Best Beaches in Half Moon Bay Quick Snapshot, Good to know when visiting Half Moon Bay Beaches, Best time to visit the beaches in Half Moon Bay, best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway. 8 FT Average The narrow beach has soft sand and is nice for a very slow (but short) stroll. It is recommended that you arrive early on weekends and in the summer months to get a parking space. The Coastside encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda, and Pescadero. If you plan to visit state parks frequently, consider getting an annual parks pass. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (alife-threateningcondition which occurs when your body temperature drops below normal). The Dunes Beach day use area has van accessible parking and restrooms. The parking costs around $10, and the self-service kiosks do not offer change, so bring small bills. Horses are allowedon the designated horse trail only. This coastal town boasts several miles of beautiful sandy beaches, with breathtaking cliff views unique to this part of California. Local Tip: Make sure to check the tide charts for when its low tide, to explore one of the best tide pools in Half Moon Bay. For visitor information, the Visitor Center is located at 235MainStreet, HalfMoonBay,CA94019 School groups grade K-12 can take part in docent-led, hands-on educational programs along the San Mateo Coast. Centuries of colonial violence led to the removal and displacement of the Chiguan. When the conditions are right and large winter swells roll in, surfers from around the globe head to Mavericks Beach to take on one of the most legendary big waves in the world. This is intended as a general guide and is updated regularly, but always obey posted signs. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The late spring and summer months can be very foggy, especially in the mornings, meaning that it can be a little chilly. Steer clear of the north shore of the beach, right side from the stairs, if you dont want to see some clothing-optional sunbathers. The Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail begins just behind the beach access and follows the bluffs heading south. It has a cute downtown shopping district, great hiking and good restaurants. You can take the bus, train, use the BART plus Amtrak, or take a shuttle. Much easier to find parking here close to the beach (especially helpful when you have chairs and equipment to carry with you to the beach). You might find a shallow freshwater lagoon on this beach where kids can wade in if they dont mind sharing the waters with a few birds. Filter. No worries, we've got you covered! At the entrance station you must pay a fee for day-use beach access. The beaches are popular with locals because there is ample parking and they are far less crowded than Francis Beach. There are also a lot of seabirds like gulls, pelicans and sanderlings. There is a parallel trail for horseback riders but horses are restricted from entering the beach. Either route is winding and scenic and beats the traffic going over Highway 92. It connects thethree beaches and continues north to Pillar Point Harbor. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. To reach the parking area Elmar Beach is a section of Half Moon Bay State Beach between Francis and Venice Beaches. A short walk north from the Dunes Beach parking lot (either on the beach or via the now closed access road) will lead you to Roosevelt Beach, where you should find the sparsest crowds and a clear view of Miramar and Pillar Point Harbor to the north. You can either plan to arrive before 10 am and leave before 4:00 PM or go later and stay til after sunset to beat the traffic. Half Moon Bay is one of Northern Californias best beach towns. This beautiful coastal town is worth visiting as there are plenty of things to do, and one of the best stops along the Pacific Coast Highway if youre going on a road trip. An excellent fried chicken sandwich that All Spice served as a pandemic-only takeout special is now on the menu here. Time doesnt move hour to hour but mood to moment. All of the beaches are also subject to seasonal fog that's so common it has a name: June Gloom. If you visit in the fall, be sure to check out some of the. Find parking costs, opening hours and a parking map of all Half Moon Bay parking lots, street parking, parking meters and private garages. Venice, Dunes, and Roosevelt beaches all have wide white sandy shores that back up to small bluffs with picnic areas, public restrooms, and plenty of parking that are all connected by the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. Local Tip: One of the best redwoods in the bay area is close to this beach so you might want to check that out as well. But you cant park there overnight and please be respectful of the local residents. Read More: Get the full downlow on all CA parks with our complete California State Parks list (with map). This kid-friendly beach near Half Moon Bay has a lagoon which makes for an excellent spot for kids to