Little Sur haven for hikers – Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Cambria
For photographers, Moonstone Beach in Cambria is a lot like Carmel – very photogenic. So if you’re into coastal photography, get your D-SLR or iPhone camera out and be prepared to snap a few clicks while hiking along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk in Cambria.
Take one glimpse at Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, and the terms bluff strolling come to life.
At this Cambria-based coastal, wooden-laid boardwalk can attest, it’s in the eye of the beholder to determine the nature of northern San Luis Obispo County’s artistic town’s famed boardwalk.
From around the world, tourists flock to this beach from as far away as Europe and Asia to get that Instagrammable photo near the beach, oftentimes on their way to Hearst Castle or further northward to Hearst Castle and Big Sur to the North, respectively.
Follow, follow, follow, follow … follow the wooden boardwalk along roughly 1 mile of some of the most spectacular coast, starting at Santa Rosa Creek and ending at Leffingwell Landing along Moonstone Beach Drive. To extend the trip, head further south to the southern end of Santa Rosa Creek beach, then head north past Leffingwell to Exotic Gardens Beach, where you can finish both hikes on foot on the beach for the total experience.
Far out to sea, massive kelp paddies attract wildlife: tons of birds, whales, dolphins and human water enthusiasts at this “Gateway to the Big Sur Coast,” or Little Sur. Typical days here are much warmer and sunny than many towns that resemble it in northern California. Don’t let Cambria fool you: though foggy in the summer, it usually has some of the nicest beach weather during the year across SLO County. Wander down and see them along the various beach staircases and natural beach staircases along the way, especially a local surf spot known as “Weirdos” where you’re likely to see most of the surfers.
Dogs are allowed on-leash – expect to see plenty of canine hiking companions along this stretch. It can get somewhat crowded, although never unruly, during prime time hours during the ideals of spring and summer, for example when the sun sets and as local seafood restaurants poise to open for dinner reservations. Bikes are not allowed.
From south to north, visitors can park in the Santa Rosa Creek parking lot, where there are nice restrooms and water. The boardwalk starts here and continues north to Leffingwell Landing. From north to south, visitors can park in the Leffingwell Landing Parking lot and head south along the boardwalk.
If you’d like to connect this with another popular hike, consider the Bluff Trail at Fiscalini Ranch.
About the hike
This is an easy out-and-back roughly 2 mile round-trip along a wooded walkway on Highway 1 through some beautiful coastline. Flat hike for the most part, making this hike easy for most experience levels.
Parking
Free parking at southern and northern trailheads. No permit required.
Boardwalk bomber
Really nicely made boardwalk makes walking easy for people of all abilities, ages and aptitudes. Coastal views are amazing.
Be sure to
Extend your hike along the northern and southern reaches with long stretches of beach for a more coastal experience, on the right tides and right swell days of course.
Much to my surprise
Wildflowers out in full bloom, sagebrush and fluffy little ground squirrels. Also interesting to see some areas of the coast cliffs somewhat accessible but not truly addressed from an access standpoint.
What to bring
No heavy hiking shoes necessary. This hike can be done in ultralight hiking footwear. It’s always a bit cooler on the coast during most conditions – layers recommended.