Current Restrictions · The park is currently open. Horses are only allowed on the dirt trail that runs parallel to the paved coastal path from Venice to Francis Beach. Horse trailers can only be parked in Venice Beach. Horses are not allowed on state beaches. Drones are not allowed in the park.
To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and well-being of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of aircraft models, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and in-flight gliders. This park is generously supported and funded by the Coastal State Parks Association and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. For more information on how these organizations help California state parks, visit Our Partners. The city of Half Moon Bay will once again close its beaches from dawn on Saturday, August 29, until dawn on Monday, August 31 to keep roads clear for evacuees and fire personnel.
Staff will be located at the entrances to notify bathers of closures. Reservations for camping in California state parks along the coast were also canceled through Monday, and beaches and parking lots in the San Mateo County port district will also remain closed. In addition, coastal parks in San Mateo County will remain closed. Several miles of wide sandy beaches stretch to greet visitors to Half Moon Bay, which offers first-class opportunities for sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, relaxing, swimming, and camping (on the state beach).
San Mateo County's coastline is comprised of more than 300 square miles of beautiful California landscapes, with easy access to sandy beaches, redwood forests, and open spaces. The coastline encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda and Pescadero. The Visit Half Moon Bay website is a joint effort of the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Office, the Half Moon Bay Hotel Business Improvement District, and the Association of Half Moon Bay Center. Events and activities Campfire Program for Rangers Coastal Wildflower Day Facilities Available Drinking Water Available Picnic Tables and BBQ Grills Toilets with cistern in the septic system (Francis) Vaulted toilets Showers (Francis) Outdoor showers Accessibility to designated parking spaces Complies with the ADA requirements of the coastal trail Visitor Center and store Accessible to the coastal trail Wheelchair access to Francis Beach Wheelchair available at the entrance station de Francis Beach Park website Park brochure Park brochure (Spanish) Campground map Camp reservations Ocean safety restrictions No dogs on the beach, must be leashed in the park No collecting on the beach No beach fires No fireworks on the beach No fireworks Special contacts permissions for weddings and parties filming and photography permits for profit Become a park teacher Native plant restoration is constantly under way at Half Moon Bay State Beach and everywhere else state parks on the San Mateo coast.
The native plant nursery has volunteers who collect seeds and cultivate the plants to place them in the appropriate habitat. Some of the results can be seen on the native plant trail, just north of the Francis Beach fire pit. The open areas of the sandy beach and dunes attract numerous shorebirds that feed on abundant invertebrates. The most notable bird seen is the small western snowplover that lives on beaches all year round and nests on Francis Beach between March and September.
He can be seen running across the sand and the water's edge, or sitting well camouflaged with footprints in the sand. The western snow plover is protected as a threatened species by the Federal Endangered Species Act. Their traditional nesting areas in the Francis Beach dunes are protected with a cable (“symbolic fence”) .Wire “enclosures” in boxes are erected to protect nests from predators, but they allow parents and chicks to come and go. State Parks sponsors the Snowy Plover Watch volunteer program to help study and protect plovers along the coast of San Mateo County.
Dogs are not allowed on the beaches and must be on a leash anywhere in the park. A horse trail runs parallel to the coastal path from Dunes Beach to Francis Beach. Horses are restricted to the designated trail and are not allowed on state beaches. Francis Beach has an all-terrain beach wheelchair, which was made possible in part thanks to a grant from the local section of the Lions Club.
Unlike street wheelchairs, this specially designed chair has large balloon tires that allow it to be used on the beach without sinking into the sand. With this chair, wheelchair users can access the beach at several locations along Half Moon Bay State Beach. The chair is available for public use at no cost and can be picked up at the Francis State Beach entrance station on Kelly Avenue. Native American inhabitants used the beaches for digging clams and fishing.
The streams provided fresh water and also contributed to the habitat where food could be collected. At least two prehistoric sites have been found near Frenchman's Creek. With your generous donations, the Coastal State Parks Association can fund dozens of projects each year to help our local state parks. Many include supporting educational programs, maintaining interpretive signage, beautifying entrance stations, improving access to parks, and funding many other daily operations.
Enter your email below and we'll keep you updated on the latest projects and events. The Coastal State Parks Association is an official non-profit partner of the San Mateo Parks and Recreation sector of the State of California. Visit www, parks, ca, gov for more information about California state parks. Our federal identification number (EIN) is 94-3130418. The coast of San Mateo County, around Half Moon Bay, is one of the largest beach areas in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Keep in mind that there are different jurisdictions (municipal, county, state, and private) along the coast of Half Moon Bay and surrounding areas. Once the form is completed, print it out and submit it via USPS to 507-B Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019. According to Barbara VanderWerf, in her book The Coastside Trail Guide Book, local farmers sold their land to developers in anticipation of the arrival of the railroad and, by 1908, most of the façade of Half Moon Bay was subdivided into streets and building lots. At the southern end of the park is Francis Beach, also sometimes called Kelly Beach because of its location at the western end of Kelly Street in Half Moon Bay. The Half Moon Bay City Council is the city's governing body and consists of five elected members. Schedule your class for a free excursion to the San Mateo coast and visit Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pescadero Marsh State Natural Preserve, or Bean Hollow State Beach.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin and Art FestivalHalf Moon Bay Wine and Jazz FestivalDream Machinesol Pacific Coast Jazz and Wine Parade. 4th of July Parade Make it Main Street Nights of Lights Live Music. Search all accommodations 1855 Zaballa House Aristocrat Hotel Beach House Hotel Cypress Inn On Miramar Beach Half Moon Bay Inn Half Moon Bay Lodge Harbor View Inn at Mavericks Mill Rose Inn Nantucket Whale Inn Ocean View Inn Oceano Hotel & Spa Quality Inn Seal Cove Inn The Miramar Inn and Suites The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. These beaches offer incredible recreational and panoramic opportunities without the typical crowds found in the Half Moon Bay area.
Among the public beaches within the city limits, the Half Moon Bay state beach stands out, which comprises three different beach areas (Francis, Venice and Dunes beaches), Poplar Beach, Surfer's Beach and Manhattan Beach (also known as Canada Verde or Miramontes Point Beach). Mirada Surf West is located in El Granada, just south of the port of Pillar Point (just north of Half Moon Bay) .The Half Moon Bay State Beach visitor center is located in Francis Beach and is open on Saturdays and Sundays (weather and volunteer availability allowing). Half Moon Bay and the coast of San Mateo County are a first-rate recreational destination for the Bay Area and for visitors from around the world.
