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Just off Highway One in Half Moon Bay, four small beaches stretching south from Montara Mountain form the gentle two-mile curve of fine, white sand that is Half Moon Bay State Beach. To the east the Santa Cruz Mountains frame a dramatic backdrop to this captivating north central coast region known to local residents as the “Coastside.” To the west the enduring Pacific rolls vigorously across the broad, flat beach. The breakwaters of Pillar Point to the north have a buffering effect on the surf, and the waters at this end of Half Moon Bay State Beach form a calm surf.
This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, fishing and picnicking. A campground provides accommodations for those who wish to visit longer.
California State Park Foundation member discounts are available for this park. If you are a member, sign in to see the discount here.
Getting There
The beach is located a half-mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. There are three parking and beach access points:
Francis Beach, at the end of Kelly Avenue in the City of Half Moon Bay.
Venice Beach, at the end of Venice Boulevard off Highway 1.
Dunes Beach, at the end of Young Avenue off Highway 1.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The beach is located a half-mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. There are three parking and beach access points:
Francis Beach, at the end of Kelly Avenue in the City of Half Moon Bay.
Venice Beach, at the end of Venice Boulevard off Highway 1.
Dunes Beach, at the end of Young Avenue off Highway 1.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
The Coastside weather pattern is typical of the north central coast, with cool morning fog and highs in the mid-60s during the summer. Spring and fall bring clear, crisp days, while wind and rain – broken by an occasional bright, sunny day - rule the winter months. Dressing in layers is recommended.
The Coastside weather pattern is typical of the north central coast, with cool morning fog and highs in the mid-60s during the summer. Spring and fall bring clear, crisp days, while wind and rain – broken by an occasional bright, sunny day - rule the winter months. Dressing in layers is recommended.
Operating Hours & Contact
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 650-726-8819
Please call the park for operating hours.
Telephone: 650-726-8819
Camping
Francis Beach has a campground with 52 individual sites, some suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. Although hookups are not available, there is a dump station. Coin-operated hot showers are also available (approximately 2 minutes per quarter)
Venice Beach has outside showers, flush toilets, and a payphone.
Make Campground Reservations
Francis Beach has a campground with 52 individual sites, some suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. Although hookups are not available, there is a dump station. Coin-operated hot showers are also available (approximately 2 minutes per quarter)
Venice Beach has outside showers, flush toilets, and a payphone.
Make Campground Reservations
Activities
The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the Visitor Center is free. The Visitor Center is completely accessible to those with disabilities.
Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four beaches providing close to a three mile stretch to walk, jog or ride bikes. The trail continues north to Pillar Point Harbor.
A horse trail parallels Coastside Trail from Roosevelt Beach to Francis Beach. While in the state parks, horses are restricted to the designated horse trail and are not permitted on State Beaches.
Fishing: From late spring through summer, Half Moon Bay is noted for good runs of surf smelt. Anglers use throw nets and are known to bring along gear to catch the striped bass that sometimes follow the smelt.
Surfing: Surfing conditions here are nearly impossible to forecast because of the unpredictable weather and surf action. However, depending on the direction of swell and the level of the tide, lucky surfers have been known to catch some memorable waves, particularly around the southern end of the crescent. A mile offshore Pillar Point, where waves can reach 20 feet in height, the world famous Maverick’s surfing spot is for experts only. The gentle swells at The Jetty near El Granada make it perhaps the most popular surfing spot in the area for beginners.
Swimming is not recommended here because of extremely cold water temperatures and unpredictable rip currents.
The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the Visitor Center is free. The Visitor Center is completely accessible to those with disabilities.
Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four beaches providing close to a three mile stretch to walk, jog or ride bikes. The trail continues north to Pillar Point Harbor.
A horse trail parallels Coastside Trail from Roosevelt Beach to Francis Beach. While in the state parks, horses are restricted to the designated horse trail and are not permitted on State Beaches.
Fishing: From late spring through summer, Half Moon Bay is noted for good runs of surf smelt. Anglers use throw nets and are known to bring along gear to catch the striped bass that sometimes follow the smelt.
Surfing: Surfing conditions here are nearly impossible to forecast because of the unpredictable weather and surf action. However, depending on the direction of swell and the level of the tide, lucky surfers have been known to catch some memorable waves, particularly around the southern end of the crescent. A mile offshore Pillar Point, where waves can reach 20 feet in height, the world famous Maverick’s surfing spot is for experts only. The gentle swells at The Jetty near El Granada make it perhaps the most popular surfing spot in the area for beginners.
Swimming is not recommended here because of extremely cold water temperatures and unpredictable rip currents.
Tips & Rules
Beach fires are NOT allowed.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches at all times. Dogs are permitted in the campground, in the day-use picnic areas, and on the Coastal Trail, provided they are controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times.
Always use caution when you are in or near the ocean. The ocean water is very cold year round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops below normal). In addition, strong rip currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers off shore. There are no lifeguard stations at Half Moon Bay State Beach
Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features. Fireworks are prohibited.
Horses in the park are restricted to the designated horse trail and are not permitted on the beach.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Beach fires are NOT allowed.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches at all times. Dogs are permitted in the campground, in the day-use picnic areas, and on the Coastal Trail, provided they are controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times.
