Home to Mavericks, the biggest break on the West Coast, attracting pro surfers from around the globe with swells that can reach 60 feet in winter, the charming coastal town of Half Moon Bay on the San Francisco Peninsula boasts a stunning coastline that all can enjoy. Take your pick: Surf, hike, bike, tidepool, picnic or sunbathe at one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, or explore on foot, bike or horseback via the 11.5-mile paved Coastal Trail, which runs from the Dardanelle Trail at Cypress Avenue in Moss Beach to the Cowell Ranch Trail south of Miramontes Point Road in Half Moon Bay (on leash dogs are welcome too). Then, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or hit the shops around town. Here are some of our favorite beaches in and around Half Moon Bay.
Featured Photo: Lotus Abrams
When low tide arrives at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, located just north of Half Moon Bay in Moss Beach, a treasure trove of tidepools emerge. Rangers and trained volunteer naturalists are often on hand to help visitors spot the tidepool inhabitants — crabs, sponges, sea stars, mollusks and fish — that call the intertidal zone their home. (Groups of 15 or more required to make a reservation for a volunteer naturalist-led tour.) The reserve is divided into two sections with several coves and trails to explore, including the magical Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel. Nearby, Moss Beach Distillery serves up coastal fare with an ocean view and a dog-friendly patio with firepits, and the elegant Seal Cove Inn makes a fine place to spend the night.
It’s easy to spot the crowd of surfers from Highway 1 at this popular city-owned beach adjacent to the Half Moon Bay Jetty just south of Pillar Point Harbor. Far more accessible — and approachable — than the giant waves at Mavericks, which break half a mile out from the shore, the beach attracts beginner and intermediate surfers for its consistent waves that roll off the jetty. Pull up a beach chair to watch the action or cruise by on foot or by bike on the paved California Coastal Trail that runs directly behind the beach. Park in one of the harbor’s fee lots or for free along Highway 1 (but use caution when crossing the road).
Head toward the working harbor when you’re ready for a diversion, where you can find many spots to eat and imbibe, including Sam’s Chowder House, the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Ketch Harbor Pub, Jettywave Distillery and La Costanera; several surf and gear shops; a small, protected beach that’s good for kayaking; and a handful of options for an overnight stay.
The 4-mile-long Half Moon Bay State Beach comprises four different beaches near downtown Half Moon Bay with multiple day-use lots. The main beach, Francis Beach at 95 Kelly Avenue, features a large picnic area with barbecues, the Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground and a visitor center. Dogs are allowed on-leash in the picnic areas, trails and campground, but not on the beach, and horses are allowed on the horse trail. Equally beautiful but less crowded, Venice Beach is located between two creeks at the end of Venice Boulevard and has a small picnic area. At the end of Young Avenue, Dunes Beach is accessible via several short, steep sandy trails through the dunes on the bluff. The northernmost and least accessible beach in the state park (since the parking lot was damaged by erosion) — making it also the least crowded — is Roosevelt Beach, reached by walking north from the Dunes Beach parking lot. Swimming is not recommended at these beaches due to strong rip currents.
Local eateries (Pasta Moon, Johnny’s, Cantina at San Benito House) and unique shops (Jupiter & Main, Abode, Coastside Books) abound in charming downtown Half Moon Bay — or hit up The Barn on Highway 1 for excellent burgers and seasonal specialties made with locally sourced ingredients.
About a half-mile south of Half Moon Bay State Beach at the end of Poplar Avenue, city-run Poplar Beach is a popular destination for families and animal lovers, as dogs on-leash and horseback riding are permitted here, unlike many of the other beaches in the area. It’s a bit of a steep climb down the bluff to reach the beach, but there’s plenty of room to spread out once you arrive on this wide, long stretch of sand.
Also known as Pelican Point Beach, city-operated Manhattan Beach is located below the Half Moon Bay Golf Links and the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. From Manhattan Beach, you can walk north toward Redondo Beach at low tide to explore the tide pools. Park in the no-fee lot located off of Miramontes Point Road and take the Coastal Trail via the Miramontes Point Trailhead to access the public stairs leading down to the beach. You can also park for free at the Ritz-Carlton; simply let the gatekeeper know that you’re seeking coastal access. (Might as well stop in for a cocktail and enjoy the views, too, while you’re there!)
Beautiful, secluded Cowell Ranch Beach, located about 3 miles south of Half Moon Bay, tends to be far less crowded than many other beaches in the vicinity. That’s because visitors must walk along a flat, half-mile trail from the northern parking lot for the 3.6-mile Cowell-Purisima Trail along a decommissioned road and then descend a long flight of stairs to reach the beach. Surrounded by dramatic bluff walls, this sandy cove is worth the effort to reach. Be cautious, however, as rogue waves and rip currents are common at this beach, so don’t swim here. From the bluff south of Cowell Ranch Beach, you may also spot seal pups in early spring at Seal Beach below, a protected sanctuary for harbor seals.
