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). Picnicking is a popular activity on Francis Beach, and there are numerous picnic tables and stations for grilling visitors on the short cliffs overlooking the ocean. Many visitors also enjoy sunbathing, fishing and taking long walks on the sand. You'll often see people splashing in the water or surfing the waves, but be careful when you're near the ocean.
The water here can be very cold and rising currents can carry even experienced swimmers out to sea. Venice Beach is bordered by Pilarillos Creek to the south and Frenchman's Creek to the north. Depending on water flows, these streams flow into the ocean or create shallow lagoons. The Sweetwood camp is also located just north of Venice Beach; it offers tents for larger groups (up to 50 people), and reservations must be made in advance through ReserveCalifornia.
Because Half Moon Bay's state beaches are actually three beaches in one, it can be a little confusing. Unless a specific beach is mentioned below, these tips apply to all three. Once the form is completed, print it out and submit it via USPS to 507-B Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019. 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 MavericksMill 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. The Visit Half Moon Bay website is a cooperative effort of the Half Moon Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Hotel Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. Keep in mind that there are different jurisdictions (city, county, state, and private) along the coast of Half Moon Bay and surrounding areas.
These beaches offer incredible recreational and panoramic opportunities without the typical crowds found in the Half Moon Bay area. 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. Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival, Pacific Coast Dream Machine, 4th of July parade in the manner of Make it Main Street Nights of Lights, live music. There aren't many facilities on Half Moon Bay's beaches, so you'll have to come armed with everything you need for the day.
Typical weather patterns in Half Moon Bay include fog in summer, clear, crisp days in fall and spring, and wet, windy winters. It's one of the Half Moon Bay beaches to make a stop on the coastal road, as it offers ample parking and great views of the Pacific coast. Martin's Beach is one of the most controversial beaches in Half Moon Bay, but not for the reasons you would expect. It's home to the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center, which is open on weekends and offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the park's ecology and history. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other Half Moon Bay beaches, but there's plenty of parking and space for walks.
It's kind of a hike (I'd say it's roughly 10 miles from Half Moon Bay), but it's well worth the effort. Half Moon Bay has miles of pristine coastline and is the perfect place for city lovers looking for a break from the daily hustle and bustle.
