We loved our visit to Moss Beach! We enjoy Sunday drives to different beaches and this was an…read moreexcellent choice. Within this area, we also checked out the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. There's a small free parking lot here as well. If you have to use the bathroom, it's well maintained and clean. We enjoy the coastal beaches. It's beautiful and serene. It's even more relaxing to hear the waves with a sunset or sunrise. I still enjoy a foggy morning with a good cup of coffee. It's a nice walk to enjoy mother nature. If you enjoy animals, the seals are fun to watch! Lots of birds flying around, too.

Moss Prevention A…read morethree-mile stretch of beach located in the eponymous census-designated place of Moss Beach that features typical amazing California coastal views and clifftops. The Good: * Free to visit. * Small parking lot. * Restrooms in the parking lot. * The main reason people come here is for the amazing tidepooling at the J.V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, which is a tidal reef ecosystem that one can explore during low tide. * The Cypress Grove at the top is a fun place for photos. The Meh: * A fairly tall staircase is required to access the beach area, and if you cannot handle a few flights, then it is best to skip this place; it is definitely not ADA compliant. * As far as beaches go, if it were not for the tidepooling, I doubt I would ever come here for the beach itself. It is small and not really noteworthy, especially since you have to schlep your stuff down that huge flight of stairs. The Ugly: * The parking lot is not that large and fills up very quickly, especially during the summer months. There is neighborhood street parking available, but I would personally prefer not to bother the neighbors. Conclusion: Come for the exploration and not much else.

We parked at the free public lot here and walked down to the beach. The beach was pretty empty and…read moredog friendly. We then walked along the Coastal trail. The walk parallels the Ritz Carltons golf course. The views and fresh air were excellent. The Ritz Carlton offers free public seating and restroom access to people walking along the trail. The trail s paved and makes it easy for those who might be mobility impaired.

Beautiful lookout and path down to the beach. There are bathrooms at the top, along with a few…read morepicnic tables. Be careful coming here at night for the sunset, lots of people trying to also come and see the gorgeous view

This is by far the largest tidepool area I've been to and the most interesting place to see marine…read moreand wildlife, especially because it is a reserve. If you go in the wee morning hours, it felt like walking in a dream with fresh ocean mist hitting your face, a layer of light fog, and the serenity of just you and the ocean. A few locals came down for a morning stroll and were all friendly with a quick "find anything interesting?" chat. By 9am though, lots of people start pouring in and you start hearing all the excited screams of kids, if that's what you're into. I'm not. We were there super early and were lucky enough to spot out a great blue heron patrolling the tidepools looking for a snack, a stranded baby harbor seal, starfish, and lots of small crabs. Nearby on the rocks was a washed up decaying whale, we think, from the looks of the thick leather-looking skin and big bones. It stank baking in the sun the day before, but had no smell in the morning after the tide washed it all night. This place was made for exploring. The tide is so low that you're able to walk out suuuperrr far. Some folks were mussel farming from the little Islands. There was also a cliffside that you could climb up which takes you to a whole other side of different terrain. We found a neon green and purple crab on top and nooks of crashing waves. So beautiful. Be careful where you step when exploring. I was sad to see lots of tourists just stomping over delicate barnacles and anemones like they were nothing. Continue to preserve and this amazing place will stay wild for years to come.

What a special marine preserve…read more Parking: very tight. When the tidepools are open; you will find very clean water. Tip: to find the path, walk up the road a couple hundred feet, look on the right side of the road for a path. There are bathrooms and two water faucets and several large wooden lunch tables. No fire pits.

This is one of my favorite places to go with my dogs. We always have a great time here, and the…read morescenery is absolutely beautiful. it really makes the whole experience special. My dogs love running around, and it's a great way for all of us to enjoy some outdoor time together. One thing to be aware of is the parking situation. It's located to the left of the highway, and you have to carefully cross the road to get down to the beach area. It can feel like a bit of a danger zone, but so far, it's worked out. Most cars are good about stopping and letting you pass, but you definitely have to stay alert and be cautious. The upside is that parking is free, which is a nice bonus. It's usually easy to find a spot on weekdays, but weekends can get pretty busy, so go early if you can. There's also a short hiking trail just above the parking lot, and it offers gorgeous views that make it worth checking out. Between the beach, the views, and the fun for the dogs or kids, this place is a real gem.

