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 rip currents can carry even experienced swimmers out to sea. Several kilometers of wide sandy beaches welcome visitors to Half Moon Bay, which offers first-class opportunities for sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, relaxing, swimming and camping (on the state beach). Typical weather patterns in Half Moon Bay include fog in summer, clear, crisp days in fall and spring, and wet, windy winters.
The location of the Pillar Point Harbor and Venice Beach Bacteria TMDL project consists of multiple watersheds that run from north of the Pillar Point Harbor to the south of Half Moon Bay State Beach. The Half Moon Bay State Beach visitor center is located in Francis Beach and is open Saturday and Sunday (weather and volunteer availability permitting). The city of Half Moon Bay, in partnership with San Mateo County and the San Mateo County Port District, are working to improve the water quality of streams and beaches here on the coast. The California Coastal Trail is a much appreciated feature of Half Moon Bay, and can be accessed from several points along the coast.
Keep in mind that there are different jurisdictions (city, county, state, and private) along the coast of Half Moon Bay and surrounding areas. 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. Venice Beach is one of five interconnected beaches that make up Half Moon Bay State Beach. The approximately 0.8-mile stretch of Venice Beach borders Frenchmans Creek to the north and Pilarillos Creek to the south.
