Note: no longer private but now a county park as of 8/17/26. Wild and beautiful beach, nicely restored from the days of raves there. Parking includes many spaces for disabled and a few for EVs. Accessible by a long paved trail with many switchbacks and benches as well as shortcut steps. Picnic area and bathrooms. See xpost at Don Horsley Park entry. read more

Last time I came here was in 2016 while it was under the radar. It was a sketchy hike but rewarding once we got to the beach. I recommend coming with shoes when climbing down/up and packing an extra pair of sandals. I heard the locals would volunteer to clean it up but I guess over time people started trashing it more. Sad to see it's no longer pristine and respected- I personally thought it was the nicest/secluded beach. Please bring an extra bag for your trash. And don't bring glass. Here's some old photos read more

See all

It's been a few years since the county bought it off Chris Isaac - wait, it belonged to him? Well, once they owned it, they put a bunch of no parking signs at the access points, so it's easier to find. Good luck on the parking. You might just join the other rebels who have done it anyway?? read more

Tunitas Creek Beach is one of my favorite beaches along Highway 1. Although it is just a few miles south of Half Moon Bay, this beach is a "blink and you miss it" spot that provides some magnificent views of the Pacific Coast. Although it has grown more popular over the last few years, the beach is still exceptionally beautiful, quiet (most of the time) and feels somewhat secluded. There is no charge for parking either. LOCATION: Tunitas Creek Beach is about six or seven miles south of Cameron's Pub & Restaurant (the British spot on the south side of Half Moon Bay just north of the Ritz-Carlton). The beach is easily identified by the unpaved parking lot located on one of the higher parts of Highway 1. PARKING: There is no charge for parking. PATH TO THE BEACH: You have to hike (and climb...or fall) down to the beach. The parking is actually very high above the beach; so, you have to follow a path down to the beach. Part of that path includes a rope that beach-goers added to help people reach the bottom (and go back up). It is steep enough to be somewhat dangerous. It would certainly be difficult for children, individuals with disabilities, the elderly or those who are simply out-of-shape to scale the steep paths down to the beach. It is even more difficult going back up. Still, the views from the top are fantastic enough to merit stopping even if you aren't going to hike down to the actual beach. NOTICE: This is a public and private beach. There are no lifeguards on duty. There are no bathrooms. This is just nature at its finest. Consequently, people really need to take care of this beach. Don't leave your trash behind. IS THE BEACH CROWDED? This is an interesting question. Over the last few years, I've seen this beach get busier. This is particularly true on warm days in the summer, weekends or during warmer holidays. On the other hand, I've stopped here recently during the week in which no one else was there. I was there on Saturday afternoon. There were only two other vehicles that stopped by during the hour that we were there (and one was a guy using a drone). WHEN SHOULD YOU GO? If you want to "experience" this beach, I'd recommend visiting on weekdays or cool/cold days. Some of the most beautiful photos can be taken just before sunset. The mist over the sand makes the place look, well, heavenly. VERDICT: If you're driving along Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, then you'll probably want to stop here. If you're driving north, you'll see the magnificent views as you drive anyway. I'd include this beach on my list of MUST-SEE spots along this route: - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk/Santa Cruz Wharf - Wilder Ranch State Beach - Año Nuevo State Park - Pigeon Point Lighthouse - Bean Hollow State Beach - Mavericks Beach (Half Moon Bay) - Devil's Slide (Pacifica) - Gray Whale Trail/McNee Ranch - Gray Whale Cove State Beach - Rockaway Beach NOTE: The county is trying to acquire this property. If that happens, it will likely be redeveloped into a traditional beach. This will make me sad as it is one of the last undeveloped beaches along Highway 1. So, I recommend visiting it at least once before that happens. TIP: Bring a camera and/or GoPro! The views are fantastic! read more

See all

As long as you don't mind a few rough edges, Tunitas Creek Beach is absolutely a hidden gem. There are few places along the San Mateo coast that offer such an adventurous experience, from start to finish. It's really quite the find. For starters, this is not a state park with established parking areas and pathways. It's publically accessible, thanks to the work of the California Coastal Commision, but the ways to reach the beach are unmarked and slightly off the beaten path. Most people choose a pull-out on Highway One where you'll have to descent a steep cliff using a series of fixed ropes - bring a pair of gloves if you can and some good shoes if you choose this option. Otherwise, it's a slip and slide to the beach. The far better option is to park on Tunitas Creek Road, just off Highway One, and go underneath the highway on "Joe's trail" and follow the creek to its eventual end at the beach itself. There are overgrown sections and one spot where a fixed rope helps you ascend a steep spot, but it's all part of the experience. This is the San Mateo coast, baby! Go with the flow. Once, you are at the beach, you'll be impressed, despite the odd bits of detritus that mar the unspoiled beauty of the place. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4heT_F2tAOT09Nxh1oxnVQ?select=i2viIIKAkivuJ1-Om2xJhA#CbKzjnbZ6SheFU-ICjtEAg From North to South, you have nearly two miles of sand bookended by steep cliffs and tidal pools. There are rare tafoni formations (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4heT_F2tAOT09Nxh1oxnVQ?select=H-M2cb_QDqlcfOWGKmXBxA#i2viIIKAkivuJ1-Om2xJhA) at each end, a cave at the southern end that leads to a remote clothing optional bathing spot, and masses of sea birds that use this beach as a feeding zone. It's a wonderful location for feeling removed from the hustle and bustle of the Bay area, and you are, in truth, on the Pacific plate West of the San Andreas fault, off the North American continent. It truly feels like another world. Is it worth the effort to come here? For most, it is not. But for all the rest, Tunitas Creek Beach is a destination not to be missed. It took me a few years to finally make it, but I'm glad that I did! read more

