Located between two Highway 1 surf hotspots, San Simeon and Cayucos, Cambria’s surf scene sparkles as one of California’s hidden treasures. Local surfers cherish Cambria’s accessible waves and consistent surf conditions, particularly at Moonstone Beach. This pristine surf spot sits just a 12-minute walk from Cambria’s charming East Village, where the tempting aroma of grilled tri-tip sandwiches drifts from Main Street Grill. Despite its prime Highway 1 location, Moonstone Beach surfing remains remarkably uncrowded, a peaceful canvas of rolling waves. Scenic fall emerges as the optimal season for surfing this pristine coastline, where moonstones catch the gauzy light. Early morning sessions provide the best conditions, before coastal winds rise up. For surf gear and local expertise, Cambria Surf Shop serves as the go-to destination for board rentals, wetsuits and professional surf instruction for beginners. For Highway 1 roadtrippers in search of uncrowded waves and natural beauty, Cambria’s stretch of coastline offers a refreshing escape from California’s better-known surf spots.
Surfing Highway 1
Moonstone Beach Surfing (and bodyboarding)
Surfing Moonstone Beach delivers an exceptional Highway 1 experience. The location showcases stunning coastal views, with Harmony Headlands beach and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve creating a picturesque backdrop. The unique beach features smooth moonstones, seaglass and driftwood scattered along the shore. Access remains simple – visitors can park at the main lot off Moonstone Beach Drive adjacent to Santa Rosa Creek, just steps from quality waves. Experienced surfers time sessions with low tide, as high tide creates challenging shore breaks. The right-hand reef wave stands out as a highlight, offering extended rides regardless of swell direction. While intermediate to advanced skill levels are recommended due to rock formations, surfers who master Moonstone Beach’s conditions enjoy consistently good swells in an uncrowded Central Coast setting.
Santa Rosa Creek
Adjacent to Moonstone Beach, Santa Rosa Creek has earned its reputation among Central Coast surf spots for dynamic wave conditions. The combination of peaky beach breaks and strategic rock formations creates an engaging surf environment perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers. Early morning sessions deliver the cleanest waves, making Santa Rosa Creek a favorite among local surfers seeking uncrowded breaks and consistent Cambria surf conditions.
Pico Creek (North of Cambria)
Pico Creek is a premier surf destination near modern San Simeon, offering clean waters and ideal wind conditions along Highway 1. This accessible beach features a unique blend of reef —and sandbar breaks on San Simeon’s north side, accommodating various skill levels. Access is straightforward: Park at Pico Avenue’s end and take the stairs to the beach. For a more secluded experience, drive to Vista Del Mar and follow the bluff trail to additional surf spots. The rocky shoreline naturally limits crowds, creating perfect conditions for experienced surfers comfortable navigating this dramatic coastal terrain.
Leffingwell Landing
Positioned near Moonstone Beach, Leffingwell Landing provides an ideal training ground for beginner surfers exploring Cambria’s rugged coastline. The protected cove features a small, sandy beach offering manageable waves in a sheltered setting. While less frequented than other Central Coast surf spots, Leffingwell Landing maintains perfect conditions for those developing surfing fundamentals.
Surf Rentals and Shops in Cambria
Cambria Surf Shop stands as the Central Coast’s premier destination for all surfing essentials. Located near Moonstone Beach, this full-service shop offers comprehensive rental options including soft-top surfboards for beginners, performance hard-top boards for experienced surfers, quality wetsuits and surf kayaks. Daily rental rates remain competitive, ranging from $25 for soft tops to $50 for hard tops. Plus, knowledgeable staff are on-hand to provide invaluable insights about local surf conditions and spot selection based on skill level.
Surfing Conditions by Season
Cambria’s surf conditions showcase Highway 1’s dynamic maritime environment. Winter months bring powerful northwest swells ideal for experienced surfers, while fall emerges as the prime season with consistent waves and optimal conditions. Spring and summer typically feature smaller surf with afternoon winds, perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers developing new skills. This seasonal variety makes Cambria a fantastic year-round surf destination along Highway 1.
Additional Activities and Dining
Beyond surfing, Cambria’s coastal attractions include the scenic Moonstone Beach Boardwalk for wildlife viewing and beach combing along the sand. East Village dining options perfectly complement a day of surfing, with Robin’s Restaurant serving globally-inspired California cuisine and Sea Chest Oyster Bar offering fresh local seafood in a classic Central Coast Highway 1 setting.
Tips for Visiting Surfers
Central Coast waters demand proper preparation, so use caution before entering the waves along Highway 1. Quality wetsuits remain essential year-round, with 4/3mm suits recommended during winter months. Unlike crowded spots in Morro Bay or Pismo Beach, Cambria’s surf breaks — especially Moonstone Beach—offer a peaceful alternative. This solitude creates perfect conditions for focusing on technique without the typical Central Coast crowds, although there are typically no lifeguards on duty along this stretch. Early morning sessions provide optimal surf conditions when coastal winds remain light.
Other Cambria Watersports
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing Cayucos
Kitesurfing and windsurfing on Highway 1 offer exciting alternatives to traditional surfing. Located just south of Cambria on Highway 1, Cayucos attracts watersport enthusiasts from around the world due to consistent north and northwest winds spanning the entire beach. Seasonal conditions peak in spring as northwest winds blow onshore for extended periods. Advanced riders gravitate to Mouse Rock, where waves reach up to 16 feet. This reef break location north of Cayucos Pier typically remains uncrowded due to challenging conditions. Good Clean Fun in Cayucos provides equipment rentals and local expertise for both sports.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) & Kayaking
The Cambria coastline offers several sheltered coves ideal for paddling adventures in calm conditions. Leffingwell Landing, at the northern end of Moonstone Beach Drive, provides convenient ocean access via a boat ramp amid scenic rocky coves. When conditions are rough, paddlers should exercise caution near the shore break. Shamel Park along Moonstone Beach presents another launch option parallel to Windsor Boulevard. For a unique coastal perspective, paddlers can access the southern coastline from Harvey Street, situated between Fiscalini Ranch Preserve and Lampton Country Park. This route reveals views of the historic Cambria Air Force Station, a 34-acre Cold War facility visible only from the water since its closure in 1980.
