Locals Beach

Moat Creek Beach

Point Arena, CA

SurfingScenicPet-friendly

Moat Creek Beach is a cobble beach with a blufftop loop trail running south to Ross Creek Beach, giving you two named stops connected by one walk. Surfers use the break here on the right swell, though the cobble bottom makes this a different kind of beach day than the sandy stretches further north.

Locals Score🥥🥥🥥🥥🥥

The connected loop trail to Ross Creek Beach gives it more to do than a single stop, though the cobble beach and exposed swell aren't for everyone.

How we score beaches
Local Tip

Walk the full loop trail south to Ross Creek Beach rather than just visiting Moat Creek, the connection between the two is part of what makes this stop worth the visit.

Parking

Free parking is available at the trailhead.

Accessibility

A path and blufftop trail lead down to the cobble beach.

Pets

Dogs are welcome on leash at this Mendocino County coastal access beach.

Weather & the best time to visit

Winter swells bring the most consistent surf here, while summer mornings tend to start foggy.

Nearby

More Pacific Coast beaches