I love the stairs to get down (although you could take the sandy way down too) and all the "secret"…read moreareas you can uncover on the far side of the beach near the bunker, like the mini waterfall. Tons of little coves and rocky areas to set up picnic stuff or leave items while hanging out. The whole beach and large space near the entrance are available for reservation. A get together there would be so fun!! Huge parking lot -- you can start hiking a few different trails from it, and they do look beautiful based on the photos from other Yelpers. Never busy on weekdays btw. I sadly saw so much trash strewn about around the beach entrance and under the stairs in the form of beer cans, chip bags, and even a Target bag. You know where you parked your car? Yeah, there are actually trash cans, big ones, right there in that parking lot.. like 500ft from where you threw your trash away. Don't be an inconsiderate asshole. I love eating and drinking at the beach, responsibly, but pack up what you bring in. Classless people.

Quiet easy trail and not too long! Peaceful stroll, seems popular as you will see many others and…read moredogs and sometimes bikes on the trail. I liked it, quite unknown little trail. Worth checking out if you want a nice walk. Being outdoors is good for you. Hear the ocean waves, feel the breeze, catch a sight of a rabbit scurrying into the bushes Free parking lot. Not packed

A gorgeous spot for an easy coastal stroll along the bluffs with convenient beach and park access…read more Pillar Point Bluff is a stunning area of Half Moon Bay/Moss Beach that's filled with a ton of beautiful walking trails. I say "walking trails" loosely because many of the trails can be considered light hikes, but it's an enjoyable coastal stroll nonetheless. I did a 6 mile walk through the bluffs from Johnson Pier to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and it was so unbelievably beautiful. Many of the trails are dirt paths but there are also sections of paved paths making it accessible for strollers and the handicapped. There's little to no shade on these paths, but the cool breeze from the beach will keep you cool. The best part about the bluffs of course are the lovely views. There are coastal views a galore and a few different ways to access the beach if you want to make a pitstop. I stopped by Ross Cove and Maverick's Beach on my jaunt through the bluffs, and both beaches were stunning. The parking lot is extremely small considering the amount of people that flock to this place. It's shared by beach goers, walkers, and fishermen, so you can imagine how busy and crowded it gets. My one piece of advice would be to park somewhere further (I parked at Johnson Pier) and make a day out of it while exploring the entire area. Or, try to stop by in the early morning hours or right before sunset when the crowds is thinnest. This is also a popular destination for people with dogs and small children since the trails are fairly easy to maneuver. I will definitely be exploring the bluffs a lot more when I'm in the area again. It's a great spot for a beautiful coastal walk.

Quite overcast today but the beach was beautiful and not crowded. Lifeguard station was staffed…read more Parking was $10 for state beach unless you have a state parks pass. Bathrooms and trash facilities.

I'm almost hesitant posting this place because I love how it's always empty and the beautiful…read morewalking trail is clean and quiet. This is my favorite place to take my dog. Absolutely beautiful views, great walking trail that leads to the Marina on one side and a small city on the other. Highly recommend to anyone looking to take a nice walk along the beach, grab some food and drinks near the Marina or come early to purchase some fresh seafood. Happy Earth Day

We went to the northern entrance of Fitzgerald reserve only to find out it was closed due to sea…read morepups. We drove a few minutes south to the other entrance and found street parking. We skipped the tree tunnel this time only because my kid was anxious to tide pool. We walked down the long flight of stairs to the beach to find amazing tide pools and a clean beach. No restrooms on this side, no dogs, no beach toys, no food (though I saw people with it), and no collecting. If you come here be sure to bring a well fitted hat, sunscreen (even on cloudy days), towel, water, and sturdy shoes. The tide pools rocks can be slippery so wearing shoes with grip can help avoid falls. I saw two adults slip in the 90 minutes we were there. I saw anemones, crabs, clams and so much kelp of all colors.

The Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel is a quick and easy trail to explore, take pictures, and to…read moresimply just enjoy nature. Parking is free which is a plus--located near the Fitzgerald marine reserve, and there are public bathrooms to use as well. The trees do give off a spooky/enchanted vibe, but that's the cool thing about nature!

This beach is very nice absolutely no garbage any where, beautiful water color for pictures, clean…read morebathrooms, lots of parking close to the water, surfers in the water to watch, great place to take your kids. I have a 1 1/2 year old who loved it! Many shells to pick up in the sand. This place is booming with life. Really beautiful drive to the beach as well.

Gorgeous beach, it does get busy, parking can be hard, we have been coming to this beach over a few…read moreyears, though haven't been back in the last couple of years, can't wait to come back. Its fun to see a lot of birds there, the water is cold as always, but its a solid beach

This is a hidden and secluded beach at Pillar Point, not easily accessible. In fact google maps…read morewill lead you to a cliff if you input walking directions, since there's no easy way to get there. There are two ways to access the trails leading here, either from the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve side, or from the Pillar Point Parking Lot which is where I hiked from this past weekend during my recent visit. It's easy to mistakenly take the coastal access trail from this lot, which actually leads to Mavericks Beach. To find Ross Cove, you'll have to walk toward the Pillar Point Airforce Station (golf ball looking structure) as the beach is right underneath this. I hiked a bit along the trail toward Pillar Point Bluff, and discovered a steep and rocky dirt path leading to the sandy oasis below (it reminded me of Davenport Beach, but without the safety rope). It was gratifying and I enjoyed exploring the area, with scenic views and crashing waves on this cool spring day with the clouds making way for some sunshine by the afternoon. FYI, parking is extremely limited on this side and they appear to be strict about not parking on the road, so that's one downside. There are porta potties available at this parking lot though, so that's a plus.

Daaaayum! I think I've just hit the jackpot. This beach right here is truly breathtaking. The most…read morebeautiful beach that I've been to in the HMB area and one of my new favorites! Stunning, stunning, stunning! What I initially thought wasn't accessible was actually just hiding beneath the bluffs. You want secluded?! Oooh, you'll get that here! I really think that most people don't know that this beach even exists. And even after I post this review, I'm pretty sure that it's gonna stay this way for a long time. This beach is accessible by way of the Pillar Point Bluffs Trail. The parking lot is tiny and there isn't street parking for almost a mile out, so this is probably another reason why it isn't crowded. There's a dirt trail and a paved road that both lead to the stairs down to this beach. The problem is, you won't even see the stairs leading down unless you're really looking for it. From the trailhead, it looks like the beach is far away and inaccessible, but it actually is. There's a steep downhill and then some steep stairs to get down here. But once you make it down there, it is so damn magical. When I first made it down here, there was absolutely no one else there. Not a damn soul. I was shocked but happy. Blinded by the beauty of the white waves and the coastal views of the land's end. The perfect friggin' beach and all mine in that very moment. It was so serene. Picture perfect. I didn't wanna leave but I did anyways, knowing that I'd be back. When I came back the second time, there were a few other groups there but that was it. That was all. Since this beach is tucked between Ross Cove, it feels so much warmer and keeps the heavier winds at bay. But, you still get that nice ocean breeze. Ended up staying for the sunset and it was everything that I imagined it to be. Peaceful. Calming. Beautiful. Just everything. The perfect beach, ladies and gents! I have nothing to complain about. Fell in love instantly and have been dreaming about coming back. And I'll get back there again real soon.

Such a beautiful place to exist. Miramar Beach is so spacious and vast, when I settled on a rock on…read moreseparate occasions I felt like I was the only one. No one else was around me even with the presence of others in the distance. During the evening, a pair passed me. Other than that, I existed solely. The sound of waves as the water cascades on shore, the song of the birds squawking at another, the dance of the wind on the ears drowns out all else. This was true during my early morning, midday and evening walks across the beach's shore. The sand of Miramar Beach was pristine. With the number of people visiting and enjoying, there was no litter or dog poop to be seen. I found solitude, serenity, peace here. People seem to stick to themselves, not much pleasantries were exchanged. In this space, I was satisfied with such. Here I only existed in the moment, there was nowhere else I wanted to

We came to beat the heat in the east bay, so we headed to Half Moon Bay. First we had lunch at…read moreMiramar and then went across to the beach. Originally our plan was to take a nice relaxing stroll after lunch. However we could tell this seal was in distress. At the time we first arrived there was only 1 volunteer from the Mammal center there to keep an eye on the seal and do crowd control. This area is an off leash dog area. However, this does not apply when it comes to safety. It was amazing how many people weren't paying attention at all, or who wanted to get right up in the seals face for selfies. We stayed the whole time to watch the rescue. It took awhile since there wasn't a place on this beach for the rescue truck to get down to the sand. Parking can be hard if you come later in the day or on the weekends. Lovely place to walk and enjoy nature