moonstone beach

More Disabled/Child/Senior-friendly than Trinidad Beach further north or Clam Beach to the south. Since most of the parking is graciously allowed on the Private Property of the Merryman family, notice that there is still No Parking Midnight-5 AM even on the much smaller Public side. This unique beach changes, sometimes seemingly overnight, because of the interaction of the Little River, the tides and shoals. When circumstances allow, you can even cross over the mouth of the river which might only be a foot or so deep. Then you can walk all the way to Clam Beach to the south (where you better have someone waiting for you in case you don't make it back in time for the tide change). I've never seen anything quite like it. At super low tide, you can walk the beach all the way around to the north to the Luffenholtz Beach area, which isn't really a beach, but has stairs to get up/down that bluff. There is a cliff on the beach that rock climbers like to use to practice. Watching them is entertainment in itself. and a couple little caves that kids like. Moonstone Grill, a pricey restaurant, is on the same steep little road that leads to the parking lot/beach. Only open Wed.-Sun. 5-8:30 PM. reservations recommended. There is a Port-a-John that allows for spending the whole day. You can bring small grills, coolers, chairs, blankets. There are no pits/grills/fire rings. You can go to Murphy's Market in the little town of Trinidad for grilling supplies if you forgot something. A very favorite local Sunset viewing spot. Westhaven Exit 726A, turn left, then left again on Scenic Dr., then a right down the hill.

Moonstone Beach is a little-known local spot that attracts all kinds of people and their dogs. When we were there recently we saw people juggling and practicing with their unlit fire batons, people walking their dogs, and families enjoying a mild day on the beach. This is a beach with personality!

Let me start by saying, this is our favorite beach in Humboldt County by far. 28 of us had a family camping trip and stayed at Patrick's Point State Park. This beach is a 20 minute drive, but worth every mile. The drive itself is worth it. There is ample parking and easy access to the sand. There were 8 kids agaes 6 and under and we felt very safe the whole time. There is a strip of beach, then a shallow river (2 feet deep at the deepest point) which can easily be crossed, where you will then have a vast beach are to explore before finally enjoying the Pacific Ocean. We had the best time ever with fresh water available for our dogs. We didn't see one piece of garbage the whole time. This beach is a must-see!

..awesome.. found a beautiful sand dollarnice beach not crowded .. lots of doggieswas there at sunset beautiful restaurant nearby easy access

This delightful beach is easy to reach, fun to run on, and a great mix of visitors. Plenty of room to climb on rocks, splash through pools, or sit in a beach chair. Great sunsets.

PERFECT!!! The setting was awesome, the people friendly and helpful. There was nothing to dislike as even the weather was amazing. This is the most wonderful time of year to visit the northern coast.

Rented boards at Salty's in Trinidad. They put us in contact with local surfer, shaper for lessons. Had a couple of successful afternoons in thesurf with my four boys. Good time had buy all.

My boyfriend and I love Trinidad, and came across this beach on our travels along the coast of CA. We had previously spent time in College Cove, but this beach is much more accessible. There were only a few people, and the sunset was breathtaking. I can't wait to visit again.

This is a striking beach. It is one of many worth exploring though you can't see them all. If you are driving by and want to stop to enjoy the view or run the dog, this is a good choice. If you are driving north to Oregon this is not your last chance. There will be others just as good though if this is really a good swimming beach it might be your last opportunity for that for awhile.

We have been all up and down the west coast. Have visited the Trinidad area many times and somehow never walked Moonstone Beach. It is now our favorite west coast beach. Check it out at low tide so you can walk on solid sand and access its many nooks and crannies. Highly recommended. Combine it with a dinner at Moonstone Grill if possible.

This beach has been a favorite of my family for years. It has a freshwater river running through it and on a warm day it is great to swim and or float on. The parking can get very full very fast and I defiantly recommend getting there by 11am. Also bring sunscreen, the ocean mist amplifies the sun and I've seen too many folks turn into lobsters. Oh and there is a beach hall that can be rented for special events, ie weddings.

Hard to find but great view of Pacific Wait staff were professional and very friendlyOne of the best places for fine dinning in the area.. .

Great food, great view, and reasonable prices. There is not a whole lot of seating, so on weekends I would recommend reservations.

Excellent beach for your dogs. The road to it is VERY narrow and sometimes a bit precarious. I would not take a trailer or motorhome down there. Takes a few minutes drive to get there but well worth it to see the smile on your dog's face.

Excellent food and service. The views from most tables of Moonstone beach are excellent and the sunsets fabulous.