spend hours on the sand while safely wading in its shallow waters. You might spot some harbor seals, sea lions, and even whales near the reserve if youre lucky. This public beach is right by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and the closest parking is through the hotels valet. The beach gets busy right near the the parking lot, but if you walk north, you can get out of the scrum. The Half Moon Bay coastline is dramatic, and all three of the beaches are beautiful. Hotel reception is not manned 1100 to 1600, so take a printed copy of your booking to get into the park first. My super-secret weapon for a busy weekend is to detour over Skyline Boulevard to either Tunitas Creek (which meets Highway 1 eight miles south of Half Moon Bay) OR La Honda Road (which meets Highway 1 in San Gregorio, ten miles south of town). Definitions & Terms Open Mon. This quiet spot has very subtle signage and is easy to miss. Unique landforms underwater create big breaks that can reach as high as 80 feet, especially after storms in the North Pacific. Read More 6 Ways to Get from SJC to SFO Airport [2023]Continue. Sign up for our email newsletter to keep up with what's new on the Coastside, and get your free Coastside/365 Guide filled with activities, destinations, local events and much, much more. Plan your visit during low tide, and you can explore the Half Moon Bay tide pools that are just a short walk south of the beach. Get maps and more information on this park. The Half Moon Bay State Beach website warns: "The ocean water is very cold year round. Because the Half Moon Bay State Beaches are really three beaches in one, it can get a little confusing. Venice Beach and Dunes beach have unmanned booths and an honor system for paying day use fees. This beach has bathrooms and parking here is usually easier to come by. If you're planning to go during those months, use the June Gloom guide to find out more. The beach is located a half-mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. These are our fave top 10 beaches in Half Moon Bay, listed in order from north to south. Venice Beach is at the end of Venice Boulevard off Highway 1. Fishing is also popular at Half Moon Bay. Accessible parking and an accessible portable toilet are available at the parking lot. 8 FT Minimum North of Dunes Beach is Roosevelt Beach with a separate parking area down a long one-lane paved road. A beach overlook, with accessible benches and accessible viewing scopes, is a short 0.6 mile hike on a dirt path from the parking lot. Leave your dogs at home or keep them on a leash, so they don't disturb the nests. Also, most of the tide pools in the Bay Area are protected by law, so you are not allowed to take any souvenirs except for photos. The best way to snag a camp spot is to reserve one six months in advance. Its no wonder that HMB makes our list of the best beach towns in NorCal. Location 3.0. So lets dive in! Pacific Coast Highway 7 Day Road Trip Video. Half Moon Bay State Beach. Now 2 hours. These are walk-in sites for thru-travelers, such as people doing a multi-day coastal ride. These other Half Moon Bay beaches are less popular, but that doesnt mean they are less beautiful. This guide for Half Moon Bay beach will help you figure out where to go for a day trip, what to do while there and how to wrangle overnight camping. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. It has a visitor center, a campground, and easy access to the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail for hikers and bikers interested in using the beach as their base camp. However, it has also gained much publicity after the public sued the billionaire who started denying access to this -mile-long beach. Use our guide to figure out which California parks annual pass is right for you. There is also a beautiful paved trail along the coast that you can take all the way up north to Half Moon Bay State Beach. Address. This beach located in the Bay Area is not the easiest to get to and has a $10 parking fee, so it stays relatively uncrowded. Half Moon Bay State Beach is one long sandy continuous beach below bluffs and dunes in the town of Half Moon Bay, California. The Dunes Beach day use area has van accessible parking and restrooms. - Fri. 10am 2pmor By Appointment | Phone:(650)726-8380. They're also protectedand have some restrictions. If you go out at low tide, you can take an uninterrupted beach walk 5 miles down to Wavecrest beach. Francis Beach has a full set of amenities. - Fri. 10am 2pmor By Appointment | Phone:(650)726-8380. It goes 4.5 miles and ends at Pillar Point Harbor. After a lengthy metal bridge leads you across the lush vegetation of Pilarcitos Creek, you'll arrive at the namesake sandy mounds of Dunes Beach. They open up every day at 2pm and you can call the kiosk to check- (650) 726-8820. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This beach can get crowded on weekends, so arrive before 10 am to secure a spot. You can watch it below if you want to see how we explored Pacific Coast Highway. Gray Whale Cove State Beach, is a sheltered cove characterized by steep cliffs that drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean. NavigateRestaurantsMapsAbout UsContactPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use, Venice Beach at Half Moon Bay State Beach, Roosevelt Beach at Half Moon Bay State Beach, California State Beaches, The Complete List, These 8 California Beaches Are Even More Beautiful At Sunrise. Weather in Half Moon Bay remains relatively pleasant and cool all year round. Venice . Local Tip: The sand here is very coarse and grainy so it can get pretty rough on your feet but on the plus side, it wont stick to your clothes. There is easy access to the beach from the parking as theres no hike or steep stairs leading in compared to others on this list. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. Share our best Half Moon Bay beaches on Pinterest: Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a1818ed2c7e8b53ea6143fb0de80b0f7" );document.getElementById("bdd8f95227").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are a participant in the various affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Here are our top picks: Poplar Beach, located north of Redondo Beach, is one of the few dog beaches in Half Moon Bay. coastal trail that you can take from the the entrance of the state beach parking lot all the waymore, Much easier to find parking here close to the beach (especially helpful when you have chairs andmore, The Poplar Beach Parking lot is my favorite stop for a nice "bluff" walk above the ocean.more, need to drive down to the end of Wavecrest Ave and there is a free parking area next to a baseballmore, Nice state beach to visit. Pacific Coast Beaches are within walking distance. Parking is $8 and bring exact change. Walk to the beach. So the area gets very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Or visit R&R Fresh Farms for U-Pick strawberries when in season. To access the beach at this location, find parking spaces near the intersection of Mirada Rd and Medio Ave or look for legal parking spots south of the footbridge (next to address 201 Mirada Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019). It has plenty of shorelines to explore with paved oceanfront trails. Miramar Beach is a dog-friendly Half Moon Bay beach that allows dogs off-leash, unlike other areas where dog owners overlook the on leash rule. Roosevelt Beach, also known as Naples Beach after a nearby road,is the northernmost beach in the State Park. There are stairs leading down to the beach which makes it easy to access, although there is a $10 parking fee. Phone (650) 726-8819 for more information. You can also see whales on the nearby Devils Slide trail. Before you visit, check the Recreate Responsibly page to protect yourself, family, friends and your community by following these measures during your visit. All rights reserved. A popular spot for picnics, it has public . 2023 Chef Travel Guide | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Disclosure Policy. Pacific Coast Beaches are within walking distance. Beach/Shore Access The beaches along the Northern California coast are not exactly the warmest beaches to swim in so you will need a wetsuit if you want to get in the water for an extended amount of time. Kelly Beach. Read More 20 Best Hotels in San Francisco with a View 2023 [+Areas to Stay]Continue. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. View the Francis Beach Campground Map here. What makes them cool is that you can visit them on a lovely 4 mile walking loop. Parking is expensive at $10 and you have to self pay and write your vehicle number in a drop box when there's no ranger around. It can be hard to keep your hands off the beautiful and colorful sea creatures youd find in the tide pools, but make sure you do. The water averages a chilly 50-60 degrees, which is why youll see the surfers wearing wetsuits. Sign up! HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. 5 reviews. This is why swimming in Half Moon Bay is not recommended. Francis Beach has a campground with 52 individual sites, some suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); Dunes Beach is one of the northern beaches in Half Moon Bay State Beach. The North and South Venice Beach day use areas offer van and auto accessible parking, outdoor rinsing showers, pay phone and an accessible restroom. Its one of our favorite beaches in Half Moon Bay because if its convenient location and nice wide sand. 341 reviews . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. There are no lifeguard stations at Half Moon Bay State Beach. Its easy accessibility from the parking lot/main road, makes this an attractive beach for families looking for a great location to spread a picnic blanket and relax on the sand. It goes past Surfer's Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach and Half Moon Bay Beach before ending 4.5 miles later at Poplar Beach. Swimming is dangerous in this area due to the cold water temperature and strong rip currents. Accessible Feature Search Yet, its not just visitors. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Visit the Visitor Center for more information. Learn more about Cowell Ranch State Beach here. Kelly Ave and Balboa Blvd. Picking them up may cause undue stress, which can hurt or kill them. 2004 State of California. The California State Parks opens up reservations on a rolling daily basis, six months in advance. Additionalinformation about Half Moon Bay State Beach can be found on the California State Parks Website. But all the better for youespecially if you are in the mood for a quiet sit. From best time to visit, things to do, where to stay, places to eat and things to do nearby. Most of the Half Moon Bay beaches are California state parks that charge vehicle day use fees. In June of 2022, I set out to drive all of Pacific Coast Highway with my dad over 7 days. and explore what this California coastal town has to offer. This is a review for beaches near Half Moon Bay, CA: "The quieter side of Half moon bay state beaches. Campsite reservations must be made through ReserveCalifornia, 1-800-444-PARK (7275) or online. Half Moon Bay State Beach has a total length of around 4 miles, and is officially comprised of four separate broad sand beaches. This small pocket of sand can get crowded during the weekend and on warmer days, but if you visit during quieter days, its easy to lose track of time while relaxing on its golden sands. Along the way, keep your eyes out for red tail hawks. This is a city beach park .8 miles south of Francis Beach and is accessed from the same pedway along the coastal bluff. Other than a few private RV parks, the Half Moon Bay beach park offers the only beach camping along this stretch of the Coastside. Half Moon Bay State Beach Park is one large 4 mile beach with bluffs, dunes and a wide sandy beach. The large parking area is. The beach is very wide and the sand is very soft, so theres lots of room to spread out with the beach toys. The Half Moon Bay State Beach Park group campsite is located between Dunes Beach and Venice Beach. Swimming at Half Moon Bay beaches can be dangerous as there are no lifeguard stations. In the mid-1700s, Spanish missionaries arrived and drew the native people into the mission system. Strong currents, rip tides, and cold water makes swimming a bad idea unless you are a surfer or are a very experienced open ocean swimmer. Venice Beach is the middle beach of five within Half Moon Bay State Beach. Make sure not to park overnight out of respect for the residents. Traffic heading to and from Half Moon Bay can get bad if you travel through San Francisco or San Jose. Exit on main St & Miramontes S. Take the 17 bus on Linda Mar Park & Ride. For day use, that means a visitors center, picnic tables and bathrooms. Here are three ways to beat it: 1. The parking lot and entrance station are directly ahead. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. For the rest of the year, the limit is 15 days. Improve this listing All photos (21) This paved path extends the entire Half Moon Bay shoreline from Pillar Point to Redondo Beach. Complete guide to visiting Bolinas, California. Venice Beach is the middle beach of five within Half Moon Bay State Beach. There are multiple parking and beach access points: By Bus: TakesamTrans route 17 to get to the beach. Check-in, check-out: Check-in at 2:00 PM, check-out at Noon. Pasta Moon is a restaurant that manages to balance gracefully between two worlds, Indoors or Outdoors, Coastside lodging venues offer great options for location and decor. You can also hike in the Pescadero Marsh, which is visited by over 230 species of birds. Surfers Beach may not be the best beach in Half Moon Bay for big wave surfing, but its still a popular local surf break. $10 admission was worth the visit. The large parking area is at the west end of Venice Boulevard which turns off Highway 1 just north of downtown Half Moon Bay. It is not hyperbole to say that its nearly always 64 in Half Moon Bay. The Francis Beach day use area has accessible parking, restrooms, and a beach wheelchair. Pillar Point Marsh and Shoreline in Princeton, Between Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks, Ano Nuevo State Reserve and Interpretive Center, The Enchanting Lighthouses of the Coastside, https://www.coastsidestateparks.org/pesca, http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/portal/site/. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. These fun beaches to visit are all around the town of Half Moon Bay: Francis Beach, Venice Beach and Dunes Beach. They have full hook-ups go for $84. The Cowell Ranch Beach parking lot is located approximately 4 miles south of Half Moon Bay State Beach, along Highway One. 5 spots are tent-only, which also have the premium views. 