Name: Moat Creek Beach
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About Moat Creek Beach in Point Arena, California

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