Always use caution when you are in or near the ocean. The ocean water is very cold year round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops below normal). In addition, strong rip currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers off shore. There are no lifeguard stations at Half Moon Bay State Beach
Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features. Fireworks are prohibited.
Horses in the park are restricted to the designated horse trail and are not permitted on the beach.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Snowy Plover
The western snowy plover that nests at Half Moon Bay is a sparrow-sized, light-colored shorebird with dark patches on either side of its neck, behind its eyes, and on its forehead. The Pacific coast population of the snowy plover, found on flat, open beaches, in dunes and near stream mouths, is a threatened species.
Extremely difficult to see, the small, well-camouflaged bird lives and nests in small depressions in the sand. Much of the snowy plover’s habitat exists in coastal units of California State Parks.
The bird nests in spring and summer, and the first month of life is the most challenging for plover chicks. The young plovers are under constant stress from people, feral cats, visiting dogs, native predators, and even high-flying kites that resemble raptors. The snowy plover has lived on California beaches for thousands of years. However, today its survival is seriously threatened.
If the snowy plover is to survive human use of its natural habitat, it needs our help. In California’s state parks, plovers are monitored to determine their numbers, banded to allow later identification, and protected behind temporary fences while they nest and nurture their young. Non-native plants are removed, and predators are kept under control; if necessary some portions of the beach may be closed to dogs and people. California State Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other coastal land managers work together to ensure the success of this small shorebird.
Avoid approaching fenced or posted habitat areas; lighting fires or camping on the beach except in designated areas; and disturbing areas that provide the plovers with nesting and feeding habitat. Because of the snowy plover’s threatened status, it is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, and anyone who harms or disturbs the plover or its habitat may be cited and fined.
The western snowy plover that nests at Half Moon Bay is a sparrow-sized, light-colored shorebird with dark patches on either side of its neck, behind its eyes, and on its forehead. The Pacific coast population of the snowy plover, found on flat, open beaches, in dunes and near stream mouths, is a threatened species.
Extremely difficult to see, the small, well-camouflaged bird lives and nests in small depressions in the sand. Much of the snowy plover’s habitat exists in coastal units of California State Parks.
The bird nests in spring and summer, and the first month of life is the most challenging for plover chicks. The young plovers are under constant stress from people, feral cats, visiting dogs, native predators, and even high-flying kites that resemble raptors. The snowy plover has lived on California beaches for thousands of years. However, today its survival is seriously threatened.
If the snowy plover is to survive human use of its natural habitat, it needs our help. In California’s state parks, plovers are monitored to determine their numbers, banded to allow later identification, and protected behind temporary fences while they nest and nurture their young. Non-native plants are removed, and predators are kept under control; if necessary some portions of the beach may be closed to dogs and people. California State Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other coastal land managers work together to ensure the success of this small shorebird.
Avoid approaching fenced or posted habitat areas; lighting fires or camping on the beach except in designated areas; and disturbing areas that provide the plovers with nesting and feeding habitat. Because of the snowy plover’s threatened status, it is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, and anyone who harms or disturbs the plover or its habitat may be cited and fined.
Accessible Features
Camping: Francis Beach campground has four accessible sites and two accessible comfort stations (restrooms without showers). The campfire center is also accessible.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area: Francis Beach - The popular day-use area includes accessible picnicking, parking, restrooms, dressing rooms, and outdoor rinsing showers. Call 650-726-8820 for beach wheelchair information.
Trails
Coastside Hike and Bike Trail: This trail is paved and accessible for its 3.0 mile length. Accessible parking, restrooms and access are available from the day use lot at Francis Beach off Kelly Ave.
Beach/Shore Access
Francis Beach has accessible parking restrooms and a beach wheelchair.
North and South Venice Beach. These day use beach access areas offer van and auto accessible parking, outdoor rinsing showers, pay phone and an accessible restroom.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. The Visitor Center hours are Friday through Sunday from 10 to 4. Call the park for more information.
Camping: Francis Beach campground has four accessible sites and two accessible comfort stations (restrooms without showers). The campfire center is also accessible.
Make Campground Reservations
Picnic Area: Francis Beach - The popular day-use area includes accessible picnicking, parking, restrooms, dressing rooms, and outdoor rinsing showers. Call 650-726-8820 for beach wheelchair information.
Trails
Coastside Hike and Bike Trail: This trail is paved and accessible for its 3.0 mile length. Accessible parking, restrooms and access are available from the day use lot at Francis Beach off Kelly Ave.
Beach/Shore Access
Francis Beach has accessible parking restrooms and a beach wheelchair.
North and South Venice Beach. These day use beach access areas offer van and auto accessible parking, outdoor rinsing showers, pay phone and an accessible restroom.
Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. The Visitor Center hours are Friday through Sunday from 10 to 4. Call the park for more information.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
A Walk Up Half Moon Bay's Beach
An easy beach walk with shells, seabirds, and surf
An easy beach walk with shells, seabirds, and surf
Easy
4.1 mi
6.6 km
6.6 km
Guides
An easy beach walk with shells, seabirds, and surf
Community Trips
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