Cape Hatteras National Seashore
- +12524732111
- North Carolina, United States
- https://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm
About This Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach, located about 30 miles south of San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, is one of Northern California’s most breathtaking coastal escapes. With dramatic sea cliffs, golden dunes, and miles of unspoiled shoreline, this stretch of coast offers a peaceful alternative to Southern California’s busier beaches.
Comprising four main beaches — Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach — this area is perfect for long walks, picnics, surf watching, horseback riding, and coastal camping. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, exploring tide pools, or simply unwinding to the sound of the waves, Half Moon Bay embodies California’s rugged coastal beauty.
📜 History & Unique Features
- The region was once inhabited by the Ohlone people, who fished and foraged along this coast for centuries.
- Half Moon Bay’s distinctive crescent-shaped coastline inspired its name.
- The area became a popular stop on the Old Coast Highway during California’s early tourism boom in the 1920s.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
• Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers bloom, mild weather, fewer crowds.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest temperatures, fog in early mornings.
• Fall (Sep–Nov): Best visibility, fewer tourists, golden sunsets.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Mavericks surf season and dramatic coastal waves.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Warmest temperatures, fog in early mornings.
• Fall (Sep–Nov): Best visibility, fewer tourists, golden sunsets.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Mavericks surf season and dramatic coastal waves.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- • Beach Walks & Picnics: Stroll along the 4-mile coastal trail connecting all four beaches.
- • Surf Watching: Mavericks surf spot attracts pro surfers and spectators each winter.
- • Camping: Francis Beach Campground offers oceanfront campsites with restrooms and showers.
- • Horseback Riding: Guided tours along the dunes and shoreline.
- • Tide Pooling: Explore marine life at Dunes Beach and Montara State Beach nearby.
- • Photography: Capture some of California’s most dramatic ocean views at sunset.
- • Hiking & Biking: The Coastal Trail runs through dunes, meadows, and bluffs.
- • Wildlife Viewing: Spot whales, sea lions, pelicans, and migratory shorebirds.
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Beach Trip
Turn your beach search into a complete trip — book stays, discover experiences, and prepare like a pro.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Restrooms and outdoor showers
- Lifeguards (seasonal, mainly at Francis Beach)
- Picnic tables and BBQ grills
- Campgrounds with water and electric hookups
- Parking lots ($10/day state fee)
- Dog-friendly trails (leash required)
- Bike racks and scenic overlooks
- Accessible paths and rest areas
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
• The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay: Iconic cliffside luxury resort overlooking the Pacific.
• Half Moon Bay Lodge: Cozy rooms with fireplaces and easy trail access.
• Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach: Romantic oceanfront B&B.
• Zoe’s Place: Budget-friendly coastal motel.
• Francis Beach Campground: Beachfront camping for tents and RVs.
• Half Moon Bay Lodge: Cozy rooms with fireplaces and easy trail access.
• Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach: Romantic oceanfront B&B.
• Zoe’s Place: Budget-friendly coastal motel.
• Francis Beach Campground: Beachfront camping for tents and RVs.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
• Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (October): Celebrates local farms and crafts.
• Mavericks Surf Competition (Winter, when conditions allow): Elite surf event drawing global pros.
• Coastal Cleanup Day (September): Annual volunteer beach event.
• Concerts at the Brewing Co.: Weekly live music by the ocean.
• Farmers Markets: Fresh coastal produce and handmade goods weekly.
• Mavericks Surf Competition (Winter, when conditions allow): Elite surf event drawing global pros.
• Coastal Cleanup Day (September): Annual volunteer beach event.
• Concerts at the Brewing Co.: Weekly live music by the ocean.
• Farmers Markets: Fresh coastal produce and handmade goods weekly.
