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. Half Moon Bay is home to miles of pristine coastline and is the relaxed getaway spot for urban residents who need a break from the daily grind. 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. It's the closest to San Francisco of all Half Moon Bay beaches, so if you don't want to go far, Gray Whale Cove is your best bet.
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 California Coastal Trail is a much appreciated feature of Half Moon Bay, and can be accessed from several points along the coast. Typical weather patterns in Half Moon Bay include fog in summer, clear, crisp days in fall and spring, and wet, windy winters. The coastline encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda and Pescadero.
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). It houses the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center, which is open on weekends and offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the park's ecology and history. Unfortunately, access to the beach is only possible via a steep path, so keep this in mind when deciding which Half Moon Bay beach to visit. When you complete the form, print it out and submit it via USPS to 507-B Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay CA 94019. Martin's Beach is one of the most controversial beaches in Half Moon Bay, but not for the reasons you would expect. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it's one of the Half Moon Bay beaches that families love.
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.
