Moonlight Beach
(Moonlight Beach, West end of
B street)
Migratory
Chinese workers on the railroad were the first inhabitants to enjoy
the waters of Moonlight Beach. With the settlement of the town by
permanent residents, the beach became a popular bathing, picnic, and
horse and buggy racing area. By the ‘20s, it was a haven for
midnight bootlegging.
“Like a herd of locust, citizens descended upon
the cansâ€. - Unidentified 1920s resident
In
the dark of night, 1928, a boat slipped ashore with cans of illegal
booze. Plans went awry when the truck dispatched to pick up the
cargo got stuck in the sand. By morning, word of the stalled
operation spread around town. As scores of residents gathered on the
cliffs above the beach, the lone guard fled the scene. With his
departure, townspeople helped themselves to the stranded alcohol.
Today, Moonlight Beach is a popular family beach with residents and
visitors alike.
Food/dining: There is a concession stand on site and
several shops and restaurants near and along Highway 101 are within
walking distance.
Restrooms: Moonlight Beach has both showers and
restrooms.