocean.

If you can afford it, get a room that is ocean-facing. Very few are.

There isn't much to do after dark. I think the sidewalks in Cambria get rolled up around 8:00, LOL! By then, it's too dark to see the ocean so curl up with your e-reader and buy "Murder on Moonstone." It's just $2.99 at Amazon. It's a murder mystery about a series of fictional murders that occur along Moonstone Beach Drive while police rush to find the killer before s/he strikes again. It's fun to read about the local motels and restaurants, including Blue Dolphin Inn, Las Cambritas and Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill, to name a few.

This is one of my most favorite places to visit. I love to walk along the beach. I love the polished stones. Such a peaceful place to visit. I have loved visiting here for over 20 years.

Lots of surf and surfers and a few walkers. The tide was coming in, so the beach was not as easy to walk on near the water’s edge. The sand is not sugary white sand and you do have to walk on uneven mounds made by surf with lots of sea debris (which draws millions of flies) and huge pieces of driftwood. The highlight, if you make it that far, is the crescent with the colorful moonstones. I enjoyed the William Hearst beach near the pier much more for walking and the Elephant Seal Rookery north of that for observation.

A drive or a stroll along Moonstone Beach should be required of anyone driving the southern section of California highway 1. A loop drive is ok, but better is a stroll along the extensive boardwalk. Even better is to stay at one of the lodging places along the beach or to dine at one of the (few) restaurants with a surf view.

I love to walk the walkways around the beach and sit and watch the ocean from the bench. Fun to try and find moonstones on the beach. Love to watch the surfers as well.

Moonstone Beach is a big part of what Cambria is all about! The hotels/b&b’s are mainly along this stretch of beach, and it has a nice boardwalk for strolling. We love staying in a B&B with a patio deck that has the great views of the water and beach. Very romantic at sunset!

We love this beach and the eating establishments across the street. An old favorite and so romantic especially at sunset.

You can walk all along the coast. Either on a wooden path or right on the beach
Ambience: warm
to recommend: je

This is a great place to look for rocks. Next time I will get there earlier since the best ones were already taken by time I arrived. High tide of course is crucial.

Beautiful! We went twice while staying in Cambria. There was more accessible and interesting rock formations during low tide. Dog friendly. About two fights of stairs to get to the beach. Nice boardwalk above to walk along.

Nice walk along the ocean, especially at sunset. We can sit on the benches and watch the sunset and/or listen to the waves.

At beautiful Moonstone Beach you can work on the raised walkway and take in the visita from the bluff or you can scurry down to the beach and walk along the shore examining rocks and looking for Moonstones, Sea glass & distinctive rocks

We did not find any moonstones but we were quite dismayed to see all the kelp that had been washed up on the beach That looked like it had been broken off.
We wondered if this kelp was part of the die off from the purple sea urchins that seem to be devouring the kelp beds along the central coast and north coast of California.

A great place for an early morning stroll with a cuppa coffee or a late afternoon stroll to watch the sunset. A magical experience.

This is a fun site excursion. We went hunting for moonstone rocks and came away with some colorful stones

Are we allowed to bbq on the beach? If not, which beach can we bbq at in San Luis Obispo? Thank you in advance

What a great morning beach combing on this amazing beach. Not only did we find shells, driftwood, jade, but there were Cambria moonstones as well. So much fun.

My friend is rock a rock hunter & now has me looking at rocks!! Beautiful breathtaking beach. Hoping the homeless on the beach won’t ruin it. Yes, we were approached but they were friendly. Great beach for exploring with friend and family.

Great location within a short drive to Cambria Village. Plenty of interesting hotel choices, although to me they are overpriced due to the lcoation, a number of good restaurants within walking or short drive. Worth a stay if you can afford the rates. But there are also nice places to stay in Cambria Village.

A very gracious young lady showed us how to find moonstones or jadite on the beach...the masses of pebbles are beautiful , there are tide pools among the rocks to explore, if the fog has lifted you can wade in the water and see forever. Fun for all ages and a great outing.

It was a sunny but blustery day when we visited. We enjoyed the board walk and our son fell asleep in his buggy to the sound of the waves. The beach is stoney but nice for searching for little stones with kids. Waves a huge and the beach drops sharply down so really big crashing noises! My daughter was a bit frightened but it was pretty cool. We spent a lovely 90 mins here enjoying ourselves. Little car park and toilets available.

Drove a few hours to getaway from the 100+ degree temps.Beautiful beach! The weather was awesome. Alot of wildlife, Quail,Deer,Otters,Rabbits and seals.NOT CROWDED AT ALL!

