Walk down the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk and explore the tidepools

Cambria’s Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a scenic walkway

Tidepools just down the stairs show off local sealife

The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk.

–Welcome to Moonstone Beach on the scenic Central Coast of California. It’s located in the heart of Cambria, CA about a 40-minute drive north of San Luis Obispo on Highway 1.

The Moonstone Beach Boardwalk is a comfortable way to take in the magnificent beauty of the Pacific Coastline. The boardwalk is easy to find. It runs parallel to Moonstone Beach Drive. It is a fantastic day hike for the whole family.

“This boardwalk meanders down a pathway which is easily accessible either walking, using a stroller or wheelchair. Easy access down to Moonstone beach to collect sea glass and moonstones. Love to walk the area at sunset and listen to the waves.” — TripAdvisor

There are benches to sit and enjoy the views and several stairways that lead right to the sandy beaches. Look out for the friendly squirrels. They will jump right up to you if they think you have food. Other wildlife includes ducks, egrets, seals, and the ever-present seagulls, which will also snatch food.

The entire walkway is 1.5-miles from beginning to end. It’s flat the entire way.

On the beach, look for several tide pools that are part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. They are filled with ocean life like sea anemones, spiny purple sea urchins, snails and crabs.

The boardwalk runs parallel to Moonstone Beach Drive, which is lined on the inland side by restaurants and hotels. Reservations are not required and leashed dogs are welcome on the boardwalk. Bicycles are not allowed on the boardwalk.

To get to the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, head to Cambria on Hwy 1 to Cambria. Turn onto Windsor and a quick right on Moonstone Beach Drive. There is an official free parking lot on the left side a short way down and lots of parking near the boardwalk along the road. Reservations are not required and leashed dogs are welcome on the boardwalk. Bicycles are not allowed on the boardwalk. The weather can be chilly, even in the summer time, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation has implemented the following COVID-19 safety protocols for visitors to state parks:

Stay Safer at 6 Feet: Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet or more. Gatherings, picnics and parties are not allowed. Visitors will be asked to leave if there are too many people at the park to allow for the required physical distance.
Stay Clean: Bring soap/sanitizer and pack out all trash. Restrooms may be temporarily closed in order to keep up with cleaning schedules.
Stay Covered: The state now requires you to wear a face-covering in most indoor settings and public outdoor spaces when you cannot maintain physical distancing of six feet or more from people outside of your immediate household.

Visitors should also abide by their local county health orders. For more information visit www.parks.ca.gov.

While you are here, check out the many fine restaurants, inns and motels along Moonstone Beach.

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