Check business hours. Tucked along the California coast, Half Moon Bay welcomes visitors from all over the state and the world. With abundant open spaces, lush, rolling hills, farmland and state parks, the coastline of Half Moon Bay is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the world. Open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00 and Sunday from 9:00 to 15:00 The Half Moon Bay visitor center welcomes travelers who want to explore the natural beauty and local charm of this coastal city.
from California. Located in the center of Half Moon Bay's historic main street, it offers a treasure trove of resources for visitors, including maps, brochures and personalized recommendations for restaurants, accommodations and must-see attractions. Trained staff are on hand to share insider information about the best times to visit local beaches, hiking trails and seasonal events. 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 of 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 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 sandy beach areas and dunes attract numerous shorebirds that feed on the abundant invertebrates. The most notable bird seen is the tiny western snow plover 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 fingerprints 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”). Fences with fences are erected to protect nests from predators, but they allow parents and chicks to enter and leave.
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 you to use the chair 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 added 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 of many other everyday 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 not-for-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. 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 Ocean Hotel & Spa Quality Inn Seal Cove Inn 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. Whether you're planning a quiet day trip or an extended stay, the Visitor Center is your first stop to discover everything Half Moon Bay has to offer, from its picturesque coastline to its lively community events. 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.
You can fill out Poplar Beach's annual parking permit application here: Version options: Visit Half Moon beaches Bay, incumbent. 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 Saturday and Sunday (weather and volunteer availability permitting). Native plant restoration is constantly taking place at Half Moon Bay State Beach and all other state parks along the San Mateo coast.
Mirada Surf West is located in El Granada, just south of Pillar Point Harbor (just north of Half Moon Bay). Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival, Pacific Coast Dream Machine, 4th of July fashion show in Sol fashion, Make it Main Street, Nights of Lights, live music. Half Moon Bay's main street is the Bay Area's best kept secret, where you'll find unique and interesting shops, epic restaurants, art galleries, tasting rooms and much more. 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.
