Shamel Park is a community park in the coastal California town of Cambria nestled in the burbs…read morealong Moonstone Beach. It's a six acre park that has a large grassy field, kids play area, swimming pool, reserved picnic table area with a Santa Ana grill, individual picnic tables with smaller grills, gazebo, restrooms, and direct access to Moonstone Beach. There is no fee to use the park including the parking. When I dropped by recently in the summer, the grassy lawn was crunchy brown. I don't know the reasoning for the lack of irrigation. But it was open for folks to use still, some folks were playing soccer. The swimming pool was surprisingly smallish size for a community pool; it was covered up and not in use. Possibly closed just for the day. I'm sure the schedule is posted on the San Luis Obispo parks district website. The pool is next to the children's play area, gazebo, and restroom. The play area and picnic areas are shaded by beautiful old growth trees. This is one of my favorite beaches, in Cambria, due to the restroom situation and combo park and beach access. There are several walking beach access points from the park. But most I recall involve stairs. The stairs are not numerous but they're there. The beach has sleeper currents and strong riptides. So if you go into the water be careful especially since there are no lifeguards here. To the far right behind the restrooms is a ragged tag self made old dirt trail leading to the Santa Rosa creek where it connects to the beach.Beautiful views. Movie worthy cinematography scenes. Regarding the dog policy, dogs are not allowed on the beach. But they are allowed in the park, leashed that is.

This park is a fine place to stop if you want to let the kids or the dog out for a bit…read more Most of the grassy area was taken up by a large group of gentleman playing soccer while we were there but there is a small, unfenced area where you can let your dog off leash for a bit and let them relieve themselves. Most people kept their dogs on leash though Be careful though as it's close to the street and people go around the corner there much faster than I would like, especially for a residential neighborhood. The bathrooms were clean and there is a playground area for kids. You can also access the beach from this park. There is a pool are that was closed, so as busy as it was when we visited, I imagine it gets even busier.

When it's 108 degrees in the Central Valley, it's time to go "Cool" off along the California coast…read more My wife and I happened to attend an city event called (Art in the Park) in the City of Morro Bay. This event was held in a small neighborhood park (Morro Bay Park). Morro Bay Park was one of the first dedicated parks in the city of Morro Bay. Here you will find large open spaces, basketball court, play area with swing, slide, climbing structure, drinking fountain, restrooms, WWII Memorial Monument, and Morro Bay Transit bus stop. Overall a wonderful neighborhood park. Ideal for family gatherings and perfect for the City of Morro Bay's Special Events "Art in the Park & Holiday Tree Lighting Festivities". Enjoy !

While visiting Morro Bay we drove by this park a few times. The playground area looked great for…read moreour almost 2-year-old. We decided to head to the park one evening. The park had many homeless hanging around it. We proceeded to the playground area that was a hit for our daughter. While playing, the homeless started converging and one even came into the playground area that was separate from the rest of the park. She stared at us for a while and made a gesture of a gun, pointed it at us and walked back into the grassy area. We left shortly after as my wife was made very uncomfortable. Great little park. Not the greatest experience.

I always love the park, but it's especially magical at Christmas time! They do such a fantastic job…read moredecorating it, it truly transports you to a Christmas wonderland. I've come for New Years Eve twice, and the bonfire event they put together is so much fun. Even in the rain this past year, it was a great time. I've been here at many different times in the year and the park is always filled with people enjoying the benches, gazebo, and playground. It's a great spot to enjoy a picnic or ice cream from one of the downtown shops.

We now have to stop by this park after wine tasting for a little guy. He loves playing here, they…read morehave a little kids area along with a bigger kids play area. They also have swings, and it's not sand or bark. Bathrooms are near by. There's one bathroom with a changing station and there's always someone taking a dump in there. Not sure why they always pick the one with the changing table, plenty of other ones! For most part, no homeless people or weird people near the playground. Big field for kids to run too. At night time, all the pretty lights come on!

This is a viewing spot in a residential area. While it is great for sitting on a bench and viewing…read morethe sea life below the cliffs, there is no stairs down to the beach currently. The storm washed them away, so no tide pool rock hopping until the stairs are back. There are otter, herons and seals to watch and an amazing spot for sunsets. If you are looking for a quiet spot to propose to someone, this would be a winner.

