The route to the bathrooms is accessible. The Francis Beach day-use area has accessible parking, restrooms and a wheelchair on the beach. For more information about beach wheelchairs, call (650) 726-8820. Every few hundred feet along Half Moon Bay, there is a new beach that showcases the beauty of the California coast.
What's particularly wonderful about this area for a wheelchair traveler is the Coastside Trail, a 3- to 4-mile paved road from Half Moon Bay State Park to the town of Montara. The trail is almost completely flat, but it's a good workout. From time to time, there will be an “all-terrain” dirt trail that leads to a bench, a picnic table, or just a little closer to the ocean cliff, which is recommended as long as you can handle it and don't mind getting a little dirty. Along the coastal path, expect to see a wide variety of birds, such as falcons, and varieties of plants.
Most beaches have disabled parking, but some only have all the general spaces. Only some beaches have accessible restrooms. Beach wheelchairs are available at Half Moon Bay and Hampton Beach during periods when the beaches are guarded by lifesaving clubs. This usually occurs between noon and 5 in the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays in December, January and February.
The California Coastal Trail is a much appreciated feature of Half Moon Bay, and can be accessed from several locations along the coast. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company aims to be “environmentally friendly” and has a label on all of its plastic cups that says they are made from plants. It wasn't really a difficult decision and, by unanimous vote, the board approved the purchase of two new wheelchairs for Half Moon Bay's Francis Beach. You can fill out the Poplar Beach Annual Parking Permit application here: Version: Options: Visit the beaches of Half Moon Bay, headline.
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). The coastal path is undoubtedly the best-known accessible trail in Half Moon Bay, but some wheelchair users may still be able to access other trails. Mirada Surf West is located in El Granada, just south of Pillar Point Harbor (just north of Half Moon Bay). Typical weather patterns in Half Moon Bay include fog in summer, clear, crisp days in fall and spring, and wet, windy winters. Half Moon Bay's historic main street is filled with original buildings that have been modified to turn them into new treasures.
These beaches offer incredible recreational and panoramic opportunities without the typical crowds found in the Half Moon Bay area. 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). Schedule your class for a free excursion to the San Mateo coast and visit Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pescadero Marsh State Nature Reserve, or Bean Hollow State Beach.