We stayed right across the street from this beach. It is beautiful and tranquil. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it is not a dog-friendly beach. I was in Cambria with my dog, so we stayed on the boardwalk that runs adjacent to it.

Nice boardwalk to over look the beach and leave the flora, fauna and animals undisturbed. And as I said, I was surprised to see seals hanging out on the rocks.

My family and I visited San Simeon for many years and were blissfully unaware Moonstone Beach (nearby) existed. About 4 years back we “discovered “ it when pulling off highway one. Wow, what a little slice of heaven! We stay here instead of nearby San Simeon now. Spoiled for choice, there are many quaint, pretty and well maintained inns to stay (our favourite is The Sand Pebbles Inn). Highly recommend the beautiful beach, inns and restaurant here!

Moonstone Beach is a very relaxing stroll, you can go down to the beach and serch for shells and SeaGlass, or you can take the boardwalk for a long leisurlery stroll wit Great views all around you. If you have never been Moonstone Beach it is a highly Recommended stop.

We came for our anniversary, one of my favorite beaches. Love all the beautiful rocks, and looking at the driftwood. Made for a nice time

Funny but quite unusual, people were asking, "What are we looking for", really so unique to find these tiny gemstones. You have to love what your doing but to go away from missing this unusual stones would be sad. I've enclosed some pictures of what they look like.

Moonstone Beach is a long public beach with plenty of free parking along Moonstone Beach Drive, which runs parallel to the beach for about 1.2 miles (1.9k), and in a parking lot near the south end with public restrooms nearby.

Parallel to the road and the ocean, above the beach, is a wonderful boardwalk offering great views and wildflowers in the spring. Along the boardwalk, there are a number of places where steps provide access down to the beach where large portions are covered in small pebbles beautifully polished by the waves. Among the pebbles, one may be lucky enough to find a moonstone, a feldspar mineral with a translucent, blue, opalescent look; but in the likely event that you do not find a moonstone, there are many other beautiful pebbles to sort through and enjoy.

Laguna Beach and SanDiego beaches far superior, larger more walking areas
I was really disappointed,I expected something similar to the other beaches or better

By Big Sur standards, the oceanfront here is a bit of a let down. The beaches along the trail have a LOT of driftwood which has been piled into Teepee like structures.

The "sand" is interesting and ranges from tiny grains to a colorful mix of pebble to hand-sized rock of various shades of grey, brown, white and greenish.
It's not a bad place to watch a sunset from, and there are many resorts and lodges along the adjoining stretch of road, as well as a number of restaurants.

In August, on a weekday, the narrow-ish walk can get crowded and there are only a few access points to get to the actual beach.

The walkway is navigable in a wheelchair, and frequented by dog walkers. So all in all, it's not bad place for a stroll.

We spent an entire day on the beach watching the tide slowly go out. It’s a great beach to find sea glass and moonstones.

It can get cool by the water, so bring a blanket and a warm jacket; some cheese, crackers and a bottle of wine can’t hurt either.

The Moonstone Beach Drive runs along a bluff above the Pacific Ocean. It is paralled by a 3-mile boardwalk that winds along Moonstone Beach. Birds fly above and tiny creatures scurry in the tide pools.

Low tide, has many small tide pools to get hermit crabs and see sea anemone. Rocks are beautiful and have a chance to find moonstones.

We have always loved this beach. You can either walk along on the boardwalk or the shore. We like to check out the tide pools and look at all of the gorgeous stones. There are usually some pretty cool rock and wood sculptures here.

We spent hours on the beach looking for moonstones and jade. We found a lot of them as well as sea glass.

The boardwalk was not very busy this afternoon. The wind was high and the temperature in the low 60s. It was glorious with a spirited sea but a bright sun. We came from Arizona to enjoy the salt air and be refreshed by the ocean breezes. We are blessed to be here.

If the tide is out a walk on Moonstone Beach is very pleasant. Lots of driftwood has allowed visitors to construct many entertaining structures. However, some have left littler behind, detracting from the experience. We saw a pod of dolphins in the surf. Overlooking the beach is a long boardwalk, allowing for an easy, pleasant stroll.

With a quick Google search you can find out what types of stones to look for on the beach. You can likely find a local shop to sell you a small inexpensive sack of moonstones to throw in your rock tumbler. The drift wood sculptures set up by previous visitors were fun. It seems a lot of driftwood washes up here. The boardwalk is back near the street and off the sand but there are many places to get down to the beach. The parking was plentiful when we visited.

Loved it! Great beach with little stones) can find mineral stones if you look thoroughly in the ground

Really nice boardwalk along the bluff above the ocean shore. Several access points are available to get down to the beaches you pass. It is a beautiful place for a walk or jog with wonderful views of the waves crashing on rocks.

