Moonstone Beach Park

Moonstone Beach Park showing a sandy beach and a park
Moonstone Beach Park featuring landscape views
Moonstone Beach Park which includes a sandy beach
Moonstone Beach Park showing tranquil scenes
Moonstone Beach Park showing tranquil scenes, general coastal views and a coastal town


Spend a leisurely day on this rugged and wild stretch of beach, where the sand glitters with shiny round moonstones and the boardwalk promises staggering views.

Nature prevails at Moonstone Beach Park, an undeveloped and wild stretch of the Cambria Coastline perfect for relaxing and enjoying simple and natural outdoor joys. Stroll barefoot and feel the sand between your toes, walk the boardwalk, watch mesmerizing sunsets and go rock-pooling along this classic Californian stretch of beach.

The lack of crowds is one of the great draws of Moonstone Beach Park, so-named for the shiny, colourful moonstones that are scattered in the sand. Spend a leisurely few hours here. Breathe in the salty sea air and feel the wind on your face and the smooth stones underfoot.

Stroll along the 2-mile-long (3-kilometre) flat boardwalk, which stretches along the ruggedly beautiful coastline from Cambria’s north end to Leffingwell Landing. Take a seat on one of the wooden benches along the beach park and feel the tranquility of the place.

Wildlife abounds on and around the beach. Watch whales and dolphins as they swim by, puffing air into the sky or flicking their tails majestically. Go in search of the sea otters playing amid the waves and kelp. Look to the skies and in the cliffs for nesting shorebirds and be entertained by playful squirrels.

Moonstone Beach Park is an idyllic family destination. Bring a bucket and shovel and dig out the prettiest moonstones. Search the tide pools for sea anemones, sea urchins, snails and crabs. If you plan on staying all day, pack a picnic to enjoy together.

Find Moonstone Beach Park in the heart of Cambria, a 40-minute drive from San Luis Obispo. The beach has ample parking with an official parking lot and plenty of paid street parking near the boardwalk. The boardwalk itself is an easy walk and accessible for wheelchair users and strollers. A cool breeze often blows off the sea so be sure to wrap up warmly, even on summer evenings.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Cambria Pines Lodge

Cambria Pines Lodge

3 out of 5
2905 Burton Dr, Cambria, CA
Cambria Pines Lodge
FogCatcher Inn

FogCatcher Inn

3 out of 5
6400 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
FogCatcher Inn
Sand Pebbles Inn

Sand Pebbles Inn

3 out of 5
6252 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
Sand Pebbles Inn
Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach

Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach

3 out of 5
6700 Moonstone Beach Drive, Cambria, CA
Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach
Pelican Inn & Suites

Pelican Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
6316 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
Pelican Inn & Suites
Castle Inn

Castle Inn

3 out of 5
6620 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
Castle Inn
Cambria Landing Inn & Suites

Cambria Landing Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
6530 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
Cambria Landing Inn & Suites
El Colibri Hotel & Spa

El Colibri Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
5620 Moonstone Beach Dr, Cambria, CA
El Colibri Hotel & Spa
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

Cavalier Oceanfront Resort

3.5 out of 5
9415 Hearst Drive, San Simeon, CA
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Moonstone Beach Park

Moonstone Beach Park offers a delightful range of activities for visitors, including stunning sunsets and excellent surfing opportunities. Enjoy a picnic in the designated area or explore the picturesque nature trails that wind through the park. For those seeking adventure, whale watching and the back trail provide unique experiences amidst the natural beauty of California's coastline.

Shopping

Moonstone Beach Park offers charming local shops like the Cambria Farmers Market for fresh produce and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, visit the nearby San Luis Obispo, where you can explore the lively shops at the San Luis Obispo Marketplace for a wider selection of souvenirs.

Recreation

Discover Hardie Park for a serene escape amidst nature, perfect for relaxation and gentle strolls. For an active day, head to Morro Bay Golf Course, where you can enjoy a round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes. El Chorro Regional Park offers tranquil spaces for wellness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

At Moonstone Beach Park, enjoy thrilling wakeboarding at Oak Paradise, located 9.3km away, embracing the outdoor spirit. Challenge your mind at the Giant Chessboard, situated 12.4km away, or embark on a scenic hike along the Salmon Creek Falls Trail, 13.7km from the park.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Moonstone Beach Park offers a charming escape, with the National Geographic Theater nearby featuring family-friendly films and romantic screenings. The relaxed atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy captivating entertainment, perfect for a pleasant evening out.

Find the best attractions near Moonstone Beach Park

Moonstone Beach Park in Cambria offers a delightful blend of culture, adventure, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the picturesque Moonstone Beach and its surrounding state parks, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. Capture stunning photos along the shore and enjoy easy access to the beach. This destination is ideal for those seeking a good beach experience amidst the natural beauty of California's coastline.

  • Moonstone Beach: Located a mere 373m from Moonstone Beach Park, Moonstone Beach offers a serene escape with its stunning coastal views and gentle waves. The beach is renowned for its unique moonstones, which can be found glistening among the pebbles, making for a delightful treasure hunt.
  • Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: Just 621m away, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is a family-friendly haven featuring scenic trails that meander through lush landscapes and coastal bluffs. It's an ideal spot for leisurely walks and wildlife watching, perfect for all ages.
  • San Simeon State Park: Situated 1.2km from Moonstone Beach Park, San Simeon State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering adventure-filled activities amidst breathtaking scenery. Explore hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas and enjoy picnicking in nature.

Best time to go to Moonstone Beach Park

The best time to visit Moonstone Beach Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Moonstone Beach Park falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Moonstone Beach Park falls in December and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
April56.8°F (13.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August66.2°F (19.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October63.5°F (17.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November57.9°F (14.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moonstone Beach Park

To save money on your trip to Moonstone Beach Park, visit between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower, and aim to check in on a Tuesday for the best rates. Avoid the peak summer months of June to August and Saturdays, which tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider eco-certified options for sustainability. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package deal can lead to significant savings, making your visit more affordable and enjoyable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Moonstone Beach Park are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Moonstone Beach Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Moonstone Beach Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and various other criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices in ascending order, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay at Moonstone Beach Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.