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
• Beach Access: 8:00 AM – Sunset daily
• Campgrounds: Check-in 2:00 PM / Check-out 12:00 PM
• Visitor Center: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (weekends)
• Campgrounds: Check-in 2:00 PM / Check-out 12:00 PM
• Visitor Center: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (weekends)
Pricing
Pricing
• Beach Access: Free (with nearby paid parking)
• Parking Fee: $10/day (State Park)
• Camping: $35–$65/night (reservations via ReserveCalifornia.com)
• Horseback Tours: $85–$120 per person
• Guided Hikes: Often free with park rangers
• Parking Fee: $10/day (State Park)
• Camping: $35–$65/night (reservations via ReserveCalifornia.com)
• Horseback Tours: $85–$120 per person
• Guided Hikes: Often free with park rangers
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
• Mavericks Beach: World-famous big-wave surf spot.
• Montara State Beach: Dramatic cliffs and photo opportunities.
• Gray Whale Cove State Beach: Scenic, less crowded cove.
• Downtown Half Moon Bay: Boutiques, galleries, and coastal restaurants.
• Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve: Great for hiking in redwood forests.
• Montara State Beach: Dramatic cliffs and photo opportunities.
• Gray Whale Cove State Beach: Scenic, less crowded cove.
• Downtown Half Moon Bay: Boutiques, galleries, and coastal restaurants.
• Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve: Great for hiking in redwood forests.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
• Sam’s Chowder House: Famous for lobster rolls and ocean-view dining.
• Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.: Waterfront pub with craft beer and live music.
• Café Capistrano: Local favorite for Mexican coastal cuisine.
• Navio at The Ritz-Carlton: Fine dining with panoramic sea views.
• The Barn: Farm-to-table café perfect for breakfast or coffee before the beach.
• Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.: Waterfront pub with craft beer and live music.
• Café Capistrano: Local favorite for Mexican coastal cuisine.
• Navio at The Ritz-Carlton: Fine dining with panoramic sea views.
• The Barn: Farm-to-table café perfect for breakfast or coffee before the beach.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
• Dress in layers — temperatures can change rapidly with coastal fog.
• Bring a windbreaker; afternoons can be breezy even in summer.
• Book campsites weeks in advance (especially summer weekends).
• Parking fills early at Francis Beach; arrive before 10 AM.
• Tide pool exploring is best at low tide — check tide charts in advance.
• Avoid swimming near rocky cliffs — currents are strong.
• Bring a windbreaker; afternoons can be breezy even in summer.
• Book campsites weeks in advance (especially summer weekends).
• Parking fills early at Francis Beach; arrive before 10 AM.
• Tide pool exploring is best at low tide — check tide charts in advance.
• Avoid swimming near rocky cliffs — currents are strong.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
• No alcohol, fires, or glass containers on beaches.
• Dogs allowed on leash only.
• No swimming near rocky headlands.
• Respect posted signs for rip currents and wildlife.
• Fires allowed only in campground fire rings.
• Drone use restricted without park permit.
• Dogs allowed on leash only.
• No swimming near rocky headlands.
• Respect posted signs for rip currents and wildlife.
• Fires allowed only in campground fire rings.
• Drone use restricted without park permit.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leash and only at designated beaches.
Is camping available?
Yes — Francis Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with facilities.
What’s the best spot for photos?
Clifftops near Dunes Beach or sunset at Venice Beach.
Is there parking for RVs?
Yes, at Francis Beach Campground (reservations required).
Can I surf here?
Yes, advanced surfers enjoy Venice and Dunes Beach; beginners should stick to calmer breaks.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
95, Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California, 94019, United States
Access Points
Getting There:
• By Car: Take Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) south from San Francisco (~40 min).
• Parking: Available at Francis, Venice, and Dunes Beach ($10/day or annual state pass).
• Public Transport: SamTrans Route 17 serves Half Moon Bay from Daly City and Linda Mar.
• By Car: Take Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) south from San Francisco (~40 min).
• Parking: Available at Francis, Venice, and Dunes Beach ($10/day or annual state pass).
• Public Transport: SamTrans Route 17 serves Half Moon Bay from Daly City and Linda Mar.
95, Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California, 94019, United States
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- +12522477994
- 117 Salter Path Rd, Indian Beach, NC 28512
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- (252) 261-3552
- 3840 N Va Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
- https://www.kittyhawknc.gov/kitty-hawk-beach/