Moonstone Beach is an incredible place! The Pacific ocean waves are mesmerizing and we love listening to the surf at night from one of the many hotels. The succulent gardens, birds and marine life are fascinating to watch and provide a wonderful, stress free trip. There are two great restaurants within walking distance.

This beautiful beach had a great boardwalk that made getting around it very easy. The waves on this beach are very dramatic and it has a lot of surfing activity.

Off the beaten path, but worth a visit! Most California travelers gallivant up Highway 101 or even faster I-5. But you have to take Highway 1 to reach Moonstone Beach. Motels and inns line the other side of the highway. Moonstone Beach is for walking, not swimming and the water temperature even deters one from ankle bathing. Yet it a special place and well worth a detour or stop along Highway 1.

Beautiful beach. Great view & great weather. It is so close to San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. In a mater of 30 minutes you can go to these two beautiful city. There is 2 great restaurants close right at the beach.

This is a very scenic and beautiful area to walk, jog and just view the ocean.. the walk goes from Liffingwell Landing south towards Shamel park.

Who has an issue with Moonstone Beach except for people who want a beach to lay on and get a tan? Anyone who loves northern California beaches and want to take care of our pacific coat will love moon stone beach and the pacific ocean.

We went for a walk along Moonstone Beach and enjoyed our time very much. The small stones are gorgeous. The sound of the waves hitting those stones is something I will never forget. So peaceful.

Love this beach!!! Beautiful views great walking path seaside! Lots activity! Hotel was just a block away and I ran path every morning! So nice not crowded at all!

WE stayed at one of the motels across the road from moonstone beach and enjoyed 2 lovely walks, one in the evening along the boardwalk to watch the sunset and then the next day down on the beach. The views are lovely with waves, rocks and wild flowers. ON the beach you'll find clusters of polished stones to sort through, tidal pools, lots of driftwood and some interesting tepee creations, and surfers to watch. Very enjoyable.

Our group of 10 had finished tours at Hearst Castle and wanted to see the animal life and beach. Drove to Moonstone and there is board walk with viewing areas. As we were a group of 10 and some had ambulatory issues, did not want to drag things to the beach. Found a place in front of our parking spot that was a view point in the boardwalk system. Able to set up some folding chairs, and used the bench (kept it clear for others to access and pass through) and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. Saw some dolphin or whale spouts, and just had a great time. Sun was fabulous as was the breeze. Some went down to see if they could get some moonstones. Just a pleasant day!

The boardwalk runs along the cliffs and is part of a much longer path that goes along the ocean for miles. There are places you have to go around to stay on the path but the detour is worth it. However, if you don’t have much time, just walking the broad walk is worth it.
There are convenient hotels on the other side of highway 1 so if you stay there, you just have to cross the road to access the walkway. There is one restaurant worth trying on the hotel side of the road. Otherwise you can go into the charming old town for a meal.

Taking a walk on Moonstone Beach is definitely a breathtaking experience. Watching the waves break against the rocks, the tranquility of the ocean and the feeling of peacefulness is well worth the walk.

We stayed in a dog friendly hotel across from Moonstone beach. We were disappointed that dogs were not allowed on the beautiful beach.

But the beach & ocean are certainly lovely.

We strolled along the wide and well cared for path that ran for two or three miles in front of our motel. Very nice experience

Lovely place to walk along to get your morning exercise while walking along the beach, lots of locals use it walk and walk their dogs

We stayed directly across from this beach and it was breathtaking. The beach and coastline are rugged and natural. There are beach access places at regular intervals or you can choose to just walk along the board walk overlooking the beach. You will need a jacket and I even used a hood as it was very breezy at any time of day. The fog in the mornings was something I had never experienced before. It was very atmospheric.

Lovely walk, drive! Solitary, uncluttered by other of life’s intrusions. Serene yesterday and perfectly sunny and beautiful.

Is it busy and crowded, no.
Is it quaint and peaceful, yes.
Are restaurants accessible and close by, yes.
Can you see the sunset, yes if there is no fog.
Is the water cold, of course.
Is the scenery beautiful, yes.
Are there tidepools, yes.
Is this a beach for swimming, not really.
Is this a beach for laying out, sure.
Is this a beach for walking/running/exploring, yes.
Is there a well-maintained wooden boardwalk path before descending to the beach, yes and it’s well built and maintained.
Are there bathrooms, not that I saw.
Was there sufficient parking, yes for the most part.
Is the sand entirely made of pebbles, yes.
Does the pebbles irritate or bother my feet, mine no, my daughter’s yes.
Is this worth stopping for a visit, yes.
My actual rate is 3.5.

