Moonstone Beach in California State

Moonstone Beach

This picturesque beach in Cambria is now famous for its dramatic cliffs and scenic beach boardwalk.

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Moonstone Beach Details

This picturesque beach in Cambria is now famous for its dramatic cliffs and scenic beach boardwalk. But during the late 1800s and early 1900s, it was mostly known for its moonstone agate and gemstone deposits that washed ashore. Visitors from all over the country would scour the coast looking for these stones, which could be polished and turned into jewelry. While moonstones are no longer found, the beach is still a worthwhile stop on your drive down the California coast. Home to one of the more rugged coastlines of California, the area is better suited for nature enthusiasts rather than sunbathers. However, the ocean does have consistent and reliable waves for surfers.

Difficulty

Low

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Nearby Parks Around Moonstone Beach

Compare nearby parks around Moonstone Beach when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

128.6 mi away

Joshua Tree

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228.7 mi away

Death Valley

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266.5 mi away

Pinnacles

National Park · CA

308.9 mi away

Yosemite

National Park · CA

400.3 mi away

Grand Canyon

National Park · AZ

401.6 mi away

Zion

National Park · UT

Nearby Points of Interest Around Moonstone Beach

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Moonstone Beach while the map context is still fresh.

4.0 mi away

Catalina Island

Thirty miles off the coast of Long Beach sits this small island known for its vibrant towns, hidden harbors, and dramatic coastlines.

4.1 mi away

Trans-Catalina Trail

This moderately challenging long-distance trail travels 38.5 miles across the entire Catalina Island.

25.0 mi away

USS Iowa

Although this ship now permanently resides at the Port of Los Angeles, she was once a powerful Navy battleship during WWII, the Korean War, and the Cold War.

27.8 mi away

Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path

This multi-use trail is a pleasant journey along the coast.

28.1 mi away

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

This birding destination right off the Pacific Coast Highway makes it easy to spend the day looking for rare winged creatures.