Heading to the coast and looking for the best beaches in Half Moon Bay?! Keep on reading, because this guide has everything you need to know and more. And hey – we’re pretty much locals so we visit a few times a month. I’m sharing everything I know about these lesser-known beaches along the Northern California coast.
Oceanview bluffs. Picturesque coastal villages. Impressive state beaches. Marine biodiversity (starfish and sea anemone!!!). Tons of freely-frolicking dogs. Hikes along the coast. Barking sea lions! Half Moon Bay is all that and more. It’s sleepy but not too sleepy, making a visit to the beaches in Half Moon Bay perfect for a day trip from San Francisco.
Although it may not be your typical beach destination (you shouldn’t expect the sun-kissed beaches of Maui or Southern California, my friends), it’s still one of my favorite local areas for long walks with Kona (our cute pup!), walking along the coastal bluffs, and chowing down on some fresh lobster. And those tide pools – omg, SO much fun.
Half Moon Bay is home to miles of untouched coastline and is the chilled-out getaway spot for city slickers needing a break from the daily grind.
Psst: the beaches in Half Moon Bay are a perfect addition onto a classic Pacific Coast Highway drive itinerary, and nothing breaks up a classic American road trip like an impromptu beach vacay!
Things to know before visiting the Half Moon Bay Beaches
Where is Half Moon Bay exactly?
Half Moon Bay is perched on the San Mateo County Coast in gloriously sunny California. But don’t get too excited – we’re talking about Northern California here, and it’s not always filled with sunshine.
And luckily enough, it’s not terribly far from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area – although I can promise you there’ll be tons of traffic on weekends.
How to Get to Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is only 45 minutes from San Francisco and around an hour from San Jose. There will almost always be traffic on the roads, so I advise leaving early or staying late to avoid the worst of the gridlock. And when I tell you there’s traffic – trust me. My husband and I have gotten stuck in bumper to bumper traffic for over an hour just trying to leave the area; it’s absolute madness.
- Palo Alto: 35 minutes (27 miles)
- San Francisco: 45 minutes (30 miles)
- Oakland: 50 minutes (40 miles)
- San Jose: 50 minutes (40 miles)
- Santa Cruz: 60 minutes (50 miles)
- Napa Valley: 1 hour, 45 minutes (90 miles)
To get here from San Francisco, hop on Highway 280 South to Highway 1 until you hit the beaches in Half Moon Bay. If you’re coming from San Jose, Highway 280 North is going to be your best friend.
Local secret: depending on where you’re coming from, you may wanna avoid Highway 92 (San Mateo Road) at all costs. Most of it is literally a one-lane road, so I’d head north on the 280, cross over into Pacifica, then drive down the coast. Plus, the views are stunning, so it’s kinda a win-win.
Weather in Half Moon Bay
As noted before, don’t expect perfect SoCal weather here in Half Moon Bay. You just won’t find it. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
The weather is relatively consistent, and temperatures never go far above or below the mid-60s. Winter is crisp and cool with some rain, and fall and spring are typically clear with the warmest temps.
And then there’s the perpetual fog/marine layer during the summer. Thankfully, fog usually clears up by midday, but don’t be alarmed if the day turns out to be cloudy. The views are still glorious, I promise.
My favorite time to visit? Early spring and late fall. But honestly, the weather is kinda temperamental year round so you don’t really know what you’ll get! We had sunny 75°F weather this past February!
Visiting in fall? If you have spare time on your hands, hit up the Half Moon Bay pumpkin patches and check out other local things to do in Half Moon Bay to turn your trip into the ultimate autumnal getaway!
Swimming and Surfing in the Pacific Ocean
Sadly, the water never really heats up – it’s a solid ~50 degrees year-round. And sometimes colder, brr! Even if you’re a strong swimmer, be careful to avoid the strong rip and high tides. There have been instances of experienced swimmers being pulled out to sea.
Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger, and never turn your back to the ocean. To be on the safe side, stick to the shoreline and just dip your toes in.
I don’t think I’ve ever really seen people actually swim in the ocean (like do laps and stuff), but be prepared with a wetsuit if you wanna go surfing. Also, even if you consider yourself an expert surfer, be aware of the many hidden rocks that are all over the place in the water. The wild Pacific Ocean will really get you if you’re not experienced with it! Like I said, this isn’t Hawaii or the Caribbean.
What to Bring
There aren’t many facilities at the beaches in Half Moon Bay, so you’ll need to come armed with everything you need for the day. Although there are tons of amazing restaurants here, so don’t fret if you don’t feel like lugging around a huge cooler.
Before you grab your beach towel, a wide-brimmed hat, and barely-there bikini – hold fire. The beaches in Half Moon Bay are perfect for sightseeing (prime views of the spectacular coastal bluffs and dramatic scenery, anyone?!), but the weather is typically cold with overcast skies. So, that skimpy swimsuit I mentioned? Grab the wetsuit instead – you’ll thank me later.
A few things you’ll need:
- Layers: Layers are absolutely key here, for you know, all the strong winds and potentially chilly temps. I like to keep a blanket in my car too just in case.
- Wetsuit: As mentioned above, unless you’re cold blooded, a wetsuit is imperative if you actually wanna dunk your head.
- Towels, sunscreen, and beach chairs: Although you probably won’t be swimming, it’s still the beach! Come prepared!
Respecting the Beaches in Half Moon Bay
We’re all about doing the right thing over here at A Passion and A Passport, so I’m gonna share a few important bits here:
- A bunch of the beaches in Half Moon Bay are dog friendly. Woooo, if you know me, you know I’m all about that, haha. But in order to keep them dog friendly, please always remember to clean up after your dog and keep them on leashes when required.
- Read the rules carefully before tidepooling – they’re pretty specific (and some spots are no-take)
- Leave the beaches in Half Moon Bay cleaner than you found it. Do your job and never leave trash on the beach (either place it in the garbage or if there’s no bin take your trash with you and discard elsewhere).
- Although plenty of people break the rules, fires on all Half Moon Bay beaches are prohibited (except when portable camp stoves or barbecues are allowed).
- Smoking and vaping are both prohibited, as well as fireworks and alcoholic beverages. And most recently, no glass containers on the beaches in Half Moon Bay.
Overall, be a good citizen and the residents of Half Moon Bay will immensely thank you. 🙂
Beaches in Half Moon Bay
And now what you’re waiting for — a complete guide to all the best beaches in Half Moon Bay!
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
- Cost: Free (park in the Gray Whale Cove parking lot on the east side of Highway 1 – be extra careful crossing the road!).
- Dogs allowed: No
Imagine a sheltered cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs – that’s Gray Whale Cove State Beach! Why’s it called Gray Whale Cove you ask? Well, my friends, that’s because gray whales can usually be seen right off shore come springtime! Pretty special if you ask me. It’s the closest to San Francisco out of all the beaches in Half Moon Bay, so if you don’t wanna go super far, Gray Whale Cove’s your best bet.
It’s also one of the quietest beaches in Half Moon Bay making it a wonderful pick for couples. Just note you’ll need to trek down a steep hill (or take the 147 steps down to the beach); but I swear all those steps are worth it! And really not all that bad once you see the view!
Want more views nearby? Check out the Gray Whale Cove Trail above the beach (on the other side of the road).
The beach itself is short and narrow at only 800 feet or so, but it rarely gets overcrowded. Last time I visited Gray Whale Cove State Beach was during the week, and my friend and I practically had the entire beach to ourselves! It was remarkable, and we actually ran around like children for an entire hour, haha! I recommend heading here for sunset – the lighting is absolutely stunning.
And make sure to check out the cave towards the left side of the beach, it’s so much fun (just be careful not to get stuck inside when the tide comes in). It totally felt like we were on the wild rocky coastline of Oregon, or even in Olympic National Park in Washington! Who knew we had this in right here in Northern California?!
Montara State Beach
- Cost: Free, with a few parking lots
- Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash
Unlike Gray Whale Cove, Montara is a wide sandy beach with enough space for everyone. Montara State Beach is a mountainside beach known for its undisturbed coastline, beautiful views, and spotless appearance. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but this is one of the beaches in Half Moon Bay that families love. Although the tidepools here are usually inaccessible, you may spot a harbor seal!
Do note the sand is much coarser here at Montara State Beach than at other Half Moon Bay beaches. You’ll probably wanna keep your sandals on while walking along the coast.
Oh, and if you’re here in May, don’t miss the pink superbloom on the south side of the beach before heading home (it’s especially gorgeous at sunset). Just follow the little path up the hill and you’ll see it.
JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
- Cost: Free.
- Dogs allowed: No
Looking for something a bit different? Head on over to JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve! It’s one of my favorite beaches in Half Moon Bay – because you can go tidepooling here! After a little searching you’ll find tons of marine life under the shallow waters, including bright green sea anemone and colorful starfish, to crawling crabs and sea sponges hidden in the pools.
A few important notes:
- You cannot take anything nor disturb any sea life here. It’s illegal at the marine reserve.
- You’ll need to go during low tide, or else all the marine life will be underwater (aka you won’t see anything at all). Check the tide tables in advance so you don’t miss out.
The nearby Pillar Point Bluff trails are excellent for hiking, and offer unbeatable views of the Pacific Coast. Definitely allocate time to explore these (before or after JV Fitzgerald) if you can.
Mavericks Beach:
- Cost: Free (a few small lots near Pillar Point, but you’ll need to walk around the cliffs in order to get to the beach)
- Dogs allowed: Yes!
Mavericks Beach is legendary — if you’re into surfing or have lived in the Bay Area for a bit you’ve probably heard of it. Why? Because of the famous surf competition! And for all you non-surfers out there, you’ve got tidepools teeming with wildlife when the tide is low!
Surfing: As I’ve mentioned, this is a pro surfers beach! The beach is packed with surfers trying to outperform each other, and if you visit in the winter, you may even catch some of them attempting to ride the ginormous waves for the famous Mavericks Surf Awards.
This popular contest sees professional and high-ranking amateurs compete for Performer of the Year. The contest has changed a lot over the years, with pro surfers now partnering with videographers to document their best performing waves. It’s not invitation-only anymore, so anyone can compete. But this change means there’s no actual surf contest to attend.
BUT here’s the thing – the waves only break massively a few times a YEAR. It’s not a normal occurrence, so if you’re pretty sure you’re at Mavericks and don’t see any legendary waves, that’s why. Waves are average at best on a normal day, but I promise the beach is still pretty to look at!
Tidepooling: Tidepooling is super popular here, as the extreme low tides often reveal unique sea life in their hidden habitats (check the tide tables!). I recently discovered my love for tidepooling, and I can’t wait to go again! I couldn’t believe all the tiny creatures I saw – sea anemone, purple starfish, sea urchins, and lots of tiny hermit crabs. And the further out you walk, the more you’ll see!
Unlike JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (which is a no-take, no disturb zone), you’re actually allowed to take particular marine life home with you. You’ll probably see people with large orange buckets (from Home Depot!) armed and ready!
Make sure to read all the signs super carefully and note the size and number of animals you can take. For reference, you’re allowed to take rock crabs, turban snails, and red urchins, but not any abalone species, sea star species, or barnacles. Read the signs, people (I suggest taking photos of them so you know exactly which species are off limits when you’re tidepooling yourself).
Surfers Beach/El Granada Beach
- Cost: Free (park in the dirt lot by the skate ramp, be extra careful crossing the street)
- Dogs allowed: Yes!
If you’re a fan of surfing but aren’t ready to play with the big boys at Mavericks (just please don’t, it’s not safe for most), then Surfers Beach/El Granada Beach is for you. Tucked behind a seawall and close to downtown Half Moon Bay, it’s my #1 pick for those looking to visit a beach for a lazy afternoon of lounging or surfing.
You’ll see so many people learning how to surf here (the waves are reasonably calm, thank goodness) – check out the nearby surf school Sea, Surf, & Fun, LLC if you want a local instructor! You can also paddle board or boogie board if surfing’s not your style (or you’re chicken like me).
And thankfully, Surfers Beach/El Granada Beach couldn’t be more convenient to access – it’s located literally on Highway 1 (you’ll see it as you drive). Just be extra careful as you’re crossing the street, as this is a highway!
I’m no surfer, so instead I love taking long, leisurely walks, looking out for dolphins, watching the cheeky pelicans, and listening to the barking sea lions.
Miramar Beach
- Cost: Free
- Dogs allowed: Yes
Boho vibes and lush vegetation are what it’s all about at Miramar Beach. It’s one of the lesser-known beaches in Half Moon Bay, and I think it’s a real hidden gem. Miramar Beach is a great place to go for sunbathing, but it’s the impressive trees, endless coastline, and cute pups that keep us coming back.
However, it’s quite tricky to access (as the access stairway has unfortunately been destroyed). Once you find the footbridge, head down the steep path and you’ll come across the colorful bridge. Walk under that, and voila – there’s sandy Miramar Beach!
The only other downside is the erosion issue – at high tide, there’s not much sand left to tread on! If that happens, take a long walk on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail overlooking Miramar. It’s full of character – there’s tons of unique houses, some artist studios, and bright patches of pink flowers in the spring!
Half Moon Bay State Beaches: Dunes, Venice, Francis, and Roosevelt
- Cost: $8/day (including parking)
- Dogs allowed: No
Four miles of wide, sandy beach with tons of space for picnics (with grilling stations!), fishing, sunbathing, and surfing. What could be better?! Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually made up of four separate beaches – Dunes, Venice, Francis, and Roosevelt. They may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other beaches in Half Moon Bay, but there’s plenty of parking and room to wander.
Entry couldn’t be easier – just head through the state park entrance station on Youngs Road, pay for your parking, and go down the steep trail to the beaches.
Here’s a little rundown on each of these four beaches:
- Francis: By far the most popular, and typically super crowded on the weekend. The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center (only open on weekends) is located here in Francis Beach if you wanna learn about the park’s ecology and history. There’s a campground here with 52 campsites (tent and RV camping), so you can literally wake up to the sounds of the ocean if you like!
- Venice: easier to park and less crowded; Sweetwood Campground offers tent camping for larger groups
- Dunes: easier to park and less crowded; short, sandy trails to reach the beach; fantastic views of Ritz Carlton HMB in the distance
- Roosevelt: least accessible, but that just means it’s nearly almost always empty!
The incredible views of the Pacific Ocean at all four state beaches make them worth visiting, but we’d stick to Dunes and Venice if you want easy access and to avoid crowds.
Poplar Beach
- Cost: Free, but parking is rather steep at $10/day
- Dogs allowed: Yes!
Poplar Beach is stunning and is one of my favorite beaches in Half Moon Bay. Why? Well, for starters, dogs (and even horses) are allowed! The bluff trails are amazing, and the sweeping views and well-maintained sands aren’t bad either! It’s also one of the first Half Moon Bay beaches I ever visited when I moved to San Francisco, so I’ve got a soft spot for it.
Unfortunately, access to the beach is only possible via a steep trail, so keep this in mind when deciding which beach in Half Moon Bay to visit. If you’d like to up your step count while you’re here, the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is a must. It’s 11 miles long and starts right above Poplar Beach.
You’ll probably see horses on Poplar Beach, as it’s one of the only beaches in Half Moon Bay that allow horseback riding right on the beach! I actually went horseback riding a few years ago and, despite the fact that I almost fell off (what can I say, I’m hella clumsy), I had loads of fun.
Redondo Beach
- Fee: Free
- Dogs allowed: Yes!
Redondo Beach is absolutely a hidden gem, and many Bay Area residents don’t even know about this beach in Half Moon Bay. It’s right by The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay with eroded bluffs behind, trails for exploring, and of course the long sandy beach. And the sand is so fine and white, and clean!
Due note that sometimes the path down to the beach is kinda muddy, so you decide for yourself if you wanna trek down to the sand.
The white sandy beach itself is a major draw, but the Wavecrest Open Space is tucked just north of it, offering visitors the chance to birdwatch, hike on the coastal trail, bike, and even go horseback riding. If you’re bringing a pup along, keep them on a leash and watch out for wildlife.
Martin’s Beach
- Cost: You can either pay the $10 fee to park close to the beach, or park for free in a tiny lot on Highway 1 and walk down Martin’s Beach Road.
- Dogs allowed: No
Martin’s Beach is one of the more controversial beaches in Half Moon Bay, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Perched in front of a private gated community, Silicon Valley billionaire Vinod Khosla has been trying to make this place private for years. California actually sued him over public access to Martins Beach.
But Khosla hasn’t succeeded – yet. So yes, Martin’s Beach is still a public beach! Go while you can – it’s absolutely gorgeous and one of my favorite beaches in Half Moon Bay. You can easily walk past the gate down the road, since it’s still public and all.
The beach remains open to the public via a single road (Martins Beach Road – what a fitting name) and is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and farmlands. There’s beautiful high bluffs at both ends of the beach, and don’t miss walking towards the shark-fin shaped rock! Super unique and kinda reminds me of Shark Fin Cove down in Davenport!
San Gregorio State Beach
- Cost: Access is free, but parking is $8.
- Dogs allowed: No
For grassy bluffs and white sandy beaches, it doesn’t get better than San Gregorio State Beach. It’s a bit of a trek (I’d say it’s approximately 10 miles from Half Moon Bay), but it’s worth the effort. The protected driftwood estuary is the area’s major selling point, as it’s home to birds and small animals that you may not find elsewhere.
It’s one of the beaches in Half Moon Bay for stopping along the coastal highway, as it offers ample parking and excellent views of the Pacific Coast. Don’t miss the cool cave with a view to the right of the lagoon. Just be warned that the entrance staircase is tricky to descend, so to the non-athletic amongst you – watch out!
Pomponio State Beach
- Cost: $8 per day
- Dogs allowed: No
Picture light sandy beaches nestled amongst magnificent sandstone bluffs and crystal-clear waters. That’s Pomponio State Beach for you, and it’s a total scenic wonderland. There’s a small lagoon, kickass surf opportunities, and spots for barbecuing and picnicking that are amazing for brighter days. As it’s on the smaller side, I suggest staking a claim early to secure a spot and bringing plenty of BBQ goodies.
Do note a lot of the beach is difficult to access due to all the steep sandstone cliffs, but thankfully the parking lot is right at beach level.
Pescadero State Beach
- Cost: $8 for day use access (3 parking lots)
- Dogs allowed: No
I’m sure you’ve seen photos of that impressive arch on the south side of the beach. It’s not only iconic to the entire area, but super fun to photograph. The waters are clear and reflective, there’s driftwood onshore for sculpture-making, and the beach is wide enough for sunbathing and picnics as well as long enough for a decent stroll (at one mile long).
And as the beach is west-facing, you’re also perfectly positioned for watching the sunset. Absolute bliss!
Pescadero State Beach really has something for everyone – there’s a sandy beach, marsh trails, and even tide pools here. Across the highway you’ll find Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve (at a whopping 600 acres!), where blue herons, deer, raccoons, and even foxes hang out. Bird watchers and other naturalists will absolutely love it – there’s over 200 species of birds over here. Bring your binoculars!
Bean Hollow State Beach
- Cost: Free
- Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash!
If you’re looking for a simple beach that offers trails and nature walks, then you’ve come to the right place. Think wildflowers, tidepools (with sea anemones, crab, and sea urchins), barking seals, and various wild birds – it’s one of the best places for nature lovers. And it’s one of the only beaches in Half Moon Bay that is entirely undisturbed. This means you’ll be able to spot native seaside plants that you won’t find anywhere else.
Swimming isn’t encouraged (and actually pretty dangerous) because of the riptides, currents, and cold water, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied outside of that! We chose this beach to bring my little nephew to, partly because it’s completely free and is one of the few local state beaches where dogs are permitted.
So there ya have it — a complete roundup of the best beaches in Half Moon Bay! Which are you planning to visit soon?!
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