After lunch, we had a very nice walk on the wooden boardwalk that ran along the shoreline of Moonstone Beach. Highly recommended for those who don’t want to venture out on the sand.

A beautiful beach with easy access. Not sure if anyone every finds any Moonstones any more - but fun to look.

This little beach is very quiet and small. It was steps away from our hotel. Water was cold and I’m not sure if there are any moonstones but the scenery is awesome.

It’s an amazing beach. Cambria itself is an amazing city. It was very nice and quiet. I hope to go back here soon.
Will be back soon.

This is a nice boardwalk with access to the beach. It was a relaxing 1 mile walk each way with lovely scenery and plenty of birds.

If you want to visit one of California's greatest secrets; I would invite you to consider Cambria, California and Moostone Beach. Come and see the loveliest views on earth. Come see the roaring ocean and the waving trees. Come to paradise

This is right off the beach. Romantic, nice and fireplace in each room. Breakfast was great and staff were friendly.

A beautiful area you will always remember. Remember what you bring with you leaves with you. Trash is NOT ALLOWED ! People who live here are watching. Enjoy your visit and enjoy a beautiful Sunset !

I was drawn here after seeing some beautiful photos from the beach but there I couldn’t replicate what I saw online.

Look for a clear night. Unfortunately, we lost the sunset in the clouds. But still, the boardwalk is really a nice place to walk. We really enjoyed the time we spent there.

Moonstone Beach draws the eye and the convenient boardwalk is dotted with benches that invite visitors to slow down, take the time to just gaze at the horizon and be mesmerized by the ocean movement. Friendly locals walk there dogs on the boardwalk and add to the ambiance of this lovely site. October was a lovely time to visit. Accomodations were easy to find and restaurants not too crowded. Cambria is just next door.

Along the rugged and scenic California coastline along Highway 1, I would say there are about 5 actual MUST SEE places and I think Moonstone Beach is definitely one of those not to be missed spots.

It is a pebble sand beach near a creek estuary where shiny agates are smoothly polished by the surf action and are freshly deposited twice daily at the tidal line of the beach. For amateur geologists or crystal seekers it is just a fun place to stop and look for little treasures.

It is in a well organized stretch of State Parks with boardwalk, benches, restrooms, and ample free parking. One can stroll, picnic, watch the sunset, and relax in a pleasant environment. Best of all it is free.I

Don't forget to stroll through nearby Cambria village too.

Crossed the road from Cambria and walked over to Moonstone Beach. I absolutely loved this beach! So relaxing just sitting and sifting through the tiny pebbles that look like gemstones. Great place to relax, stone skim, and generally, to be.

Part of the San Simeon State park located on highway 1, moonstone beach is a great place to spend some time. There is something here for everyone from young to old. There is free parking, clean restrooms, picnic tables & barbeques.

Enjoy the beach with tidepools and the ocean air. If you don't want to get your feet sandy, you can walk along the easy 1 mile boardwalk and enjoy the view. It can get sunny and warm so bring a hat and of course food and water. Enjoy!

Stunning beach with a boardwalk above. California’s finest for natural beauty. Make sure you see a sunset.

This stretch of beach has become our favorite. The weather is lovely most of the year and the views and dolphin play is just wonderful. We stayed for 4 nights this time at the Cambria Shores Inn... a very nice spot. One of the things we really love about this beach is that it is unspoiled like the beaches of old and we love the walking path... it makes it easy and safe to walk along the beach. There are also some pretty easy places to get down to the beach if you are elderly or have small children. Every day we saw dolphins and one day we even saw amazing whales heading north.

Don't miss this beautiful walk along Moonstone Beach! Whether you go down to the sand or stay on the board-covered trail above the beach, enjoy the beautiful Central Coast views.

My granddaughter had a blast finding all sorts of rocks. The moonstones were a little hard to find. But it kept her busy for a good two hours.

Beautiful waves, this is nice spot for surfers, you can also spend the day picking up little stones, walking around, you also can see deers and Wales

Couldn't find any moonstones but had a nice walk. The board walk is good. Blustery weather didn't help. Very scenic.

Chilly winds, 50’s, a short walk, just in front of the Cambria Shores Inn. This is Thanksgiving week, lodging is full, dress appropriately for the cold evenings. No inside dining, not many attractions open, a few wineries with reservations only.

Fabulous beach and a fantastic view! Absolutely loved the old wooden boardwalk. We walked the entire length and back. Tons of blooming wildflowers along the way. Birds and squirrels seemed happy. The couple of plants archways over the boardwalk was cool. Would love to visit and explore the area again when we have more time.

Our favorite Cali Beach for sure is Cambria, we go here whenever we get a chance, one of my grown kids favorite beach as well. After here we drive up to San Simeon and those beautiful little towns, Gorda and Lucia ;)

I love rocks - so walking on the beach looking for moon stones was so much fun. they have little shops just a drive up - this was such a peaceful vacation. LOVED every minute of it.

Bueatiful place to take a walk,also amazing sunsets,and actually great surf fishing,last time there we saw a guy catch a 24”striper!

Moonstone Beach is a lovely beach. Was staying in Cambria so went to take a walk and enjoy the lovely day on the beach. Who doesn’t love a beach.

The broad walk along Cambria's Moonstone is one of the nicest ocean front walks anyone might wish for. All along the ocean front is a planked walkway that amid natural vegetation. We were lucky enough to be at the start of spring when wild flowers start to emerge in masses, so the walk way was particularly beautiful

We visited in December and the waves were really huge. Tried to get to the actual beach (no dogs allowed) but between the waves and the high tide -- no can od. Still a lovely place -- search for moonstones!

We took our leashed dogs for a walk along the boardwalk. The ocean was visible the entire length of the walk, and it was beautiful! We found a perfect spot to watch the waves coming in, and took a video. We also stopped for a selfie, with Moonstone Beach in the background, and ended up using the photo for our Christmas card!

Spent two days on this beach early July and was greeted by tar balls from quarter size to dinner plate size. Got all over the families shoes and feet. Although we tried to avoid, it became impossible due to a ball every couple of feet. Tried to make a sand castle with little ones but the smell of tar was overpowering. Not a good place for kids.

We stayed directly across Moonstone Beach during our stay in Cambria and I took advantage with a morning walk each day to the sound of crashing waves. The water is too cold for swimming but you can still enjoy the views and sunsets at this little beach. My youngest and I explored the beach every day of our visit collecting stones and enjoying the beauty of this place.

A must see along the coast. A wooden walkway winds itself along the beach for a beautiful walk from end to end.

The beach has boardwalks at road level and steps to the beach. The beach was sandy, but weren't many moonstones. The ones we saw were tiny.

We walked on the beach on a misty day and saw surfers and dolphins. We looked for moonstones after asking a local for clues as to what they looked like we found a few. Probably better to visit on a sunny day!

Across street from our motel. View was nice. Boardwalk along was too. We live on the other coast. Gotta say, I like our beach better. This was rocky with a lot of washed up seaweed and glop. Public beach so a number of inconsiderate twits marked their visit by leaving trash. Others were much kinder and made teepees out of the driftwood. Thought that was cute. Rocks are different colors. Water cold. Try the Atlantic. You don't need a wetsuit.

Love this place, I've been visiting every morning and its a wonderful beach to walk on to enjoy the waves and sea air. Great for kids too.

Beautiful beach and a great place to look for moonstones and jade.
Nice easy walks along the board walk. Look for the locks that are all aligned up on a rope near the water edge just steps from the boardwalk.
It is not crowded, you can sit in a chair and watch the waves, surfers and just enjoy the beautiful scenery.

There's a variety of beach types here - rocky coast, sand, a boardwalk. Pleasant coastal area. It's cool there (even in July) and the water is cold. But people are still getting in the water and you'll see a surfer or two.

We strolled on the beach, dallying along the way, and stopped to comb through the various colored pebbles above tideline in a cove. As a rockhound I loved it, even if I didn't find keeper moonstones.

Wonderful beach area to enjoy. Bring your lunch or snack to enjoy long walk with interesting bluff formations under erosion

Walking along this beautiful boardwalk you will see and smell the gorgeous scape. Sea, surfers, sand, driftwood & awesome sea birds ..... love the sites and smells....

Amazing view at the moonstone beach. It is not for swimming. The beach has small stones not really sand.

Fresh air and a beautiful easy walk along the boardwalk. I love the mornings. If you aren't up for walking...grab a coffee and sit on the benches along the pathway. If you are lucky you will see seals playing in the water. Do it!...

Restaurants on Moonstone Beach are few and lines formed well in advance of their opening. Plan on taking some food or eating in nearby Cambria that is a short drive away,

What a great beach. This was right across the two lane street from the hotel I was staying in. Was fantastic to be able to take a walk on the boardwalk back to hotel after walking along the water.

A magical place, beautiful beach, fine sand, spotless and cared for in every detail, a window on the ocean that leaves you breathless. Waking up in the morning to a show like this is priceless. You can take beautiful walks, through the rocks and wood carvings that the sea gives. a place where we left our heart

Moonstone Beach in Cambria is wonderful. Not a lot of people, great for walking and observing birds, whales and dolphins. The boardwalk is very suitable for an easy short or long stroll. The sunsets were quite lovely as well. Lots of parking and a picnic area at the south end. We have visited numerous times and love it more each time.

