Moat Creek Beach

Moat Creek Public Access has a small rocky driftwood-covered beach along the Mendocino County coast. Surfers call the area in the water just north of Bowling Ball Beach and south of Moat Creek Beach “Whiskey Shoals.” A three-mile long loop on the Bluff Top Trail starts at the Moat Creek parking lot and follows the bluff to Ross Creek overlooking this surf spot. Surfing is one of the biggest draws to this beach when conditions are right. Tidepooling at low tides and abalone diving also draw people to this remote spot. Scuba divers and sea kayakers can put in here due to the easy access. The parking lot is just off Highway 1 about two miles south of Point Arena. A gradually sloping trail takes you to the narrow beach where Moat Creek meets the sea. If the tide allows, you should explore north and south below the steep cliffs to see what you can find. The State Coastal Conservancy works with a non-profit group called the Moat Creek Managing Agency to keep this area and the trails open to the public. The Surfrider Foundation and the Conservancy helped get this access open with a gift of property from the adjacent H Bar H Ranch.

Address

27101 Shoreline Hwy
Point Arena, CA 95468

Park Name

Moat Creek Coastal Access

Other Names

Whiskey Shoals

Owner

State

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Surfing, Tidepooling, Abalone Diving, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Whale Watching, Fishing, Kayaking, Birdwatching

Amenities

Tide Pools, Toilet, Trails, Driftwood

Links

Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart