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    Leffingwell Landing

    4.6 (17 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Cold, wet, stormy day. 04 January 2021
    Terry C.

    Leffingwell Landing is at the northern end of Moonstone Beach. It is a day-use area just north of Cambria on Moonstone Drive. As a part of the Hearst San Simeon State Park, dogs are not allowed on the beach due to being an environmentally sensitive area, but leashed dogs are welcome on the grassy area as well as on the boardwalk. The grassy area with picnic tables offers an exceptionally beautiful place to enjoy this location with a nosh from a local eatery or deli in nearby Cambria. Enjoy the scenic vast views from fifty feet above the gorgeous coastline. There are wooden stairs to explore the beaches and the numerous tidepools. Please be respectful of the landscape elements that are vital to the long-term maintenance of natural resources & biological diversity of the ecology of the area. "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time." -- Aliyyah Eniath. It can be windy and cool, so bring a light jacket.

    Crab
    Miriam E.

    Must go down and carefully explore the tide pools, walk around, find little creatures and enjoy the view.

    Claudia B.

    Being a water sign, I am drawn to the ocean, and I am especially drawn to Moonstone Beach. It's easy to get to (by foot or by car), never overcrowded, and it's beautiful whether in sunshine or clouds. Leffingwell Landing is at the northern most point of Moonstone Beach Drive, and it should not be passed by. There is a wonderful grassy area with picnic benches overlooking the ocean, and there's another area where you can climb down the stairs to get closer to the rock formations. It's very picturesque, a photographer's haven, and let me repeat, NOT CROWDED. I love being able to soak up the natural beauty withOUT hoards of people around me. My husband and I walked around taking pictures, and then, we sat on one of the benches for a good long time and just watched the magnificent ocean in all its splendor. It was around 10 a.m., foggy, cool (almost cold), and it just doesn't get any better than that.

    Beautiful flowers
    PatrickJ T.

    We enjoy coming to Leffingwell Landing whenever we visit the charming coastal town of Cambria. Located next to Moonstone Beach which can be easily walked to cause of all the paths. Especially like coming here for a picnic. There are some picnic tables. So we bring our food, and enjoy our meal with the beautiful scenery. Lovely spot!

    View looking south from picnic area at Leffingwell Landing in Cambria, CA
    Vicki C.

    This is a day use park at the north end of Moonstone Beach in Cambria, CA. It is the first stop in Cambria as you head south from San Simeon. There are a few picnic tables, some raised grills, water, and rest rooms. The scenery here is fantastic. Look to the south, and you will see Moonstone Beach and in the distance there is the village of Cambria. Walk out to the west end, and you will find smooth rocks and tide pools alive with sea creatures. On a good day, you may spot some sea otters or migrating whales. Walk on the trail north and climb down to the beach area. Here, you will probably find solitude, since not many people walk down here. If you keep walking, you will eventually come to San Simeon. According to my daughter, the best thing about Leffingwell Landing is catching rock crabs. You'll see her holding rock crabs in the pictures I'm uploading. Leffingwell Landing is not a destination, but it's a good place to stop for a picnic if you are in the area, and it is definitely worth checking out the tide pools nearby.

    Marcus F.

    I recently spent a vacation at the San Simeon Pines seaside resort and Leffingwell Landing was right across the street. This easy to access park has some breathtaking coastal ocean views. If you're staying anywhere along moonstone beach you can easily walk the wooden boardwalk north to Leffingwell Landing. There are trees and walking trails, beach walks, and photo opportunities abound. This park was the highlight of my last stay on Moonstone beach.

    Jan 2016

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    6 years ago

    Great place to enjoy lunch at the picnic tables. Or sit on a bench and watch the wildlife and the ocean waves. Very peaceful and calming.

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    Ask the Community - Leffingwell Landing

    Review Highlights - Leffingwell Landing

    Leffingwell Landing also serves as a great jumping off point for the boardwalk trail above the Moonstone Beach bluffs.

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    Shamel Park - Let's check this place out!

    Shamel Park

    4.5(32 reviews)
    2.1 km

    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.

    I really have zero complaints about this hidden park. It was…read morein a quiet neighborhood in a corner. I have 3 kids, two who are adults, and one who is 8 years old. There was a play area with slides and swings and they all enjoyed it. The bathrooms were clean, and I noticed there was a pool too. I don't know when it's open or if they open it at all. I just thought it was cute. There was beach access and the beach was pretty clean. There were not too many people, so it was nice to have it practically all to ourselves. There was sand but also beautiful rocks that we all enjoyed playing in. The waves were extremely large and gorgeous. There was a sign that said no lifeguard on site. Overall it was a great experience for all of us, and we would love to return for another day of hanging out!

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    Shamel Park
    Shamel Park
    Shamel Park

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    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    4.8(111 reviews)
    3.4 km

    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.

    I love coming up to Cambria with my pup Suki. Came up here over the 4th of July weekend to escape…read moreall the fireworks in my area. Fiscalini is a short drive or walk from Moonstone Beach, where we stayed. Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offers fantastic picturesque views of the Cambria coast. The trails are a great place for a nice hike with your fur babies. When we were there we saw a few seals resting on the rocks in the ocean, and we also saw a lone dear along the trail. We were warned by the Inn staff to stay on the trail since there's ticks along the shrubs. If you drive to Fiscalini, there's street parking along the neighborhood leading up to the trail.

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    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve - Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

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    Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

    Moonstone Beach

    Moonstone Beach

    4.6(247 reviews)
    1.6 km

    On A mini vacation to Cambria with my family. This was a beautiful walk on the boardwalk. Great…read moreviews of the ocean and surroundings. Easy pathway for everyone, even good for strollers and wheelchairs. The beach has stone sand and it so colorful. Beautiful pieces to look at. I had lots of fun walking on the beach and looking at the stones. It's a lovely place to be. Part of why I love living in California. So many beautiful beaches and small towns.

    My family loves this beach. The parking lot is small, but we usually are able to find a spot…read more There's a public restroom connected to the parking lot. I've never needed it, but I'm glad it is there. Beach access is down some stairs that can be hard if you have mobility or balance issues. They are sturdy, and if you are able to navigate them slowly, it is worth it. The beach itself has driftwood that has washed up, and other beach-goers have fashioned into makeshift structures that are fun to explore. The sand is soft, and has tons of rocks and pebbles to investigate. As the name suggests, there are moonstones to find, if you have a bit of luck. Several times when I've visited, I've found these transparent clear and purplish/blue velella velella all over the shore. Other wildlife seen at this beach include moon jellyfish, sea lions (off shore), pelicans, seagulls, cormorants, and cottontail bunnies along the cliffs. There is a creek outlet that washes into the sea that can be a bit stinky, and tends to make traversing the beach hard past that point. Also along the water's edge, there can be some unstable sand areas, so tread carefully. This beach tends to have a nice breeze, and is refreshing even on hot days. If you are in the area and you can find parking, check it out!

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    Moonstone Beach
    Moonstone Beach
    Moonstone Beach

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    San Simeon Creek Trail

    San Simeon Creek Trail

    4.8(5 reviews)
    1.4 km

    A nice trail that's part nature walk, part moderate hike. The distance ranges from 3.5 - 3.8 miles…read moreit's a loop trail that goes around Sam Simeon State park/Campground. If you're staying at the camp ground you can easily get to the trail by following the park map. If you're not visiting the campsite there is a pullout area across the campground entrance on the other side near the beach where you can walk the trail under PCH. Coming from the beach trail around the loop you'll get around 450 feet of elevation gain, the trail is pretty simple to follow but if you're looking for direction to follow online there is a map on All Trails under "San Simeon trail to Washburn Campground Loop"

    This kinda beauty is why I live on the central coast. I cannot believe that views like this are in…read moremy neighborhood! This is definitely more of a walk than a hike as the trails weaves in and out of eucalyptus trees and the cliffside. The views are truly out of a picture book. Words almost do not do it justice. The smell of eucalyptus in the air, the big beautiful ocean on the your right and the forest on your left. On a clear day you can see Hearst castle on the hill and aquatic animals swimming in the ocean. I have never not seen at least some marine life whenever I have visited. Whether that is a sea lion lounging on the beach or a pod of dolphins. The marine life is alive and well in this area! Luckily, it is almost completely flat and not too long so you can bring your pup along for the ride! The only warning I have about this amazing walk is that there can be a great deal of rattlesnakes during rattlesnake season. They can be scary, but remember that they rarely attack humans. Just do not go poking them with a stick and watch your puppy so he doesn't go sniffing around one! This walk is absolutely breathtaking and it is flabbergasting more people do not know about it. It is so close to Big Sur, so people must overlook it. Do not do that! Go visit for yourself!

    Photos
    San Simeon Creek Trail - Trail walk path in the meadow near San Simeon creek campground.

    Trail walk path in the meadow near San Simeon creek campground.

    San Simeon Creek Trail
    San Simeon Creek Trail - Walk way from the campground goes under PCH right to the beach.

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    Walk way from the campground goes under PCH right to the beach.

    San Simeon State Park & Campground

    San Simeon State Park & Campground

    3.6(157 reviews)
    1.9 km

    April 18, 2025 The…read morelocation of this state park can't be beat. Located on the coast, it is near many "must-see" attractions, such as Hearst Castle and the Elephant Seal viewpoints. This State Park has a day-use area and two campgrounds: Washburn Day Use Area, San Simeon Creek Campground and the more primitive Washburn Campground. San Simeon Creek Campground is closer to the ocean; Washburn Campground is about a mile or two inland, overlooking the Santa Lucia mountains. The day-use area is open from 8AM to sunset, and is easily accessed from Highway 1, has picnic sites, parking, restrooms, water faucets, barbecue grills, and easy beach access (unless you are a dog...) One star down from an excellent rating for two reasons: The beach, sadly, is NDA (no dogs allowed), and the day use picnic tables are located next to the highway.

    campground is reasonably priced because it is a "primitive" campground, meaning no hookups, no hot…read morespot access or wifi, no cell service and no tv. they have the weirdest generator hours (10 am to 4 pm only?) which means primitive coffee and a cold dinner! I don't get it! a trail leading from the upper campsites to the midsection is overgrown and needs to be cleaned up. it looked like the lawnmower they were using didn't have a sharp blade or no blade. as a californian, this place needs help! we were here years ago and it wasn't this bad. hearst castle and the elephant seal viewpoint are close. we stayed 8 days but recommend a weekend or shorter week.

    Photos
    San Simeon State Park & Campground - April 18, 2025 - Washburn Day Use Area picnic tables are next to Highway 1.

    April 18, 2025 - Washburn Day Use Area picnic tables are next to Highway 1.

    San Simeon State Park & Campground - San Simeon State Park

    San Simeon State Park

    San Simeon State Park & Campground

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    Leffingwell Landing - parks - Updated May 2026

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