Did you know that despite its name, Moonstone Beach doesn’t actually contain true moonstones? The smooth, polished stones that give this Cambria shoreline its name are actually chalcedony, a type of quartz that resembles moonstones with their soft, milky glow. This fascinating geological quirk is just one of many reasons why Moonstone Beach ranks among the most searched beaches in California and remains a must-visit destination along the stunning Central Coast.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Moonstone Beach is located in the charming coastal town of Cambria, nestled along Highway 1 on California’s Central Coast. The closest commercial airports are San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), approximately 56 km (35 miles) south, and Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), about 193 km (120 miles) south.
For international travelers, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offer more flight options, though they require a longer drive—about 402 km (250 miles) and 386 km (240 miles) respectively.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Find the best flight deals to California’s Central Coast and start your Moonstone Beach adventure.
Once you arrive at an airport, renting a car is highly recommended as public transportation to Cambria is limited. The drive along Highway 1 offers breathtaking coastal views that are an attraction in themselves.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Moonstone Beach enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, making it a pleasant destination in any season. However, certain times offer distinct advantages depending on your preferences.
Recommended Months
- September to November: The fall months bring warm, clear days with temperatures around 18-21°C (65-70°F) and fewer tourists.
- April to June: Spring offers mild temperatures of 15-18°C (60-65°F) with wildflowers blooming along the bluffs.
- December to February: Winter is ideal for whale watching, with gray whales migrating along the coast.
Months to Avoid
- July to August: While temperatures remain mild at 18-21°C (65-70°F), summer brings more crowds and higher accommodation prices.
- May to July: Morning fog (locally called “June Gloom”) can obscure ocean views until midday.
Pack layers regardless of when you visit, as coastal temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. A light jacket or sweater is essential even in summer, especially for evening beach walks when temperatures can drop significantly.
Getting Around Locally
Moonstone Beach is easy to navigate once you’ve arrived in Cambria. Here are the best ways to get around:
- By Car: Having your own vehicle provides the most flexibility for exploring Moonstone Beach and the surrounding areas. Free parking is available along Moonstone Beach Drive and at designated lots at Santa Rosa Creek and Leffingwell Landing.
- On Foot: The 2.4 km (1.5-mile) Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is perfect for walking and offers spectacular ocean views. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and connects the entire length of the beach.
- Bicycle: Cambria is bicycle-friendly, and cycling along Moonstone Beach Drive offers a scenic way to explore the area. Several local shops offer bicycle rentals.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Rent a car to discover all that Moonstone Beach and the surrounding Central Coast has to offer.
Where to Stay
Moonstone Beach offers a variety of accommodation options, many with stunning ocean views. Most lodging is concentrated along Moonstone Beach Drive, just steps from the shoreline and boardwalk.
Oceanfront Inns
Moonstone Beach is lined with charming boutique inns and hotels offering direct ocean views. Properties like Blue Dolphin Inn, Moonstone Landing, and Sand Pebbles Inn provide cozy rooms with fireplaces and easy beach access.
Price range: $180-350 per night
Vacation Rentals
For families or extended stays, vacation homes and cottages in Cambria offer more space and kitchen facilities. Many are within walking distance of Moonstone Beach or in Cambria’s charming East and West Villages.
Price range: $150-500 per night
Budget Options
More affordable accommodations can be found in downtown Cambria or at nearby San Simeon Creek Campground, which offers tent and RV camping about 3.2 km (2 miles) north of Moonstone Beach.
Price range: $35-150 per night
Find Your Perfect Moonstone Beach Stay
Book your accommodation early, especially during peak seasons, to secure the best oceanfront options.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Cambria offers excellent dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, many featuring fresh seafood and local Central Coast wines.
Restaurants Near Moonstone Beach
- Sea Chest Oyster Bar & Restaurant: A local favorite since 1975, known for fresh oysters and seafood. The restaurant overlooks Moonstone Beach and doesn’t accept reservations, so arrive early.
- Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill: Offers casual dining with ocean views and a diverse menu featuring seafood, steaks, and pasta.
- The Cow Tipper at Oceanpoint Ranch: Serves hearty breakfast and dinner options in a rustic-chic setting.
Downtown Cambria Dining
- Robin’s Restaurant: Features globally-inspired comfort food in a charming garden setting.
- Linn’s Restaurant: Famous for olallieberry pie and farm-to-table comfort food.
- Cambria Coffee Roasting Company: Perfect for breakfast with freshly roasted coffee and pastries.
For a truly local experience, try Cambria’s famous olallieberry pie (a blackberry hybrid), fresh-caught seafood, and wines from nearby Paso Robles vineyards. Many restaurants source ingredients from local farms and fishermen, offering a true taste of the Central Coast.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
The 2.4 km (1.5-mile) wooden boardwalk runs along the bluff above Moonstone Beach, offering spectacular ocean views and wildlife sighting opportunities. Wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly (on leash), the boardwalk features benches for relaxing and several access points to the beach below.
Beachcombing
Moonstone Beach is famous for its smooth, colorful stones polished by ocean waves. While not actual moonstones (they’re chalcedony), these stones make for fascinating beachcombing. You might also find jade, jasper, agates, and sea glass. The best time for beachcombing is during low tide or after storms.
Tidepooling
At low tide, explore the rocky areas at the north end of the beach to discover fascinating marine life in the tidepools. Look for sea anemones, starfish, crabs, sea urchins, and small fish. Remember to observe only and never remove creatures from their habitat.
Enhance Your Moonstone Beach Experience
Discover guided tours and activities in and around Cambria to make the most of your visit.
Nearby Attractions
- Hearst Castle: Located just 15 km (9 miles) north in San Simeon, this opulent estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst offers guided tours of the mansion and grounds.
- Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: This 437-acre nature preserve south of Moonstone Beach features hiking trails with panoramic ocean views.
- Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery: About 24 km (15 miles) north of Cambria, thousands of elephant seals can be observed from viewing platforms year-round.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
Cultural Attractions
- Cambria Historical Museum: Housed in the historic Guthrie-Bianchini House, this museum showcases Cambria’s rich history from Native American settlements to present day.
- Nitt Witt Ridge: This quirky historical landmark is a house built entirely from found objects and recycled materials by artist Arthur “Art” Harold Beal.
- Cambria Center for the Arts: Features rotating art exhibitions, theater performances, and workshops by local artists.
Art Galleries
Cambria’s East and West Villages are home to numerous art galleries showcasing works by local artists. Many feature ocean-inspired pieces, perfect for a memento of your Moonstone Beach visit. The Moonstone Redwood Art Gallery on Moonstone Beach Drive is particularly convenient to visit while exploring the beach.
Annual Events & Festivals
- Cambria Art & Wine Festival (January): Features local wines paired with art exhibitions and demonstrations.
- Scarecrow Festival (October): Hundreds of creative scarecrows line the streets of Cambria during this month-long event.
- Cambria Christmas Market (November-December): Inspired by German Christmas markets, this holiday event features over two million lights and festive activities.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Water Activities
- Surfing: Local surfers enjoy Moonstone Beach for its uncrowded waves. The best spot is near Santa Rosa Creek, but be cautious of rocks and strong currents. Best for intermediate surfers.
- Fishing: Try rock fishing or surf fishing at low tide. Common catches include rockfish, lingcod, and barred surfperch.
- Kayaking: While Moonstone Beach itself isn’t ideal for launching kayaks due to the rocky shoreline, nearby San Simeon Cove offers protected waters for kayaking.
Wildlife Viewing
Moonstone Beach is a prime location for wildlife observation. Bring binoculars to spot:
- Whales: Gray whales migrate along the coast from December to April, with peak sightings in January and March.
- Sea Otters: Often seen floating in kelp beds just offshore.
- Seals and Sea Lions: Frequently visible on offshore rocks or occasionally resting on the beach.
