Best Family Friendly Beaches In Half Moon Bay

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Martins Beach

United States, California, Half Moon Bay

Martins Beach, located just south of Half Moon Bay, California, is a picturesque public beach nestled in front of a private gated community. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs and farm lands, offering a serene and secluded environment for visitors. Historically, it has been a popular spot for families and surfers alike, known for its tide pools and rock formations like Pelican Rock. However, access to the beach has been a subject of legal disputes since 2008 when billionaire Vinod Khosla purchased the adjacent land and restricted public access. Despite these challenges, Martins Beach remains a beloved destination for those who can visit.
The beach's unique features include two shallow coves divided by Pelican Rock, a tall, sharply pointed rock cone. The area is rich in history, having been part of the Rancho Cañada de Verde y Arroyo de la Purísima land grant. The beach offers activities such as surfing, fishing, and beach walking, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
The legal battle over public access has been ongoing, with various court rulings and appeals. Despite these challenges, the beach's natural beauty and historical significance continue to attract visitors who can access it through the private road or by parking on Highway 1 and walking down.

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Miramar Beach

United States, California, Half Moon Bay

Miramar Beach, located in Half Moon Bay, California, is a charming coastal gem offering a blend of natural beauty and community charm. The beach is nestled within a tight-knit neighborhood, featuring quaint beach homes and a bohemian vibe. Visitors can enjoy the golden sand, though high tides may limit beach access. The area is perfect for a weekend getaway, with activities ranging from surfing to strolling along the scenic California Coastal Trail. The beach's proximity to Pillar Point Harbor and Half Moon Bay State Beach adds to its appeal, offering a variety of dining and recreational options.
The community of Miramar is situated on a marine terrace above the beach, providing stunning ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach itself is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially during sunny days. The nearby Arroyo de en Medio Creek adds a picturesque element, flowing intermittently into the Pacific Ocean.
Miramar Beach is also steeped in history, with the Miramar Beach Restaurant being a notable landmark. Originally a Prohibition-era speakeasy, it now offers fine dining with breathtaking ocean views.

Sandee Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis Beach

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Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis Beach

United States, California, Half Moon Bay

Francis Beach is a part of the state park that has the similar name Half Moon Bay State Beach, which itself is four miles long and is made up of four beaches. Francis Beach, which is also known as Kelly Beach, is one of the southern of these four beaches and is equipped with picnic tables and barbeques on the blufftop.

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Half Moon Bay State Beach - Elmar Beach

United States, California, Half Moon Bay

Located in the city of Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Bay State Beach - Elmar Beach is a part of a state park known as Half Moon State Beach. The beach is located between Francis Beach and Venice Beach, which are also a part of Half Moon Bay State Beach. Half Moon Bay State Beach - Elmar Beach is narrow and has light brown sand and cold waters. The Pilarcitos Creek meets the ocean near the beach and also sometimes forms a lagoon here. The beach does not have lifeguards or other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly.

Sandee Half Moon Bay State Beach - Dunes Beach

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Half Moon Bay State Beach - Dunes Beach

United States, California, Half Moon Bay

Located in the central part of the Half Moon Bay waterfront, Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach is part of a state park known as Half Moon Bay State Beach in San Mateo County. The beach, featuring sandy beaches, is situated below a blufftop state park area and is a favorite access point for beachgoers looking to visit longer. Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach is narrow and has light brown sand. Two creeks –Pilarcitos Creek and Frenchman’s Creek – flow and meet the ocean near the beach, and these creeks sometimes form a lagoon at Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach. Although the beach does not have lifeguards, it does have showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and walking and biking paths. These amenities make it an ideal spot for a family outing. Getting to Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach is accessible - it's located near 400 Venice Boulevard. There is a paid parking lot on the blufftop area near the beach, and from there, you can take the access trail leading down the bluffside to Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach.