Beaches

When I have people ask me about beaches in Cambria, they typically don’t anticipate the answer I give them. Some beach towns may be straight forward but Cambria requires some explanation. If, when you are referring to beach you mean a sandy area you can take sunset strolls on or perhaps take up some rays, your options are significantly reduced. Most of Cambria consists of rocky coast line which requires rock climbing in order to be in a place where you can dip your feet into the water. There are plenty of areas you could walk if you wanted to however you would need to be willing to put up the pebbles. Here is a picture of Moonstone Beach.


Taking all this into consideration, we have listed the various beach areas below to assist your vacation planning.



Shamel Park Beach

© Ryder Ross

Easy access - No Swimming
Walking distance for all of Park Hill homes and some of Lodge Hill.
You can expect a descent beach with some pebbles and drift wood. At Shamel Park there is a playground, horse shoes, Public Pool, large grass area, deep pit BBQ which can be reserved with a few other small BBQ’s. Surfers and swimmers beware, this beach has a strong under current and can be a dangerous place to play in the water.

  • Dog Friendly -
  • Size - Sq. Yrds
  • Sand type - Sand, Pebbles, Some Pebbles
  • Surf and Swim - Calm Water, Dangerous, Rocks, Strong Undertow
  • Location - Map Link
  • Accessibility - wheelchair accessibility, stairs, distance from parking
  • Restrooms - Restrooms on site





San Simeon State Park Beach

© Annie

Easy access - Swimming
Walking distance for all of Park Hill homes and some of Lodge Hill. Running along the west side of Highway 1, this beach is a quick jot from San Simeon State Park just across the 1. It is an easily accessible beach with plenty of room to stroll being the largest in the area. The sand is nice and it is a great place to go tide pooling.

  • Dog Friendly -
  • Size - Sq. Yrds
  • Sand type - Sand, Pebbles, Some Pebbles
  • Surf and Swim - Calm Water, Dangerous, Rocks, Strong Undertow
  • Location - Map Link
  • Accessibility - wheelchair accessibility, stairs, distance from parking
  • Restrooms - Restrooms on site





William R. Hearst Memorial State Beach

© rmartinjr

Easy access - Swimming
Walking distance for all of Park Hill homes and some of Lodge Hill.
This beach is the most popular beach in the area. It is located across Hwy.1 from Hearst Castle in a picturesque cove. There is alot to offer on this beach. The water is calm and the beach is gorgeous.

  • Dog Friendly -
  • Size - Sq. Yrds
  • Sand type - Sand, Pebbles, Some Pebbles
  • Surf and Swim - Calm Water, Dangerous, Rocks, Strong Undertow
  • Location - Map Link
  • Accessibility - wheelchair accessibility, stairs, distance from parking
  • Restrooms - Restrooms on site





Moonstone Beach

© CaliforniaNat

As far as beaches go, this is probably not what you would imagine a beach look like. It is, however, a beautiful location in Cambria and is the most popular location in town.

  • Dog Friendly -
  • Size - Sq. Yrds
  • Sand type - Sand, Pebbles, Some Pebbles
  • Surf and Swim - Calm Water, Dangerous, Rocks, Strong Undertow
  • Location - Map Link
  • Accessibility - wheelchair accessibility, stairs, distance from parking
  • Restrooms - Restrooms on site