Beaches

When people ask me about the beaches in Cambria, they typically don’t anticipate the answer I give them. In most cases, beaches and their shore scapes are straight forward, but Cambria requires some explanation. Cambria’s unique position along the famous California Central Coast offers visitors beautiful rugged cliff vistas along side pristine beaches. The famous Moonstone Beach provides the perfect place for a relaxing sunset stroll, or Shamel Park with it’s playground and large grassy field has something for the whole family to enjoy.

We have listed the various Cambria beach areas below to assist your vacation planning.

For those dog lovers, please check out the beach below, just 30 minutes south of Cambria. For dog friendly activities within Cambria, please visit our Dog-Friendly page.

Shamel Park Beach

Easy access – No Swimming
Walking distance for Park Hill homes and some of Lodge Hill. Visitors can expect a descent beach with some pebbles and drift wood. At Shamel Park adjacent to the beach is a playground, horse shoes, public pool, large grass area, and BBQ stands including a deep pit BBQ (which can be reserved). Surfers and swimmers beware, this beach has a strong under current and can be a dangerous in the water.

Dog Friendly – No
Sand type – Sand, Pebbles, Some Pebbles
Surf and Swim – Calm Water, Dangerous, Rocks, Strong Undertow
Location – Map Link
Accessibility – wheelchair accessibility, stairs
Restrooms – Restrooms on site
Camping Facilities – None

San Simeon State Park Beach

Easy access – Swimming

Running along the west side of Highway One, this beach lies within the boundaries of the Hearst San Simeon State Park. It is an easily accessible and sandy beach with plenty of room to stroll as it is the largest in the area. The San Simeon State Park, located directly across Highway One from the beach, includes a Natural Preserve, the wintering site for monarch butterfly populations. Visitors can traverse the 3.3 mile trail and enjoy senic overlooks, rest-stop benches and interpretive panels with information on wildlife habitiat. Recreational activites include camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, surfing, beachcombing, bird watching and whale watching.

Dog Friendly – No
Sand type – Sand, Pebbles, Some Pebbles
Surf and Swim – Calm Water, Surf, Tidepools
Location – Map Link
Accessibility – wheelchair accessible
Restrooms – Restrooms on site
Camping Facilities – 115 campsites for tent camping or recreational vehicles

William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach

Easy access – Swimming
This beach is the most popular beaches in the area and is located across Highway One from Hearst Castle. Within this protected cove, visitors can experience hiking, swimming, fishing, and beach combing. There are also oppertunities for pier fishing and deep-sea fishing from chartered boats. Also available is a day use area with 24 picnic sites, 150 parking spaces, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grill stands and easy beach access. Once you arrive, it’s easy to understand why this beach is so popular, the water is calm and the beach is gorgeous.
Within this area, vistors can find the Elephant Seal Trail. This is a 1/2 mile trail that starts from an accessible parking space located directly off Highway 1. This trail provides coastal views and seasonal viewing of famous Elephant Seals. For more information about the Elephant Seals, please visit our Elephant Seals page.

Dog Friendly – No
Sand type – Sand
Surf and Swim – Calm Water
Location – Map Link
Accessibility – wheelchair accessibile
Restrooms – Restrooms on site
Camping Facilities – None

Moonstone Beach

Moonstone Beach can be found along Moonstone Drive which offers a variety of lodging and dining options along the water. The beach is made up of small pebbels polished smooth by the sea. Here, visitors can view sea lions basking on the rocks, spend some time tidepooling, or search the sand for driftwood and other hidden treasures including jasper, jade, and the moonstone agates, the beach’s namesake. The boardwalk, which runs along the beach for almost a mile is lined with mustard flowers, sage, rock rose and beautiful pine, the perfect place for a family walk or morning jog. Stairs will lead you down from the paths to the beach. Spend the afternoon here reading, walking and relaxing while enjoying the breathtaking Central Coast scenery.

Dog Friendly – Yes, along the boardwalk; must be leashed
Sand type – Sand, Pebbles, Some driftwood
Surf and Swim – Tidepools
Location – Map Link
Accessibility – wheelchair accessible along the boardwalk, stairs
Restrooms – Restrooms on site

Morro Strand Beach

Morro Strand Beach is one of the few dog friendly beaches in the area! The beach is very wide and long, providing great views of Morro Rock in the distance, approximately 6 miles away. Doggie mitts are available for clean up, provided by the local Lions Club. A few picnic tables are provided for use too.

Dog Friendly – Yes; can be off leash
Sand type – Sand, some pebbles
Surf and Swim – Tidepools, Strong Undertow, Surf
Location – Map Link
Accessibility – wheelchair accessible
Restrooms – Restrooms on site

Cambria