Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
A mile-long accessible boardwalk offering stunning ocean views, beachcombing, and breathtaking sunsets on California's Central Coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful vibes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mile-long accessible boardwalk offering stunning ocean views, beachcombing, and breathtaking sunsets on California's Central Coast.
"Such a lovely place for a stroll! The views are just beautiful, and the moonstones are pretty cool!"
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Access
Use Santa Rosa Creek parking for direct boardwalk access. Avoid Shamel Park for easier entry. :woman_walking:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome on the boardwalk but not on the beach itself. Keep them leashed! :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Strolls
Along the entire boardwalk
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Pacific. A truly magical experience.
Moonstone & Agate Hunting
On the beach below the boardwalk
Search for unique moonstones and colorful agates. A free, natural souvenir!
Wildlife Spotting
Ocean views from the boardwalk
Keep an eye out for seals popping their heads up and various shorebirds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Beachcombing for Treasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Access
Use Santa Rosa Creek parking for direct boardwalk access. Avoid Shamel Park for easier entry.
:woman_walking:🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome on the boardwalk but not on the beach itself. Keep them leashed!
:dog:💎 Beachcombing Etiquette
Most moonstones are gone, but colorful rocks and agates are plentiful. Be respectful of the environment.
:gem:📸 Capture the Views
The boardwalk offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
:camera:Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Boardwalk Access
Use Santa Rosa Creek parking for direct boardwalk access. Avoid Shamel Park for easier entry.
:woman_walking:🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Dogs are welcome on the boardwalk but not on the beach itself. Keep them leashed!
:dog:💎 Beachcombing Etiquette
Most moonstones are gone, but colorful rocks and agates are plentiful. Be respectful of the environment.
:gem:📸 Capture the Views
The boardwalk offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
:camera:☕ Grab a Coffee
Many hotels along the boardwalk offer ocean-side coffee, perfect for a morning walk.
:coffee:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Moonstone Beach Boardwalk for its stunning ocean views, peaceful atmosphere, and accessible, well-maintained wooden path. It's a beloved spot for leisurely strolls, sunset watching, and beachcombing for unique rocks. Some note that the namesake moonstones are now rare, but the colorful agates and overall beauty make it a highly recommended destination.
"Such a lovely place for a stroll! There is a long wooden boardwalk which makes the walk easy, with access points to reach the water. The views are just beautiful, and the moonstones are pretty cool! A free souvenir if you like to collect beach treasures!"
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves
"I loved, loved this walk today. It’s an easy and relaxing walk along the beach with outstanding views of the ocean. I’d like to suggest to senior tourists like me to access the trailhead from the Santa Rosa Creek parking lot which has straight access to the boardwalk. The other option is to park at Shamel Park which requires one to go down to the beach on a not very safe way and then up to the boardwalk on the other end.
Do not miss it, it’s worth it!"
laura Etheridge
"Went in early November , beautiful sunny day. The boardwalk is amazing for a nice walk beachside and not difficult to get to from the road. Parking was off the side of the road and easy to find. There were stairs down to the beach and a large amount of driftwood in the beach that people had made creative structures out of. Did not find any moonstones but the rocks on the beach are colorful. Would go back, highly recommend."
MaryBeth Chruden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is located in Cambria, California, along Moonstone Beach Drive. You can find multiple access points and parking along the drive. For easier access, especially for seniors, the Santa Rosa Creek parking lot is recommended.
Yes, parking is available along the side of Moonstone Beach Drive. It's generally easy to find a spot, especially on weekdays.
Absolutely! There are numerous entrances along Moonstone Beach Drive, with stairs leading down to the beach from many points on the boardwalk.
Yes, the boardwalk is largely ADA compliant, making it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and those with mobility challenges.
If you're road-tripping along the coast, Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a perfect stop. It's easily accessible from Highway 1.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a public access area and is completely free to enter and enjoy.
The boardwalk is open 24/7, allowing you to enjoy it at any time of day or night. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best views.
There are no tickets or reservations required to visit the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Generally, you can bring your own food and drinks. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach itself, only on the boardwalk.
Yes, there are multiple points along the boardwalk with stairs that lead down to the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is incredibly popular for photography, offering dramatic colors. Early mornings also provide beautiful light with fewer people.
You can capture stunning ocean vistas, dramatic sunsets, unique rock formations, and if you're lucky, wildlife like seals.
The entire boardwalk offers scenic views. Many visitors find the sections with benches particularly good for pausing and framing shots.
Tripods are generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors, especially during busy times.
For sunsets, consider using a wider aperture for a shallow depth of field or a narrower aperture for a starburst effect on the sun. Experiment with exposure compensation to capture the dynamic range.
🎫 💎 Beachcombing & Rocks
The beach is famous for moonstones, though they are now rare. You'll also find beautiful agates with intricate banding, jasper, and other colorful stones.
Yes, over time, most of the easily accessible moonstones have been collected. However, finding other beautiful rocks like agates is still very possible.
While casual collecting of small stones is generally accepted, it's always good practice to be mindful and avoid over-collecting or disturbing the natural environment.
Look along the waterline and among the driftwood. The tide pools can also reveal interesting finds.
While there's a lot of driftwood, it's best to leave it on the beach as it plays a role in the coastal ecosystem.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes located along Moonstone Beach Drive, offering ocean views.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages to enjoy while strolling the boardwalk.
Some establishments along Moonstone Beach Drive may offer outdoor seating where dogs are permitted. It's best to check with individual restaurants.
Cambria offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, often featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Yes, some hotels and cafes along Moonstone Beach Drive offer coffee, perfect for starting your day or a mid-walk treat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for marine life like seals popping their heads up, which is always a hit with children. While dogs are allowed on the boardwalk, they are not permitted on the beach, so plan accordingly. The nearby town of Cambria also offers family-friendly dining options.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The sunset walks are particularly magical and highly recommended for a romantic experience. Beachcombing for unique stones can be a fun shared activity. Consider staying at one of the charming hotels along Moonstone Beach Drive for easy access and ocean views.
🚗 Road Trippers
Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Hearst Castle or explore the charming town of Cambria for dining and shopping. The boardwalk provides a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Central Coast without a significant time commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Moonstone Beach Boardwalk
This boardwalk is more than just a path; it's an integral part of the coastal experience. It provides direct access to the beach below via stairs at various points, allowing you to explore the tide pools and search for beach treasures. The surrounding landscape is dotted with lush plants, trees, and vines, adding to the serene atmosphere and vibrant colors, especially when flowers are in bloom.
Many visitors describe the boardwalk as a place that evokes profound feelings of peace and beauty, making them feel far removed from everyday life. It's a popular spot for couples, families, and solo travelers alike, fostering a friendly and welcoming environment.
Beachcombing: A Treasure Hunter's Paradise
Visitors frequently report finding beautiful agates with stunning banding in various colors, including red, green, cream, and brown. Jasper and other colorful rocks are also common finds. The best time to search is often after a storm or during low tide when the waves have churned up new treasures.
Remember to tread lightly and respect the natural environment while searching. The joy of beachcombing here is not just in the find, but in the experience of exploring the shoreline and connecting with nature.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Moonstone Beach
Beyond sunsets, the boardwalk itself offers charming compositions with its wooden planks leading towards the vast Pacific. The rugged coastline, crashing waves, and unique rock formations provide endless opportunities for dramatic shots. Don't forget to look for wildlife; seals and seabirds often make for captivating subjects.
For the best results, consider visiting during the early morning for softer light and fewer crowds, or embrace the vibrant hues of sunset. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while telephoto lenses can be useful for wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit