Check business hours. 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 on a leash 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 The restoration of native plants is constantly under way at Half Moon Bay State Beach and at all other state parks on the San Mateo coast. The native plant nursery has volunteers who collect seeds and cultivate the plants to place them 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 areas of the sandy beach 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 footprints 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 “symbolic fence” made of cable. 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 parallels 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 tires for balloons that allow it to be used on the beach without sinking into the arena.
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 contributed 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 many other daily 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 nonprofit 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. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. The Half Moon Bay visitor center welcomes travelers who want to explore the natural beauty and local charm of this coastal California city. Located in the center of the city, on the historic main street of Half Moon Bay, it offers a treasure trove of resources for visitors, such as maps, brochures and personalized recommendations for restaurants, accommodations and must-see attractions. Knowledgeable staff are available to share expert advice on the best times to visit local beaches, hiking trails and seasonal events.
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 Half Moon Bay Visitor Center welcomes travelers who want to explore the natural beauty and local charm of this coastal California city. 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. Tucked along the California coast, Half Moon Bay welcomes visitors from around the state and the world. 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.
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. Native plant restoration is constantly underway at Half Moon Bay State Beach and all other state parks along the San Mateo coast. 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. The coastline encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda and Pescadero. According to Barbara VanderWerf, in her book The Coastside Trail Guide Book, local farmers sold their land to real estate developers in anticipation of the arrival of the railroad, and by 1908 most of the façade of Half Moon Bay had been subdivided into streets and building lots.
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 vibrant community events. 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. Schedule your class for a free excursion to the San Mateo coast and visit Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pescadero Marsh State Natural Preserve, or Bean Hollow State Beach.