- Shorebirds: Sandpipers, plovers, and gulls are common, with pelicans and cormorants often seen diving for fish.
Hiking & Nature Trails
- Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: Features the spectacular Bluff Trail with panoramic ocean views and the Forest Loop through Monterey pine forest.
- Santa Rosa Creek Trail: Follows the creek from Moonstone Beach to downtown Cambria.
- Shamel Park: Adjacent to Moonstone Beach, this park offers grassy areas, a playground, and seasonal swimming pool.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Beach Safety
- Ocean Awareness: Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves can occur unexpectedly, even on calm days.
- Swimming Caution: Swimming is not recommended at Moonstone Beach due to strong currents, cold water temperatures, and lack of lifeguards.
- Tide Awareness: Check tide tables before exploring tidepools or beachcombing, as rising tides can cut off access to certain areas.
Environmental Etiquette
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave natural items (stones, shells, driftwood) for others to enjoy.
- Wildlife Respect: Observe marine mammals from a distance (at least 45 meters/150 feet) and never feed wildlife.
- Tidepool Etiquette: Step carefully on rocks, never remove creatures from tidepools, and avoid touching sensitive marine life.
Local Customs
Cambria residents take pride in their town’s natural beauty and work hard to preserve it. The community is environmentally conscious, with strong support for conservation efforts. When visiting, respect local businesses by adhering to their hours and reservations policies—many restaurants and shops close earlier than in larger cities.
Locals pronounce the town name as “CAM-bria” (not “CAME-bria”), and they’re generally friendly and happy to share information about their community with visitors.
Visitor Comments About Moonstone Beach
“Moonstone Beach exceeded all my expectations. The boardwalk offers stunning views, and hunting for colorful stones along the shore became our family’s favorite activity. Don’t miss the tidepools at low tide—we spotted starfish, anemones, and even a small octopus! The perfect peaceful retreat on California’s coast.”
“We stayed at one of the inns along Moonstone Beach Drive and woke up to ocean views every morning. The sound of waves and the easy access to the boardwalk made our stay magical. We visited in September and had perfect weather without the summer crowds. The Sea Chest restaurant was worth the wait—best seafood of our entire California trip!”
“Moonstone Beach is a hidden gem on the Central Coast. We spent hours beachcombing for colorful stones and watching sea otters play in the kelp beds. The boardwalk is perfect for morning walks—we spotted whales on our second day! Cambria’s small-town charm and excellent restaurants made this stop the highlight of our Highway 1 road trip.”
Practical Travel Tips
- Dress in Layers: Coastal weather can change quickly. Even on sunny days, bring a light jacket or sweater for evening ocean breezes.
- Check Tide Tables: Plan beachcombing and tidepooling activities around low tide for the best experience.
- Bring Binoculars: Essential for whale watching and spotting other marine wildlife from the boardwalk.
- Wear Proper Footwear: The beach consists of small stones rather than sand, so sturdy shoes are recommended for comfortable walking.
- Make Dinner Reservations: Popular restaurants like Sea Chest fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Book Accommodations Early: Oceanfront rooms along Moonstone Beach Drive are limited and often reserved months in advance, particularly during summer and holiday periods.
- Bring Reusable Water Bottles: Cambria is environmentally conscious, and many businesses offer water refill stations.
- Allow Extra Time: The scenic drive along Highway 1 often takes longer than expected due to photo stops and occasional traffic.
Your Perfect Coastal Escape Awaits
Moonstone Beach offers a rare combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm that makes it a standout destination on California’s Central Coast. Whether you’re beachcombing for colorful stones, watching the sunset from the boardwalk, or exploring tidepools teeming with marine life, this coastal gem provides a peaceful retreat from everyday life. With comfortable accommodations, excellent dining, and proximity to other Central Coast attractions, Moonstone Beach in Cambria makes for an ideal weekend getaway or a perfect stop on your Highway 1 road trip. Pack your binoculars, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to fall in love with one of California’s most enchanting coastal treasures.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
