Back to Map

Moonstone

Left and right35.5693, -121.1121

Overview

Quality
Normal
Crowd
Empty
Experience
Intermediate
Bottom
Sand and rocks

About this Spot

Moonstone is a surf spot located in Central Coast, California. The spot provides both left and right waves. Moonstone is situated in Cambria, a seaside village in San Luis Obispo County. The surf spot is bounded by a rock pile to the south and scattered tide pools and a reef to the north. Moonstone breaks best from late summer through winter months. The beach features a mix of sand and rocks, and can be surfed at all tides. It’s a very consistent spot with wave lengths ranging from 50 to 150 meters. The spot is suitable for intermediate surfers and is known for being relatively uncrowded. At high tide during a consistent south swell, a clean wedge wraps around the southern rock pile. Low tide during a south swell can produce amazing lefts breaking off the north side of the rock pile. The central beach break handles west and north swells best, potentially offering a fun right over the northern reef. To access Moonstone, drive north on California Highway 1 through Cambria, turn left onto Windsor, then right onto Moonstone Beach Drive. A parking area is located about half a mile up the road on the left. Nearby surf spots include Ponytails, Boners, San Simeon Point, Mouse Rock, and Cayucos. Check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. When the spot is crowded, it’s important to respect the locals and follow proper surf etiquette. Moonstone Beach is part of Hearst San Simeon State Park and is known for its smooth, pebbly shoreline featuring various colorful stones. The beach also offers opportunities for beachcombing and wildlife viewing. Remember to check the surf forecast and report before your visit. A surf map or webcam may be available to help you assess the conditions. Cambria, where Moonstone is located, has an interesting history. It was originally known as Slabtown and later adopted the name Cambria, which is the Latin name for Wales.

Optimal Conditions

Best Tide
All tides are good
Best Size
Good from 0.6 meters
Wave Length
50 - 150 m
Frequency
Very consistent (more than 150 day/year)

Location

Coordinates

35.569283° N, -121.112083° W

Open in Maps

Use these coordinates in your preferred mapping or forecast application

Nearby Spots