Half Moon Bay State Beach - Francis Beach(Kelly Beach)

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.

Francis Beach has many amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, BBQs, a paved bike path, a visitor center, and a campground. Dogs are only permitted in the picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds if they are on a leash. 

There are many activities here, including, hiking, picnicking, biking, running, skating, fishing, beachcombing, walking, sunbathing, camping, and surfing. However, you cannot swim here as there are no lifeguards, and rip currents are very common. The Half Moon Bay State Beach website warns, “The ocean water is very cold year-round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life-threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops below normal).” However, if you like to surf, there are often huge waves here that are best left for professionals. If you like horseback riding, there is a designated Coastside Trail that runs from Francis Beach to Venice Beach. The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail passes through the Half Moon Bay State Park and is used for running, walking, and biking. The extremely popular annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival celebrates pumpkins, art, wine, and community, and occurs during the first weekend of October. Francis Beach Campground features 52 individual camping sites – of which three are reserved only for tents while the rest of them can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. During May through October, there is a 7-day camping limit while the rest of the time campers can stay up to 14-days.

For those with disabilities, the beach has one all-terrain beach wheelchair with balloon tires that is free to use and is made for the sand.

Access to the beach is easy – you’ll head towards the end of Kelly Avenue until you arrive at the entrance to the state park. The park charges an entry fee, which includes parking.

There are many activities here, including, hiking, picnicking, biking, running, skating, fishing, beachcombing, walking, sunbathing, camping, and surfing. However, you cannot swim here as there are no lifeguards, and rip currents are very common. The Half Moon Bay State Beach website warns, “The ocean water is very cold year-round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life-threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops below normal).” However, if you like to surf, there are often huge waves here that are best left for professionals. If you like horseback riding, there is a designated Coastside Trail that runs from Francis Beach to Venice Beach. The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail passes through the Half Moon Bay State Park and is used for running, walking, and biking. The extremely popular annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival celebrates pumpkins, art, wine, and community, and occurs during the first weekend of October. Francis Beach Campground features 52 individual camping sites – of which three are reserved only for tents while the rest of them can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. During May through October, there is a 7-day camping limit while the rest of the time campers can stay up to 14-days.

If you're looking for a restaurant, there are excellent options nearby. Taqueria La Gallina serves a variety of tacos, quesadilla, steak sandwiches, nachos, burritos, entrees, burgers, fries, meats, seafood, hotdog, soups, salads, and drinks. Cafe Capistrano serves a variety of appetizers, soup, salad, Mayan special dishes, burritos, seafood, sandwiches, eggs, and beverages. Main Street Grill is another great place that specializes in grilled food that serves a variety of grilled sandwiches, burgers, salads, eggs, burritos, tacos, and seafood.

If you are looking for a hotel, there are excellent nearby options. The Ritz-Carlton is a 5-Star luxury resort with an incredible view. The hotel was named in Forbes 2021 Travel Guide and features an outdoor pool, bar, indoor pool, gym, two golf courses, banquet room, spa services, three restaurants, heated pools, children's’ activities, fire pits, tennis court, bicycle rental services. San Benito House is a 3-Star hotel that has a firepit, a deli, and a Mexican restaurant and bar with occasional live music.