Moonstone Beach Park Tours and Activities

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


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, colorful 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-kilometer) 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


Best Lodging Options Near Moonstone Beach Park

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

At Moonstone Beach Park in Cambria, California, you can enjoy stunning sunsets and a variety of activities like surfing and fishing. Explore the area with guided tours or take a video tour to appreciate its beauty. For a leisurely experience, consider a mile-long stroll along the beach, which offers a great spot for camping and enjoying the coastal scenery.

Recreation

Morro Bay Golf Course offers a picturesque golfing experience with stunning coastal views, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For relaxation, Hardie Park features tranquil spaces ideal for unwinding, while El Chorro Regional Park provides serene nature trails and picnic spots, making it a great place for wellness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

At Moonstone Beach Park, thrill-seekers can enjoy wakeboarding at Oak Paradise, located 24.1km away, where outdoor adventure awaits. For a unique experience, try the Giant Chessboard, 32.2km away. Hike the scenic Salmon Creek Falls Trail, 35.4km distant, for breathtaking views and a memorable trek.

Nightlife

For a cinematic experience, check out the National Geographic Theater, 24.1km from Moonstone Beach Park, offering a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere. After the show, stroll along the beach for a peaceful night under the stars, soaking in the tranquil coastal vibes.

Find the best attractions near Moonstone Beach Park

Moonstone Beach Park in Cambria, California, offers a delightful mix of historic houses, natural reserves, and stunning beaches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy scenic adventures while exploring the picturesque Moonstone Beach and its famous boardwalk. Whether you're wandering along the sandy shores or experiencing the beauty of the surrounding preserve, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal destination.

  • Moonstone Beach: Located 966m from Moonstone Beach Park, this stunning beach offers a tranquil escape with its soft sands and picturesque ocean views. Enjoy beach vibes as you stroll along the shore, collect unique moonstones, or watch for playful sea otters.
  • Hearst Castle: A 14.5km drive will take you to this opulent historic estate, showcasing the lavish lifestyle of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Explore the grand architecture, art collections, and beautiful gardens that embody rich culture vibes.
  • Fiscalini Ranch Preserve: Just 1.6km away, this family-friendly reserve features scenic walking trails along coastal bluffs. Enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and explore diverse habitats perfect for family outings and nature appreciation.

Best time to go to Moonstone Beach Park

Visitor numbers around Moonstone Beach Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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. The coolest average temperature around Moonstone Beach Park falls in December and February. February has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 SunnyAverageSlightly 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 SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moonstone Beach Park

When planning your trip to Moonstone Beach Park, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions like San Simeon State Park and Nitt Witt Ridge. Visit during the off-peak months of January to March for lower accommodation rates, especially on Tuesdays, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and consider bundling your flight and hotel for additional savings. Look for eco-certified options to support sustainability while keeping costs down. Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery without breaking the bank!

  • 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, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotel prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable options right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search 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 potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Moonstone Beach Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.