We stopped by the park on our way out of town to get one more view of the ocean. Luckily for us,…read morethe tide was out. So we parked in the tiny lot and followed the trail towards the staircase- where we had full access to the beach and tide pools below. There were only a handful of other people exploring. I think unfortunately the stairs and rocky beach puts a limit on who can enter. However don't be discouraged because the views from the benches on the cliff are just as amazing. The hour we spent there was so peaceful and tranquil. My husband and our dog perched themselves on a large rock while I sat on the beach and enjoyed the sun warming my back. We left with a renewed energy and appreciation of the ocean.

There is a beach right next to the behemoth Morro Rock in Morro Bay, CA. The beach access and…read moreparking is totally free. Yup, FREE. Sandy three mile stretch of beach from the Rock to the camp grounds. There are lifeguards on duty, all ready with their gear ready to save a life. I know they are there daily in the summer, not sure about the other months. This is a popular spot with surfers. Good waves. Another tidbit to know is that there are restroom located in the parking lot. Also smack in the middle of the lot is the California State Historical Marker #821-Morro Rock. I think it's worth a quick stop to read the plaque, take a quick moment to soak in the gorgeous direct view of the rock and not to get all sentimental but also reflect on the past, present and future. Another another tidbit is that dogs and horses are not allowed on the beach due to the protected shorebird habitat such as the western snowy plover that nest from March-September and live here. Service dogs on a leash are allowed though. But so many folks broke the rule once the lifeguards left for the day. Ironic, people want wildlife and nature to be able to visit and enjoy but don't want to follow the rules that protect all those things they enjoy. Go figure?!

The last time I was at this beach, I was only 2 years old, so I don't have any memory of it. Last…read moreyear, I decided I wanted to take a trip here with my family. I've lived in California most of my life and have been to almost every beach, so it's funny that this one in Morro never really came to mind especially since it's not that far from us. When I finally came last year, I really enjoyed it. The beach was clean, beautiful, and peaceful. There were lots of sand dollars along the shore and even some wildlife, which made it feel even more special. Since that first trip, we've come back about four more times. There's just something about this place that makes me feel calm and at peace every time I'm here.

This beach was amazing! My friend and I brought my dogs with us on vacation. One of my pups is 18…read more I know time with him is limited so anymore adventures with him are precious. The beach went on for miles. The sand is soft and a little hard to walk on, but over all it was a great day. There was some construction on the road above, so the parking lot was a little tricky. That's just a temporary inconvenience.

Morro Bay Dog Beach is a fun dog beach. My wife and our dog came around this past July 4th. It…read morewasn't too busy but there were a good number of people and dogs. Many people pitch tents or sit on big towels and at least when we were there the dogs and humans seemed friendly. The waves aren't too big and the water wasn't too cold. Our dog doesn't dive in or swim, he might skim the edge of a wave as the wave crashes the beach and starts to recede.

Great place to stroll. Saw some whales. The walkway was clean with beautiful flowers. The trail…read morewas easy to navigate gate. Spectacular views of pacific coast. It's a must. Wear comfortable shoes hats and water. Donation is optional. Free admission

On my annual trip to Cambria, this trail walk is a must. It's so beautiful! They have a very nice…read morewalkway that borders the ocean on one side and rolling hills on the other side. When your on the trail closest to the water, a lot of times you can find seals, or birds, or if you look way in the distance, whale spouts. Along the trail they have really cool driftwood made beaches for you to sit and just take it all in. The tide pools by the homes are fun to walk around and experience as well. It's just a breathtaking walk. On my last trip it was really neat to see all these people out painting. I loved watching them create their masterpieces. I would almost love to find out if they are for sale. Some of them were amazing that I would love to have in my home! I definitely recommend walking this trail. It's a very easy flat loop to walk.

This is a quaint little park located right near the beach. My kids enjoy the money bars and…read moreclimbing the pirate ship. There are signs of age on a few of the items at the park, but overall it's a great place for kids!

cute little park right by Avila beach. has restrooms, swings, a jungle gym. great for toddlers! and…read moreparking by the park is free!