Half Moon Bay brings together several themes for a trip: broad sandy beaches, trails along the coast, opportunities to observe nature, and regional history. At Half Moon Bay State Beach, the focus is on the beach and day use; the Coastside Trail offers a different perspective along the coastal bluffs. At Wavecrest, you can enjoy an easy hike and observe nature across expansive fields, while the Coastside History Museum explores regional topics. You can shape your stay around the coast, nature or history.
Beach and visitor information
Half Moon Bay State Beach has four miles of broad sandy beaches. There are four beach parking lots for day use: Francis, Venice, Dunes and Roosevelt. An all-terrain beach wheelchair is available to the public free of charge and can be borrowed at the Francis Beach Entrance Station.
The Half Moon Bay State Beach visitor center is located at Francis Beach. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays, weather and volunteer availability permitting. If you plan to visit, take both the weekend opening hours and these two conditions into account when planning your day.
Trails and nature watching
Wavecrest is a 206-acre undeveloped property on the southern boundary of Half Moon Bay’s urban area. At the northern end of Wavecrest, the Bird Trail offers an easy 0.3-mile hike. For a different kind of trail, the Coastside Trail runs along Half Moon Bay’s coastal bluffs as a route for cyclists and pedestrians.
Nature watching also offers different experiences: on Wavecrest’s expansive fields, you can watch overwintering raptors hunt. The Coastside Trail offers opportunities to observe birds and wildlife, including occasional whale sightings. You can choose between an easy hike, a cycling and walking trail along the bluffs, and two different settings for wildlife observation.
Regional history and seasonal activities
The Coastside History Museum’s exhibits cover the Ohlone period, agriculture, surfing, railroads and the region’s many cultures. The topics range from early history and agriculture to recreation and transportation, while also offering insight into the region’s cultural diversity. The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check the opening hours before you travel.
The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival dates back to 1971. For trip planning, this year is a historical reference point, while the museum’s exhibits explore a range of regional topics.
Half Moon Bay State Beach offers activities led by park rangers at the campground from Memorial Day weekend (late May) through Labor Day weekend (early September). If you plan to take part, check the dates before you travel and keep the stated seasonal window in mind.
Explore more destinations: Foster City, Redwood City, Atherton, Woodside, Burlingame, Pescadero, San Bruno, Moss Beach
For the broader travel overview: San Mateo.