We were here on a foggy, cloudy morning but we still enjoyed the beauty of the beach. Parking was easy and there were many places to access the beach. I'm glad we stopped here, because further up Hwy 1 we couldn't find any place to access the beaches.

This is an incredible beach with driftwood naturally arranged at interesting angles on the beach. Its perfect for everyone because you can walk or run on the beach or view it from the wood viewing deck. The deck was also an excellent spot to set up and paint with watercolors, the views of the beach made beautiful paintings.

The entire walk above the beach is on wooden planks. Beautiful views, just the right amount of walking.

Stopped by to see the sunset. It was fun to Look for the moon stones. The boardwalk was great to stroll down also.

I am from the east coast and love hunting for sea glass. At this beach, hunting for moon stones and other beautifully smooth stones was intriguing! No fees. Beautiful view. Good parking. Board walk type path. Quiet town.

What a beautiful walk! We enjoyed strolling the boardwalk. There are stairs in order to get to down to the shore. We used the stairs to check the tide pools. The only disappointment was the people who did NOT follow the easily visible, posted order to have all dogs on lease.

It’s a great place to sit and have a picnic while watching the beautiful view of the ocean. It has a picnic area and restrooms.

A perfect outing for all types. The boardwalk which runs the length of the beach, makes the outdoors accessible for small tykes, handicapped and elderly alike. There are plenty of tide pools to explore, and driftwood for building forts. Beautiful foliage lined the boardwalk, including Monterey pine and Pride of Madeira.

This approximately 1-1.5mi boardwalk has forested views on one end and bluff views on the other, with nature doing its thing everywhere in between. We saw cotton-tail rabbits, brush bunnies, and various coastal birds and caught a squirrel chowing down on a Pride of Madeira like it was corn on the cob. No sea life, but enjoyed watching the surfers from various lookouts along the path. If there was a show to be had by whales this would be a great place to see it.

The boardwalk has ample space for 2-4 people to walk side by side. Parking was easy on an April Sunday morning. At one point toward the bluff parking lot it got a bit narrower but would comfortably fit walkers and a wheelchair with caution. This boardwalk does not allow bikes despite other trail apps saying it does. The path is well maintained with varieties of coastal shrubs, trees, and a ton of wildflowers. Lots of leashed dogs, though if yours is at all reactive I recommend keeping it home as there is not enough space to allow others to pass while stepping aside.

We visited late on a cloudy day, hoping to view sunset. The initial misty views of the rugged, rocky shoreline were almost mystical at low tide. We enjoyed seeing the local dogs romp on the wide beach. We were then rewarded with a stunning sunset!

Been coming here for 15 years. The last couple times I’ve noticed that ALL the beautiful pebbles are GONE! How disappointing. Still a beautiful beach but why do people ruin things? Just take a picture and leave the stones there!

We come here several times a year. Never disappointed with local birds, tidal critters, interesting rocks. Today, we spotted a juvenile red shouldered hawk, several red rock crabs, and a black turnstone, shore bird. Lots of ground squirrels around the boardwalk.

Unspoiled, quiet, quaint boardwalk. You can walk for miles (especially south if you navigate one neighborhood). The coastline is really breathtaking but also serene and low-key. Lots of access to the water and benches. Polite dogs, children, and polite adults welcome! There are some nifty small but nice motels on the other side of the road and a couple restaurants. Hidden gem.

This beautiful beach is made up of tiny rocks, rich in color. You can stroll along the boardwalk or venture down the bluffs to walk the beach and put your toes in the sea. Plan on staying a while.

Love walking on the boardwalk, breathing fresh air, listening to the sound of the ocean and waves hitting against the rocks. It's so soothing and relaxing. We were there for 2 days and walked there every day. The sunset was amazing.
Only issue we had, the trees growing so low over the boardwalk we had to bend to walk under it. And the weeds or plans overgrowing onto the boardwalk and some of the boards loose.

This is a quaint little romantic sleepy beach town, at least in the months preceding Spring.
We enjoy walking the beach and board walk in almost any weather.

California has many beautiful beaches. This one is rugged and natural and beautiful and I love it. A perfect place for a stroll.

We enjoyed stopping by this beach and would definitely return. Easy parking and bathroom by the stair access to beach. Seems to be a dog friendly beach. Very flat open beach expanse with several places where pebbles wash up on the beach and you can find little jewels. We did find a local to help us identify the Moonstones and with luck we found quite a few. Recommend you take an old beach pad/blanket it you'd like to sit and enjoy the waves. There were several pieces of driftwood you could sit on, but it you get into the shell/rock collecting you could lose track of time and appreciate somewhere to sit. Also towel for your feet - did not see any running water to wash feet so a towel will have to do.

This is a beautiful beach with a boardwalk on top of the bluff. During low tide, there are several tidal pools. Enjoyable even for adults to explore the sea creatures in the small pool. It is also a great place to view the sunset.

Always a very relaxing walk! Been here in winter and summer and enjoyed both times!never too crowded and the tourest are all very polite.

Wonderful ambience here, great place to collect some rocks. Very peaceful, really neat tide pools. Usually pretty quiet and there is a lot of parking easy to be had. Worth the stay in the hotels along the beach.

Moonstone Beach is a lovely place to walk, unwind and meet friendly dogs. Look for the bench that is partially hidden by the tree.

I love the boardwalk. The quiet location is perfect for a nice getaway.
Watching the sunset over the ocean at night is perfect.

We spend the afternoon walking the beach and searching for gem stones. I actually found a high quality piece of jade.

Use to be one of my favorite places to go for either surfing or just some time to be alone. Beautiful! I cant wait to go back and visit it has been 6 years!

So beautiful. Incredible that the beach was so clean. Relaxing and I think this is also where we saw the elephant seals. They are so extremely large, I was in awe.🤗

We stayed on Moonstone Beach and there is ample space to walk/jog on the boardwalk. There are many inns along Moonstone Beach along with placed for dining.

Great place for kids and adults both. We had a blast looking for moonstones and jade. We found both but jade is definitely more prevalent than the moonstones.

It had just stormed and we were told by a local in Cambria that moonstone sometimes surfaces on the beach after a big storm. My girlfriend and I went and found a bunch along with certain types of jasper and jade!!! It was a blast and did it for hours 😆

When the tide goes out you can explore the tidepools. Magical! The beach is long and wide. Surfers during high tide. No a good swimming beach.

Love walking along Moonstone Beach. Always a favorite! We enjoy the getaway to this cozy town. Beach is beautiful!

This is a really nice beach to walk on. you see many people picking up moon stones to make jewlery. We just enjoyed the view and walks

A jewel just off of Highway 1 just north of Cambria. Easy boardwalk stroll along a beautiful beach. On a good day there will be a surfer show. Any day is worth the stop.

This is a awesome beachside community with hotels across from the beach. Long wooden boardwalk and great sunsets. Bring your camera!

Perfect area, boardwalk is great. Sand is a bit rough, no judgement if you wear them on the beach (I did for a long walk!)

Nice walk along the wooden boardwalk with several places to access the sand. It felt very safe when we walked early morning and evening, and most people wore masks.

A wonderful wood walkway along this amazing beach allows for a great stroll. So beautiful, you can watch the surfers and marine animals!

We first saw big rocks , but as we walked down the beach we found the moonstones. They were amazing the beach was clean , wasn't crowded

You’ll find a couple of actual Moonstones too! It’s not a trip to Cambria without coming back with a bag full of tiny, hand picked pebbles in the most wonderful earth tone colors of green, gold, red, orange, yellow and more. You’ll swear you’re collecting turquoise and jade too.

Great for romantic couple getaway and/or family vacation! Search for moonstones and other gems while enjoying the crashing waves of the Pacific. Take a stroll down to the tide pools and hang around for one of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see!

As you close your eyes and hear the sound of the waves and smell the fresh ocean breeze, everyday stress and reality is swept in an instant. You can sit in your car and stare out into the ocean or take a nice walk along the wood plank pathway. Bring a jacket, it does get chilly and windy and this was in June. Lifes simple pleasures.

We stopped on Moonstone Beach drive, as a stop off on our Highway One trip. The hotel was directly opposite this splendid beach. Really clean, the kids loved it. Great to see the early morning surfers too!

The beachfront at Cambria is welcoming to we visitors. A boardwalk that allows the casual walker access to the beach gives a special sense of accommodation. The beach is clean, and it is close to parking which makes it easy for those who are limited in ability for long hikes.

We found it fairly easy to locate beautiful agates - albeit small ones - as well as one Moonstone, which was a pleasant surprise. We only had about a half-hour to take the walk but it was profitable in terms of agates found.

A dream visit. We had a little time before our room was ready for us at Castle Inn so we parked the car and walked to the beach. Oh my gosh it was lovely. Drift wood galore, rolling waves, beautiful stones washed up on the beach. My pockets were filled by the time we made our way back to the Inn. Sea otters in the distance and we saw the most beautiful sunset.

