Explore Beaches and Trails of Half Moon Bay

Fun Activity Info

Miles of trail along the ocean: Half Moon Bay Beaches Half Moon Bay has several beaches to choose from, a downtown area to stroll, farmer’s markets on the weekends. There are trails along the coast and beautiful cliffs that provide a breadth taking view of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. When should you go? During the summertime, it can be quite foggy in the mornings. Be sure to check the weather and make sure it will be a beautiful day. The best time to

Half moon bay is right along the coast of highway 1. It consists of several larger beaches and more smaller/intimate beaches with high cliffs that have great hiking areas. Read on to find out how to reach these fantastic weekend spots for hiking and fun.

Most of the larger beaches you must pay for parking. These beaches have bathroom facilities. The cost is around $7/vehicle ($6 for seniors).

Which beach suits you To decide which beach to head to, you might consider taking time at each beach to simply explore your different options, since they are very close to each other.

Four main Half Moon Bay Beaches can be found if you head north or south of highway 92 off of highway 1. These beaches consist of: Poplar Beach, right off of Poplar Avenue, Francis Beach, Venice Beach, and Dunes Beach. Roosevelt Beach, Vencie Beach, and Cowell Beaches.

Poplar Beach is very small intimate area that is good for stopping and looking. It is right off of poplar avenue from highway 101. There are no facilities at this beach, but you don’t have to pay to get in.

Dunes beach does not allow dogs, fires, camping, or horseback riding. It costs $7 for parking during the day.

Francis beach allows camping, but be sure to reserve a spot as it can fill up quickly. There is also day parking and picnic tables. You can reach the Coastal Highway Trail from this beach as well. Stroll along the beach trails The Coastside Trail allows you to walk, bike or jog along the coast. Bring your dog and enjoy the views. This trail consists of several miles of trails that run along the beach. Reengerize yourself with the midst of the ocean and the vast waters that envelop you.

Wavecrest is another beautiful hiking area the trails wind around and head over the Seymour bridge and eventually over high cliffs. Here you’ll find bikers, beautiful, grassy fields, Dolphins in the water! Near the shore, you might be able to spot a bottlenose dolphin that roam in small groups (called pods) . Bottlenose dolphin live in groups called pods and are very intelligent creatures. These creatures communicate by clicking and are able differentient each other as individuals. Dolphins have been known to help each other during birth as well. They have been used by the military to assist in

Horseback riding on the beach If you’d like to take a horsebackride there are Sea Horse Ranch & Friendly Acres Horses & Rentals available where you can chose from trail or beach rides.

Camping There are various places to camp including Francis Beach. You can make reservations through reserveamerica.com (1-800-444-PARK). Directions to Things in Half Moon Bay To get to the trail Don’t Do That! No fires are allowed on the beaches, nor are dogs allowed on the beaches. However, dogs are allowed on the Coastal Trail and in the campgrounds.

Pumpkin Fame Half Moon Bay is known for its annual Pumpkin Festival in October.