Half Moon Bay State Beach - Dunes Beach

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.

Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach offers many fun activities including sunbathing, wildlife watching, swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, sailboarding, kitesurfing, skimboarding, picnicking, kayaking, canoeing, beachcombing, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing. If you are planning to go into the water near Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach, we recommend being careful as the water here is extremely cold throughout the year. Moreover, the water in Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach is also known to have rip currents. We also recommend foregoing swimming during rains due to potential microbial contamination of the water from the nearby creeks. Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach is a popular fishing spot - between late spring through summer, this beach is ideal for catching striped bass and surf smelt. Depending on the time of the year, you may see a variety of animals on the beach including seals, sea lions, migrating whales (between December to April), and a variety of aquatic birds including pelicans, gulls, and sanderlings. To the south of the beach is another popular bird-watching spot which also serves as a nesting area for the endangered western snowy plover bird. Note that while various activities are permitted on state beaches, always check the local guidelines and regulations before planning your visit.

Half Moon Bay State Beach, the state park within which Half Moon Bay State Beach - Venice Beach is situated, also offers numerous attractions. Coastside Trail is a hiking and biking trail located along the state park’s eastern boundary that highlights the vivid coastal landscape of Half Moon Bay. An equestrian trail is also available in the state park. Half Moon Bay State Beach’s Visitor Center also offers interesting exhibits about the vibrant natural and cultural history of the state park. The visitor center is open Thursday through Sunday between 10 am to 4 pm during summers. The state park area near Frenchman’s Creek also has archaeological significance as a variety of archaeological sites belonging to the Native American Ohlone people have been discovered here.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants nearby. The Ocean Terrace is an upscale restaurant offering a lovely oceanside fine dining experience and offers excellent New American and seafood dishes. Another great restaurant is It’s Italia which offers excellent Italian dishes including gnocchi, pastas, risottos and soup and features a pleasant outdoor dining area. Another good restaurant is the modestly priced option is Taqueria Tres Amigos which offers delicious Mexican dishes including burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas.

If you are looking for a hotel near Half Moon Bay State Beach – Venice Beach, there are a variety of nearby options. The 4-Star Oceano Hotel & Spa Moon Bay Harbor offers numerous amenities including a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center and a spa. A more affordable option is the 3-Star Beach House Half Moon Bay which offers complimentary breakfast, afternoon wine sessions, fitness center, a pool, a hot tub and a spa. If you like camping, the Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground is situated on the southern part of the state park and offers accommodation for RVs and tents. Although there are no water hookups here, the campground offers numerous amenities including electric hook-ups on some campsites, showers, and restrooms.