Moonstone Beach

A beautiful beach on the Central Coast with a great shoreline for beachcombing, Moonstone Beach is an ethereal place.

There are a lot of smooth stones here that are soft to the touch, and the intricate patterns dazzle visitors who visit the beach.

Shamel Park and Moonstone Beach Boardwalk provide easy access to this popular and picturesque spot. There will be picnics, blankets, and adventure for the whole family.

Explore Moonstone Beach

The boardwalk at Moonstone Beach

As visitors walk along the boardwalk along the Pacific shoreline, they will be able to see spectacular views of the beach and ocean.

The easy, scenic hike is about 2 miles round trip and is ideal for dogs on leashes. This boardwalk is accessible for wheelchairs, ADA-compliant, and stroller-friendly since it is a boardwalk.

Throughout the route, benches are available for sitting and relaxing. When the high season comes around, the Beach Boardwalk can become quite crowded. 

By taking paths down to the rocky seashore and tidepools along the boardwalk heading north, you can escape the crowds.

There are some of the best tidepools on the Central Coast, and you will be entertained for hours.

The seabed is home to crabs, anemones, urchins, sea slugs, and more. Restaurants, lodging properties, and views of the ocean are also found along the boardwalk.

There is a beach called Moonstone

The tumbling of the sea and the passage of time have left Beach with beautiful, smooth stones.

Moonstones, which are composed of the mineral feldspar, aren’t found on this beach, despite its name.

The mineral chalcedony, however, is what forms these “moonstones,” just as enchanting and beautiful as the real thing.

These stones can be found all along the beach, along with smooth, tumbled jade, agate, and jasper.

As well as finding sea glass, you may also find interesting driftwood. Remember to keep an eye out for wildlife as well! 

There’s almost a guarantee that you’ll see seals on the beach as you sit on the Seal View Beach Deck. 

Here, you can also see whales. The Whale Trail interpretive sign can be found at Shamel Park, on the eastern edge of Moonstone Beach. 

The lookout from Moonstone Beach is one of the best whale-watching spots identified by this national organization.

Sea otters and seabirds can also be seen from it, as well as gray whales, white-sided dolphins, elephant seals, and seabirds.

The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is nearby, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of all the sea life.

Moonstone Beach surfers

Its uncrowded waves and picturesque scenery make Moonstone Beach a favorite among locals. The shoreline is just a short walk away from Beach Drive, near Santa Rosa Creek. 

It is easiest to reach surfable waves at low tide without a short break since the waves are past the shoreline.

Depending on the swell direction, you can enjoy long rides on the right-hand reef wave. There are some dangerous rocks here, so be careful; 

Taking on these intermediate conditions should only be attempted by those experienced in these conditions. 

Reliable swell and low-stress waves are what will be your favorite if you have some experience under your belt.

Moonstone Beach fishing

The surf and rock fishing at Moonstone Beach is excellent.

This area is a popular fishing spot for rockfish, lingcod, and surfperch; some anglers have even caught cabezons that lurk under the rocky reefs.

On Moonstone Beach, however, you’re most likely to catch barred surfperch, which weigh about two pounds each.

It’s best to visit at low tide so you can see if it works. Fish the southern side of the Beach at Shamel Park or Santa Rosa Creek to catch fish entering the river.

Moonstone Beach Dining

You’ll find a wealth of dining options on and around Moonstone Beach. 

For captivating views and just-caught seafood, indulge in a visit to the Sea Chest Oyster Bar, just overlooking Moonstone Beach. 

The restaurant is only open for dinner but boasts stunning views, succulent seafood, and a full bar.

The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and cozy clapboard cottage are especially favored by diners.

For fresh favorites in a casual coastal setting, stop in at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill further down Moonstone Beach Drive.

This restaurant serves seafood such as fish and chips, fish tacos, and Moonstone Shrimp Salad for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

The rest of the menu includes tasty sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and pasta, as well as craft beer, local wines, and signature cocktails.

There’s also the Canteen at Oceanpoint Ranch, a seaside hotel with plenty of charm on Moonstone Beach Drive.

There is something for everyone at the Canteen, serving breakfast and dinner. A breakfast of bananas fosters French toast or a dinner of Filet Oscar with béarnaise sauce will leave you feeling decadent.

Beach at Moonstone

The Moonstone Beach Park is located at the southern end of Moonstone Beach, making it a great place for kids of all ages.

Kids and their parents can safely wade this small freshwater creek at the outlet of Santa Rosa Creek.

Take a blanket and chairs to the creek and enjoy dipping your toes in the water and looking for semi-precious moonstones.

Located near Santa Rosa Creek, the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is also easily accessible from the Santa Rosa Creek parking lot. On Beach Drive, you can find the parking lot entrance on the south side. 

The park of Shamel

A six-acre park located not far from Moonstone Beach’s southernmost end, Shamel Park offers easy access to the sand.

There are two group day-use areas, an epic playground, a heated public swimming pool (seasonal), and a playing field at this local favorite.

The park’s play structure is perfect for kids, and its gazebo makes a great spot for beach weddings.

Take in the sights, enjoy a picnic, hold a family reunion, or just relax at the beach. Near Cambria’s East Village, Shamel Park is located off Windsor Boulevard.

FAQ

Are dogs allowed?

There is no restriction on leashed dogs at Moonstone Beach.

Is the beach really full of moonstones?

The minerals feldspar and quartz are absent from Moonstone Beach, where real moonstones come from. 

The imitation “moonstones” at Moonstone Beach are made from chalcedony, a similar mineral.

What is the best place to park?

There are several places to park near Moonstone Beach, including the lot beside Shamel Park, along Moonstone Beach Drive, and at Santa Rosa Creek.

Do you have bathrooms?

The southern end of Beach is home to Shamel Park which has bathrooms.

Moonstone Beach is swimmable, right?

There is no restriction on swimming at Beach. You should be aware that the waves here can be very powerful at times.

The beach has sand, right?

There are tiny smooth stones in the sand here, rather than chalkier sand like other beaches on Highway 1.

The boardwalk is how long?

There is a boardwalk at Moonstone Beach that runs for about a mile or a round-trip of about two miles.

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