This boardwalk offers several beach accesses, with tidepool exploration if you descend 20 feet or so to the beach. The rocks are liberally dressed in white guano lace. Sea lions and seals play in the water, waiting for the sun to come out so they can warm up in the sand. The visitor can make use of several rustic benches made out of split logs to stop and listen to waves thunder against this rocky shore. The damp ocean air feels healthy and cleansing to my city lungs.

This walk ends at Leffingwell Landing boat ramp and the bridge over the wide Leffingwell Creek drainage. On a sunny day, San Simeon State Park offers welcome shade and several picnic areas. A free trolley runs the length of Moonstone Beach Drive (and on to Cambria) for an optional ride back to your hotel.

Speaking of hotels, offseason lodging is a bargain here: $120 plus tax and tip buys one night at one of the several participating hotels along Moonstone Beach Drive, including an excellent dinner for two in downtown Cambria. You can also stay at one of two campgrounds in San Simeon State Park. 

How to Get There:   From San Luis Obispo, drive 30 miles North on Highway 1 to Cambria. At the third light in Cambria turn left, then an immediate right onto Moonstone Beach Drive. Park in the parking lot at Moonstone Beach.

For more information on this and other area trails, we refer you to the new edition of the San Luis Obispo County Trail Guide,. 

Other Trails:

Felsman Loop
Stenner Creek Road
Maino Open Space (Lemon Grove Loop)
Islay Hill
South Hills Open Space