Half Moon Bay State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Half Moon Bay State Beach

Entrance of Half Moon Bay State Beach (Near City of Half Moon Bay, California)

The first Americans arrived in this area in the 1850s. The Mexican settlement known as Spanishtown, a commercial center for the rancheros, was called "Halfmoon" by these Anglos; the bay itself was named "Halfmoon" due to its shape. In 1867 the local post office was identified as "Halfmoon Bay", and the spelling was changed to Half Moon Bay in 1905

Four miles of broad, sandy beaches stretch out to welcome visitors to Half Moon Bay. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, fishing and picnicking. A campground provides accommodations for those who wish to visit longer. Half Moon Bay State Beach is a 4-mile (6 km) stretch of protected beaches in Half Moon Bay, California. It includes:

Francis Beach,
Venice Beach,
Dunes Beach, and
Roosevelt Beach (also called Naples Beach).

Beaches of Half Moon Bay State Beach

The broad, sandy beaches are used for sunbathing, fishing and picnicking. A campground provides accommodations for those who wish to visit longer. This Pacific Ocean beach, located immediately south of Pillar Point Harbor and the town of Princeton-by-the-Sea, is often used by surfers, who utilize its unusual waves that are influenced by reflective action from the harbor jetty. North of Francis Beach (half mile north of Roosevelt State Beach) there is a county park in the lee of Pillar Point Harbor with a well maintained trail that allows hikers and bikers access to the ocean below the point. Some of the tallest surf in California occurs offshore of Pillar Point following big storms. The area is well known as Mavericks and is famous for the annual Mavericks Surf Contest.

Francis Beach has a campground with 52 individual sites; some sites are more suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. RV hookups are not available, but there is a dump station. Reservations can only be made through Reserve America.

Wildlife in Half Moon Bay State Beach

Well known for the rare Western Snowy Plover colony exist in Half Moon Bay State Beach.
A variety of fish species have been identified in the marine environment, the most abundant fish including Flatfish, the commercially important English Sole, Rockfish , Surfperch, Pacific herring, Lingcod, Herring; and abundant winter species including Starry Flounder and top-smelts.

Seasons/Climate of Half Moon Bay State Beach

The major weather pattern for Half Moon Bay is fog in the summer; crisp, clear days in the fall and spring; and wet, windy winters. Temperatures are moderate with the summer highs in the mid 60s and winter lows in the mid 40s. Summer fog is most common in the mornings and evenings.

Location of Half Moon Bay State Beach

Cliffs of Half Moon Bay State Beach

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Location: Use following Coordinates: 37°28'25.72"N 122°26'54.6"W in a GPS for exact locations. The beach is located a half-mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. There are three parking and beach access points:

Francis Beach, at the end of Kelly Avenue in the City of Half Moon Bay.
Venice Beach, at the end of Venice Boulevard off Highway 1.
Dunes Beach at the end of Young Avenue off Highway 1.

Half Moon Bay State Beach can be reached at (650) 726-8819.

Facilities/Activities in Half Moon Bay

The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the Visitor Center is free. The Visitor Center is completely accessible to those with disabilities.

Come on in and learn about the exciting world of the beach and experience the cultural history of the Coastside.

Francis Beach has a campground with 52 individual sites, some suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. Although hookups are not available, there is a dump station.
Coin-operated hot showers are also available (approximately 2 minutes per quarter).

Venice Beach has outside showers, flush toilets, and a payphone.

Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four beaches providing close to a three mile stretch to walk, jog or ride bikes. The trail continues north to Pillar Point Harbor.

A horse trail parallels Coastside Trail from Roosevelt Beach to Francis Beach. While in the state parks, horses are restricted to the designated horse trail and are not permitted on State Beaches.

NO beach fires are allowed.

Dogs are prohibited on the beaches at all times. Dogs are permitted in the campground, in the day-use picnic areas, and on the Coastal Trail, provided they are controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times. Here is the complete list of California State parks where you can take dogs.

The Ocean - Always use caution when you are in or near the ocean. The ocean water is very cold year round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops below normal). In addition, strong rip currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers off shore.

Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features. Fireworks are prohibited. Half Moon Bay State Beach now offers AT&T Wi-Fi Service. Here is a list of other state parks that offer Wi-Fi service.

Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Half Moon Bay State Beach.