01
Best coastal escape
Moonstone Beach
Cambria Coastline • Scenic Boardwalk And Pocket Beaches • Best For Relaxed Strolls And Views
Rocky shoreline, a long bluff-top boardwalk, and mellow Cambria vibes make Moonstone Beach a standout day trip from Templeton.
From Templeton, Highway 46 West drops you straight into Cambria, where Moonstone Beach offers an easy mix of ocean drama and low-key charm. Park along Moonstone Beach Drive, wander the wooden boardwalk, and duck down to the small coves for tide pooling when the surf is calm. It stays cooler and breezier than inland, so bring layers and plan to linger for sunset over the offshore rocks.
02
Classic pier town
Cayucos State Beach
Cayucos Waterfront • Laid-Back Small-Town Beach • Great For Families And First-Timers
Gentle waves, a historic pier, and a walkable main street make Cayucos State Beach an easy crowd-pleaser.
Cayucos is the beach many North County locals choose when they want sand time without much planning. The state beach sits right at the base of the pier, with usually manageable surf, plenty of room for kids to dig, and restrooms close by. After the beach, it is a short walk to grab coffee, tacos, or cookies before heading back over the grade.
03
Longest sandy stretch
Morro Strand State Beach
Between Cayucos And Morro Bay • Wide, Windswept State Beach • Best For Long Walks And Surf Watching
Three miles of open sand with big-sky views toward Morro Rock make Morro Strand ideal for stretching your legs.
If you want space to roam, Morro Strand delivers a long, straight run of beach between Cayucos and Morro Bay with fewer crowds than the pier areas. Expect more wind and cooler temps here, which keeps things feeling wild and open even on busy weekends. Use one of the signed state beach lots, then walk north or south along the waterline and watch surfers pick off peaks offshore.
04
Sunniest option
Avila Beach
Avila Beach Village • Compact, Resort-Style Beachfront • Great For Dining And Easy Access
A sheltered bay, soft sand, and a tight cluster of shops and patios give Avila Beach a slightly more polished feel.
Tucked into a south-facing curve of coast, Avila often runs warmer and less windy than other nearby beaches, which makes it a smart call when the marine layer is stubborn elsewhere. The main beach sits steps from the promenade, where you will find tasting rooms, casual restaurants, and ice cream for a post-swim treat. Parking can be tight near the waterfront on weekends, so arrive earlier or be ready to walk in from the public lots uphill.
05
Most activity-packed
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach Pier District • Lively Central Coast Beach Town • Best For Surf, Shops, And People-Watching
Pismo pairs a broad sandy beach and a rebuilt pier with a busy strip of surf shops, snack shacks, and classic motels.
When you want a full day of beach plus boardwalk energy, Pismo is the move from Templeton. The main beach spreads out on both sides of the pier, with room for volleyball, sandcastles, and shoreline walks, while the town crowds in behind with plenty of casual food and gear rentals. It is busier and more built-up than other nearby spots, but that buzz is part of the appeal, especially for visitors who like having everything within a few blocks.