Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Broad and sandy beach stretching more than four miles features campground facilities and trails for hikers and horseback riders.
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Address
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Best nearby
Restaurants
88 within 3 miles
Attractions
50 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
672 reviews
Excellent
355
Very good
250
Average
53
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Fengnian J
Fremont, CA12 contributions
Apr 2022
A perfect place to play and relax.
The waves are big and loud, hundreds of sea eagles flew on the sky. The creek towards to tide pool sprite the beach and the land. We jump to the beach.
It’s cold in April there, but I don’t feel very harsh.
The only thing I think is not very good is that the ticket costs 10 dollars. It’s too high.
The waves are big and loud, hundreds of sea eagles flew on the sky. The creek towards to tide pool sprite the beach and the land. We jump to the beach.
It’s cold in April there, but I don’t feel very harsh.
The only thing I think is not very good is that the ticket costs 10 dollars. It’s too high.
Written April 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA212,202 contributions
Jul 2021
We went to Half Moon Bay State beach on a popular warm July Saturday, Many people were there having fun, having picnics, and enjoying beach play.
We used our state park pass to enter. Others pay $10 for day use.
There is a campground too, Its very popular and reservations are advised.
We used our state park pass to enter. Others pay $10 for day use.
There is a campground too, Its very popular and reservations are advised.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
perrx
Columbus, OH265 contributions
Jun 2021
We went to Half Moon Bay just to relax on vacation. It was a bit breezy and cool, so bring a jacket just in case. We got here on the very windy but fun to drive roads from Palo Alto. There are signs about no dogs allowed, but since dogs can't read, they were there. Lots of waves, brave people in the water, some surfing, no whole sea shells. Gas was cheaper here near the beach. When we started to drive the sky was all clear, and as we went over the mountain it became what we thought was cloudy, but were told that is fog. Walked along the beach, saw people playing volleyball. If it's warmer when you come maybe bring some folding chairs or beach towels.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJ
Bakersfield, CA587 contributions
Aug 2020
My friend and I went on a Friday arriving around 11:30am and parked in the “additional parking” lot behind the first lot. This is the first time I made the mistake forgetting my backpack in the back seat. Upon walking back to the car I noticed the rear window smashed and my backpack missing which had my passport, medications, and a few other things inside. The man collecting $10 parking fees was very kind and refunded the fee. He called a park ranger to take a report. This is a beautiful beach overall with restrooms. Because it’s near San Francisco it can be chili and cloudy often.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CCPHOTOS
San Francisco, CA74 contributions
Jul 2022
As an event and portrait photographer, I appreciate a venue that provides for dramatic photo settings such as an engagement, family gathering, or even a solo profile shot. Half Moon Bay weather can be tricky but when it's good, it's really good. Highly recommend the Half Moon Bay state beach for your next photo session! Cheers, CHRIS CONNER PHOTOGRAPHY
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA212,202 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The waves were very high today - surf warning type. They were amazing to watch crashing into the shore.
The views were amazing. It was also a 70 degree day. Lots of people out and enjoying the day. Campground was also full.
The views were amazing. It was also a 70 degree day. Lots of people out and enjoying the day. Campground was also full.
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MsCasualTravelor
Hartford, CT635 contributions
Aug 2021
Loved walking on the beach here. Plenty of options ( bringing a dog? Want to avoid dogs? Want to camp?), so pick your part of the beach! Lots of parking for a $10 daily fee. I just wished the seaweed was cleaner up better.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA212,202 contributions
Dec 2020
We very much enjoy going to Half Moon Bay state Beach. This is a great place for beach play, walks, picnics and more. There is also a campground. This time due to COVID they were closing the campground for a few weeks.
Written December 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA212,202 contributions
Jul 2020
We had a superb time on our return visit to Half Moon Bay State Park. We used our annual park pass to enter the park.
There is a visitor center There is also an outside exhibit of whale boats.
Its nice to take a walk there There is picnic and barbecue facilities.
There is also a campground for both tent and RV/trailer camping.
There is a visitor center There is also an outside exhibit of whale boats.
Its nice to take a walk there There is picnic and barbecue facilities.
There is also a campground for both tent and RV/trailer camping.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2009Benjamin
Belmont, CA188 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
No, this is not an advert for the Ritz. But try this out - go south from HMB on Hwy 1 to Miramontes Point Rd then turn towards the ocean. Drive out to the gate for the Ritz-Carlton and say you want parking for Beach Access (this will be free!) From the garage, walk west to the trail along the cliff then walk south until you reach the stairs to the beach. From there you can walk on a mile or so on the beach (this will be free!). When done, walk back up to the Ritz plaza overlooking the ocean and (here's the best part) order hot chocolate (this will be $6). Sit and enjoy the view, with a hot chocolate reward for your "strenuous" hike. An enjoyable two-hour visit of the California coast for only $6 !!
Written December 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No free parking near the beach.But plenty of free road side parking available -depending on time of day. Daytime lot of parking available on roadside along the houses.
Written September 17, 2018
No it’s just a hotel. Nothing fancy. Not a spa
Written July 30, 2018
foundatwin
Zillah, Washington
How do I direct someone to the little beach with all the pebbles instead of sand. It is close to half-moon bay. We have moved away, and I don't remember how to tell them to find it or if it has a specific name
Written August 31, 2017
I stayed at the Half Moon Bay campground about a mile south of the center of town. At that point the sandy beach is about a hundred feet below a bluff. Going north there is a trail along the bluff for a half mile or so. Then you are at the level of the sand beach. I have not gone north of the beach area just south of town., so I don't know exactly how it unfolds going north of there. I have driven along that area going to the harbor north of town, but I didn't take notice of the situation along the water. That could be where the pebbly beach is. I suggest Googling the visitors bureau of Half Moon Bay and see if they can help you.
Written September 1, 2017
Hi there,
Has anyone stayed at the hike-in campsites? Are they first come first served? How far away from the parking area are they?
Thanks!
Written January 17, 2017
The walk-in sites are within 50 yards of parking. There is one small parking area at that corner of the campground that is for the exclusive use of tent campers. If you go to Google Earth it will take you to Dunes Beach which is just to the north - scroll down just a little and you will see plainly identify the RV sites. The tent site area is just off the SE corner of the rest room/showers at the lower left of the campground.
Written January 17, 2017
Garima S
San Francisco, California
Do we have to make prior reservation before visit to half moon bay beach?
Written January 27, 2015
Depends on when you want to visit. It gets sold out quickly around summer and also during the Pumpkin Festival. Other times your easy to get in whenever you want.
Written February 4, 2015
Garima S
San Francisco, California
Hi, we are planning to visit half moon bay beach on coming Sunday. Do we have to make any kind of reservation or we can visit directly?
Written January 27, 2015
If you are coming from SF down HWY 1, you will pass Montara first. You can stop and have a look to see if you like it.
Written January 27, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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