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Half Moon Bay, CA
Change City

Half Moon Bay State Beach

95 Kelly Avenue
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

650-726-8819

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.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIESCoastal access is available at Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach and Francis Beach.CampingThe Francis Beach campground has 52 family 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.TrailsThe level, 4-mile multi-use Coastside Trail extends along the beach’s eastern boundary from Kelly Avenue north to Pillar Point and south to Poplar Beach, offering spectacular ocean views. A horse trail parallels the Coastside Trail between Roosevelt and Francis Beaches; horses are not permitted on the beaches. Restrooms are adjacent to parking areas.FishingFrom late spring through summer, Half Moon Bay is noted for good runs of surf smelt. Anglers use throw nets and are known to bring along gear to catch the striped bass that sometimes follow the smelt.SwimmingSwimming is not recommended here because of extremely cold water temperatures and unpredictable rip currents.SurfingSurfing conditions here are nearly impossible to forecast because of the unpredictable weather and surf action. However, depending on the direction of swell and the level ofthe tide, lucky surfers have been known to catch some memorable waves, particularly around the southern end of the crescent. A mile offshore Pillar Point, where waves can reach 20 feet in height, the worldfamous Maverick’s surfing spot is for experts only. The gentle swells at The Jetty near El Granada make it perhaps the most popular surfing spot in the area for beginners.Visitor CenterThe park’s visitor center features information and exhibits about the cultural and natural history of the area. Summer hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the park for winter hours.BOATINGOVERNIGHT FACILITIESFamily CampsitesGroup CampsitesHike or Bike CampsitesRV Dump StationRV AccessTRAIL USEBike TrailsHiking TrailsHorseback RidingDAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIESPicnic AreasEnv. Learning/Visitor CenterExhibits and ProgramsFishingInterpretive Exhibits Beach AreaSwimmingVista PointNature & Wildlife ViewingWindsurfing/SurfingFamily ProgramsGeocaching

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