Rugged cliffs and crashing surf frame the coastline along California’s central coast. Here lies the Cambria State Marine Park in Cambria, California, a coastal jewel. It is tucked between Moonstone Beach and Hearst San Simeon State Park. Blending marine conservation with seaside recreation, this park offers tidepool exploration, kayaking, fishing, and more—all within a dramatic oceanfront setting.
What Makes Cambria State Marine Park Unique
Established under the Marine Life Protection Act, Cambria State Marine Park sits just offshore from the village of Cambria. It protects critical kelp forests, intertidal zones, and rocky substrates while allowing recreational fishing and non-motorized boating. Complemented by adjacent Cambria State Marine Conservation Area, this site supports whale migration, sea otter habitats, and vibrant tidepools teeming with marine life—creating an immersive coastal experience.
Top Activities & Amenities
Boat Launch, Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The nearby Leffingwell Landing boat ramp provides launching access for kayakers. Small non-motorized craft can easily explore kelp forests. They can also explore offshore reefs. Paddlers often spot otters, harbor seals, and seabirds gliding above kelp canopies.
Fishing & Beachcombing
Shoreline anglers enjoy rockpier and bluff-edge opportunities—catch finfish such as rockfish or perch under current regulations. Tidepooling at Moonstone Beach and the rocky coves reveals sea stars, limpets, chitons, and colorful whelks when the tide recedes—perfect for curious explorers.
Wildlife Viewing & Scuba/Snorkeling
Marine life thrives here: gray and humpback whales sweep by during migrations, elephant seals haul out near San Simeon, and the kelp is home to abalone, cabezon, and sheephead. Snorkelers and divers report sightings of rockfish, sea stars, and occasional octopus in shallow reefs.
Hiking Trails & Picnic Areas
Coastal footpaths connect Leffingwell Landing to the Moonstone Beach boardwalk, offering picnic tables, BBQ grills, shaded benches, and scenic overlooks. Trails wind through blufftop gardens where native plants thrive in seaside breezes.
Restrooms & Support Facilities
Vault restrooms, potable water, trash/recycling bins, and informational interpretive panels are available at Leffingwell Landing and Moonstone Beach. Public parking is free but limited—so arrive early, especially on weekends.
Camping & RV Accommodations
While the marine park itself offers no campsites, nearby Hearst San Simeon State Park provides traditional and group camping. It also offers RV hookups, fire pits, showers, drinking water, and dump stations. All these amenities are within a few miles’ drive.
Interpretive Exhibits
Educational signage highlights kelp ecology, protected species, and intertidal zone stewardship. Park volunteers frequently offer beach walks during low tides to explain tidepool ecology and conservation best practices.
Visitor Tips
- No entrance fee; free parking at Leffingwell Landing and Moonstone Beach.
- Pet rules: dogs allowed on-leash only on trails and parking areas; not on beaches or in tidepools.
- Licensed fishing only—check current California fishing regulations before casting.
- Wear sturdy shoes for tidepooling; slippery rocks require good traction.
- Bring layers and sun protection—coastal fog and wind change quickly.
- Kayakers should carry life jackets, tide charts, and follow marine navigation rules.
- Respect wildlife—keep distance from sea otters, seals, and nesting birds.
- No collection—leave shells and marine life where you find them.
- Cell service may be spotty near Hearst Castle—download maps ahead.
- Arrive early on weekends to secure parking and avoid crowds.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For a memorable visit, plan your trip during the late winter and spring whale migrations—look for spouts from the bluffside Moonstone Overlook. Spring low tides (April–June) reveal the most vivid tidepools, while early morning trips reward calm seas ideal for kayaking. After your marine adventure, stroll the Moonstone Beach boardwalk just south—a hidden gem with driftwood sculptures, bird life, and a serene seaside ambiance.