Moonstone Beach Boardwalk – Moonstone Beach loop from Cambria

If you're searching for a truly scenic and accessible touring cycling route along California's Central Coast, the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk – Moonstone Beach loop from Cambria delivers. This moderate 19.5-mile (31.4 km) route, with a gentle 756 feet (230 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 55 minutes, making it an ideal choice for cyclists seeking high-reward ocean views without an overly strenuous effort.

What to expect on Moonstone Beach Boardwalk – Moonstone Beach loop from Cambria

While the wooden Moonstone Beach Boardwalk itself is reserved for walkers, cyclists can enjoy the parallel Moonstone Beach Drive, a low-speed paved road that offers equally stunning, uninterrupted ocean views. As you pedal, you'll journey past rugged bluffs, through windswept tree tunnels, and have ample opportunities to spot diverse marine wildlife like sea otters, birds, whales, dolphins, and even elephant seals. The beach below is famous for its smooth, colorful stones such as chalcedony, jade, agate, and jasper, as well as scattered driftwood. This route is generally considered easy for touring cyclists due to its minimal climbing and gentle terrain, making it perfect for those who want a relaxing ride with breathtaking coastal scenery.

Planning your visit

The Moonstone Beach area is celebrated for its spectacular sunsets, making a late afternoon ride particularly rewarding. You can start this loop at various points along Moonstone Beach Drive, which is conveniently located near hotels and restaurants in Cambria. Remember that bikes are not permitted on the wooden boardwalk itself, so stick to the adjacent drive for your cycling adventure. No specific permits or fees are required for this accessible coastal ride.

Trail details

• Distance: 19.5 miles (31.4 km)
• Elevation gain: 756 feet (230 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 55 minutes