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! 🐕
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 93 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
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!
💎 Beachcombing Etiquette
Most moonstones are gone, but colorful rocks and agates are plentiful. Be respectful of the environment. 💎
📸 Capture the Views
The boardwalk offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset. +1 📷
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!
💎 Beachcombing Etiquette
Most moonstones are gone, but colorful rocks and agates are plentiful. Be respectful of the environment. 💎
📸 Capture the Views
The boardwalk offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset. +1 📷
☕ Grab a Coffee
Many hotels along the boardwalk offer ocean-side coffee, perfect for a morning walk.
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
"This place is one of my favorite places to go when I want to go for a quick getaway and feel like so far away from everything and forget that you’re just a little more than a couple of drives away from Los Angeles county. The view of the ocean is so beautiful and sound of the waves makes me feel so peaceful! When walking on the boardwalk , it feels like I’m walking on a garden of Eden. I’m actually at a loss for words to describe the beauty and the profound feelings I have whenever I’m actually walking the boardwalk. I actually enjoyed the walk with my partner this time. The beautiful plants, trees and vines that are along the boardwalk gives you another kind of beautiful sensation that you feel! The flowers also bloomed that gave so much color to the amazing walks we made on the boardwalk. Truly amazing!
You must try and visit this place one day. It’s beautiful, clean and very beautiful. People are walking with their dogs and babies and are very friendly!"
Chat Sarmiento-Steinwald
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. +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. +1
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. +1
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. +1
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit