Santa Rosa Creek, also known as Moonstone, is a peaky beachbreak fronting the mouth of Santa Rosa Creek in Cambria, running about a half-mile along Moonstone Beach Drive. It breaks over sand with a scattering of rock and boulders, serving up short, sectiony rides with the occasional gem thrown in. It's more of a reliable fallback than a standout destination, but it holds something rideable often enough to be worth a look.
When It Works
The wave is hollow and sectiony, and it comes alive with smaller, peaky swells. It draws swell from south through north (S-N), with west (W) swell the best match, and it works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, from waist high on the small days up to overhead. When the swell is small it turns into more of a shorebreak, and it can get heavy when a bigger swell lands just right. Peaks shift along the beach and break both left and right. Autumn is the season to target, and it stays fairly consistent through the year.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind. The beach can work through most of the tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate-to-expert wave that suits shortboarders and bodyboarders. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's working, with a relaxed, neutral feel in the water.
Access
Exit Highway 1 onto Moonstone Beach Drive and pull into the signed asphalt car park at the southern end of the road, where parking is free. Restrooms are on hand at the beach.