Wonderful boardwalk and great people. The air was crisp, the waves were calming, and we relaxed from the fast pace we’re used to. Loved it!

beautiful scenery, stroll on the beach or on the boardwalk, over a mile of good walking. Several turnouts for lovely panoramic views

This is a good 2-mile round trip walk on a boardwalk alongside the beach. The walk isn't very wide, so if you are concerned with crossing paths with unmasked people, this is not for you as only about half the people on the boardwalk were wearing masks properly.

This is a beautiful area. We were able to see sealions out on the rocks. Never a bad day when you're at the beach.

This is an unbelievably beautiful walk along the beach ! You will never forget it ! It is a must see if you are in the area !

The beach and boardwalk are the most soulful places you want to experience. Your troubles will disappear...

I'm still not sure if I picked up a moonstone, but there are plenty of rocks on the beach to choose from. A nice walk to evade waves, see drift wood, huge rocks, the horizon and flowering coastlines.

Visited for shortstop while on Route 1. Kind of unique beach with cool and colourful small stones.

Parking is available. Recommended for a shortstop.

On a grey foggy morning, this beach wasn't the beauty I was expecting. The colourful stones aren't obvious until you look very closely at patches of small stones on the sandy beach, then you find the beauty. It's great for small children (and in fact adults) to play with the stones admiring the different colours and search through for the odd bit of seaglass. There's a boardwalk along the top of the beach. Great as a stop on a journey, but I wouldn't say it's a must visit.

Moonstone Beach and the waking path is absolutely beautiful, stunning and very well kept. Such a nice stroll with breathtaking views. Highly recommend staying at a cute place across the street from it so you can walk this beach and path daily. Such a romantic, peaceful and stunning place. Can't wait to go back.

Not many people in the morning, nice for a morning walk. Great view of the mountains up north and the ocean with beach access

This beach is always serene and always clean. It is nice to walk the beach during the day or in the evening. The walking path stretches a long way with nice resting areas. Perfect beach to comb for driftwood, pretty rocks, or watch the waves.

This beach does have a number of smaller hotel-motels on it. However, it is a beautiful clean uncrowded place that is picture perfect to walk, sit, or stroll on or above. Excellent sunset views.

Beautiful pet-friendly walk up above the sand and driftwood. Got up close and personal with the beach without having my dog get dirty. Fun to watch the morning surfers as we walked - there's some real talent out there!

Moonstone Beach. Great walking and treasure finding. Warm and windy day perfect for collecting and recharging.

One of my favorite things to do when in Cambria is walk on these paths, the views are amazing and the fresh air is a constant blessing.

This beach is not the kind of beach where you will see sunloungers or beach umbrellas. The place looks wild, untamed and beautiful. The waves crashing on the shore and the seagulls' cries add to the whole tableau of unspoilt nature. Had a great time looking for moonstones but found none. Many interesting bits of driftwood to be found. One can park just next to boardwalk above beach and enjoy the view even from the car.

We always enjoy communing with the ocean so not finding any moonstones or other interesting rocks or shells, didn't seem to bother us.

lovely walk along the shore - boardwalk limits some beach access but accessible at walks end - worth the side trip

We loved the beach here, mostly for the wooden path that lines the beach and makes for easy access to the beach itself.

This shoreline has a boardwalk you can walk on to enjoy the view. There is parking all the way up and down the road for easy access. You can go down to the beach itself, but it's very rocky. The coast is so beautiful, and the sea lions like to hang out on the rocks - enjoy!

Romantic beach walk near cool artisan town! Good eats, good sleeps and cool finds - also a short beautiful drive to Central Coast wine country. Headed back again to visit the Moonstone Beach boardwalk this month where we'll add a padlock and toss our key into the sea like so many others to witness our forever love!

We originally came for the rocks...and we found them in abundance... but we found so much more. Great rock wave action mid beach, estuaryish action going on at the south end, and surfing on the northside. It never got crowded and made for an ideal beach morning.

Scenic beach along the central CA coast. A nice, well-maintained wooden boardwalk parallels the beach from up above. Parking is plentiful next to the boardwalk. This is a very good place for a nice, casual stroll while taking in the sights of the ocean.

You will spend hours looking for moonstones. If you don’t find the moonstones, you will find plenty
Of other pretty pebbles. You will see ole ty of people searching! It’s free fun!

Moonstone Beach is always a treat to visit when staying in or driving through the charming town of Cambria. We planned our Cambria evening around being on the beach at sunset. Since it is November, we encountered few others on the beach...wonderful! There are so many pretty stones on the beach to examine, and we found a nice driftwood log to sit on as the sun went down. The waves crashing on the rocks with the setting sun behind made for great photos!

Highly recommended!