9.0 "Great place.. Clean and fun with kids" Ashok Bala. The beach is located a half-mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. However, your dog is welcome at Poplar Beach. Venice Beach has outside showers, flush toilets and a payphone. If youre coming from San Jose, take 280 North then turn onto Highway 92 if its outside the rush hour. It has a cute downtown shopping district, great hiking and good restaurants. Half Moon Bay State Beach is a single state park made up of four beaches: Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach. . Going south, you can take the paved pedway and then dirt trails south another 3 miles to Wavecrest Beach, where you can see the golf course for the Ritz Carlton. Read More: Get the full downlow on all CA parks with our complete California State Parks list (with map). Everyone needs a place to lay their weary head. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun.. For permit information contact: San Mateo Sector Office at (650) 726-8819. Another option is to take the dirt path from Poplar Beach 3 miles south to to Wavecrest Beach, where you can see the Ritz Carlton. I would suggest going through the wide entrance which is better. Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four beaches providing close to a three-mile stretch to walk, jog or ride bikes. A horse trail parallels Coastside Trail from Roosevelt Beach to Francis Beach. Its tucked away down a steep hill just south of the Devils Slide. Do so very cautiously. Participate in the Beach Restoration Project to remove invasive non-native plants and replace them with natives. The beach park has 52 camp spots. Overview Half Moon Bay State Beach is one of the San Mateo Coast beach parks. You can find Venice Beach off Highway One at the end of Venice Boulevard. Strawflower Village Shopping Center . Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Read More San Francisco to Sacramento: 7 BEST WAYS [2023]Continue. This delightful crescent of a beach is quiet and off the radar. This pass will give you access to over 111 California state parks, from the state park beaches in Lake Tahoe, to the redwood forests all over the golden state. Yet, its not just visitors, With even more seaside splendor than legendary Highway 1, a bike ride along the California Coastal Trail provides a safe and scenic way to explore the Half Moon Bay coast., We're pleased to share the news that Coastal Living magazine has named Half Moon Bay one of the most stunning beaches in the country., With dazzling vistas and heaps of seaside charm, the Coastsides historic lighthouses continue to beckon visitors to their scenic shores. POST also donated beach access to the State of California, providing a unique agricultural view trail to the new Cowell Beach. This is the most difficult to access amongst the HMB state beaches, which means youll find the least amount of people there. Privacy Policy. You may see horses passing through the state park on their way southtoPoplar Beach, which allows horseback riding right up to the water's edge. For travelers visiting Oberasbach, Oko Haus Namaste is an excellent choice for rest and rejuvenation. The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is behind the parking lot and heads north to Pillar Point, site of the famous Mavericks surf competition, and south along the entire length of the state beach. Birds are common users of the freshwater of Pilarcitos Creek south of here next to Elmar Beach. Hidden behind high sandstone bluffs are the narrow and flat sandy beaches of Pomponio State Beach. No food is available at any of the beaches, but there are plenty of places to eat in the town of Half Moon Bay. WordPress Website by Launch Brigade and Miller Maxfield, Inc. 2023, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks | 1543 Pacific Ave., Suite 206, Santa Cruz CA 95060 | 831 429-1840 | Federal Tax ID # 51-0183410 |, San Francisco Train. You can walk, run or ride bikes on the three-mile-long Coastside Trail. View Beach Heritage Grove | Trails Huddart Park | Trails McNee Ranch State Park | Trails Memorial County Park | Trails Montara State Beach Pescadero Creek Park | Trails Pescadero State Beach From the earliest settlers of, Step back in time with this colorful self-guided walking tour of downtown Half Moon Bay. Sure, there can be colder days in the winter and some really nice hot days in the spring or early fall. Depending on water flows, these creeks either flow to the ocean or create shallow lagoons. Note that swimming is dangerous here due to strong rip currents and cold ocean water. There are various options available, and some offer discounts. The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail runs north-south behind the parking lot for running, walking, and biking. The Francis Beach Day Use Area includes accessible picnicking, parking, restrooms, dressing rooms, and outdoor rinsing showers. You can use our CA parks pass guide to figure out which pass is right for you. Go alone, with your friends, or with your family (maybe even your dog too!) The drive to Half Moon Bay is a beautiful one, and once you arrive you'll need a place to park your car. Go Hiking and Biking on the BluffNorth from Francis beach, you can take the paved pedway along the bluff.