Moonstone is a surf spot located in Northern California, California. The spot provides both left and right waves. Moonstone is situated near the town of Trinidad and is known for its wide, flat-bottomed beachbreaks. The surf spot faces southwest, making it more favorable on days with north winds and larger swells. Moonstone has a sand bottom and works best during medium and high tides. It’s a very consistent spot, offering waves less than 50m in length. The spot is suitable for beginners and is often described as a good beach for learning, mainly offering longboard waves. Moonstone Beach is easily accessible via Scenic Drive, with parking available along the road. The best surf conditions typically occur during medium to low tides, with a two to four-foot west swell and east winds. Wave types can range from gentle, mushy rides to faster, more dynamic tubes. The spot usually sees few surfers, but it’s important to respect the locals and follow surf etiquette, especially when it gets crowded. Always check your skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match your surfing level. The paddle out can be challenging if waves are large and closing out. For surf gear and information, you can visit Salty’s bait and tackle in Trinidad. The best seasons for surfing at Moonstone are typically from March to May and September to November. Nearby surf spots include Camel Rock, Clam Beach, Trinidad State Beach, Big Lagoon, and Dry Lagoon. When planning your surf session, it’s advisable to check the latest surf forecast, report, and map for Moonstone. Some surf webcams might be available to give you a real-time view of the conditions. Remember to always prioritize safety and respect for the environment when surfing at Moonstone or any other spot. Check out the good surf at Moonstone in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Moonstone, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 22 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Moonstone. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 22 surf spots