See all

This is definitely the best beach I have ever been to! We were coming back from the tide pools one day, looking for a free beach to park at and enjoy. We stopped in this little spot, and, feeling adventurous, decided to climb down the hill. It is a bit rough getting down, but some nice people have tied a bunch of ropes together to make it easier. I am completely out of shape, and I can make it up and down without falling to my death *knocks on wood*. That said... Once you get down, you will [more often than not] experience a pretty secluded and always beautiful beach. If you cross through the cave to the other side, my favorite spot [the cave], you will sometimes experience some naked [mostly men] folks. We will always be coming back to this beach. ;3 read more

See all

Park off of highway 1 and Tunitas, use the pathway on the side to walk to the beach. The pathway goes under the highway, much safer. Lots of rocks, dried grass/weed, and sand on this trail. The beach does NOT have any restroom, trash, what so ever. So have extra garbage bag system ready! This beach felt really secluded. The beach is perfect for bonfires and camping if you're up for it. It does get cloudy, hence Half Moon Bay. The sand isn't the best, very fine dark sand that clings onto your skin; along with the dead birds and crustaceans all over the beach. Some friends fished off the ocean and caught small fish, forgot what they were called but its flat. read more

Lots of trash n graffiti. Thanks to an Internet blog I found this beach. Yes it is very secluded and hard to find. Sketchy as f**k too. Hella hippies and crack heads along the side of the road. Arrived at 11 pm last night and saw a long road of cars on the side of the road. Didn't know if it was the right spot but took a chance anyway. The way down was sketch... Esp at night and we couldn't see anything. The trail down to the beach was about a little more than 1/4 mile. Getting onto the actual beach there were lots of people on the bottom at this time. I wish there were trash cans so that we could dump our garbage. Next time I would come early so I can actually see the beach read more

Tunitas Creek Beach - Late night bonfire - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

It's definitely a steep walk down the dirt path in the bluff to the beach so have shoes with treads. The parking is also first come first serve so you may just have to be lucky as it is a pull off on the side of the road. HOWEVER, because of all that it's a relatively secluded beach in Half Moon Bay without a fee for parking or to enter the area. When I came on a Monday afternoon there were only two other groups of people and very quiet. Great for reading a book by the water! read more

Tunitas Creek Beach - View from the beach bluff - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

See all

Tunitas Creek Beach is one of, if not the last "free" beach on the California Coast. "Free" as in no charges whatsoever to use this beach, whether it is a short hike, day trip, overnighter, or multi-day campout. Taking Joe's Trail, which starts about 50 feet down Tunitas Creek Road from Highway 1, on the South side, it'll be about a 1 mile hike. The majority of the trail is well established and easy walking for most folks. There are a few small declines, not more than 3-4 feet high and a couple of spots where you might get your shoes wet, or potentially slip on the slick mudy spots, but otherwise, really a mild trail. Small children can easily handle the walk with minimal supervision. The trail runs along Tunitas Creek itself. As you reach the trail end, iceplant covered sections, along with other sand grasses, are everywhere. Absolutely, wear shoes. Too many idiots have left broken glass. FLIP FLOPs are ok (but not for the trail, only 4 beach use.) From the end of the trail, you'll have to trek 1/4 mile thru the sand to finally touch the ocean. Rip currents are all over at this beach, so unless you know what you are doing, figure on only getting up to your ankles in the water. Wear a wife jacket if you really want to wade/swim. Some waves may hit 4-6 feet, but most are smaller. Not very surfboard oriented, but a body/boogie board is pretty good here. At least a shorty, preferably a 3/4 or full wetsuit, the water is always chilly, 60 degrees even in August. There are silver surf perch to be caught on lightweight flies/streamers--use a size 10 or smaller hook. Saltwater fly rod is nice here. A few anglers try their luck here in the mornings, never seen a decent catch, although rumored to have Striped Bass run through here, along with the usual shark populations. Dungenous (sp?) Crab are prolific, but don't even pick them up, fish and game hawk this beach heavily with binoculars. When the dunnies are IN season, mind the limits and size restrictions. Toward the southern side of the main beach, there are usually several "community" tents with a large windsurf or paddle board marking the spot. If you have any rainbow skills, you should have little trouble using one of the tents if you'd like. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, pack out 100% of what you bring, DO NOT leave anything at all! In fact, help us all, and pack out 101%, pick something extra up to help. There is a crew you might see running a quadrunner with a small trailer. You might talk Chris into packing your gear in or out with his quad, for about $20-$30 per load (tell him Glider Bob sent you.) Btw, the wind is almost always mild here, even when places like Davenport are sportung 25mph wind, this spot will be 3-7mph. Its enough for very light sloper sailplanes, even thermal gliders can "slope" here. Careful though, lots of poison oak. Use your judgement and do clean up, its a great spot. Weekends are busy, but Sundays thru Thurs and you MIGHT be the only one there. Secure your car, secure your camp, kee0 valuables at home or immediatwly with you, recent robberies have been witnessed first hand. read more

If the crowds of Santa Cruz beach goers makes you anxious, and you're looking for a quieter, more private and different experience, come here! It's an easy to miss parking lot and looks like a cliffside when you look over the ledge of the parking lot but climb down this area and you're guaranteed a good time. This is my breakdown: CONS - The hike down (you need to be in decent shape because the path down is steep and you need to grab on to rope to make it down and not fall. Bear this in mind when you think to bring coolers or too many bags of food/beach gear, it will be a hassle to bring things down and back up). *TIP* Do not do this hike in flip flops, bring something harder-soled, like sneakers. Also, if you are staying later after sunset (and trust me, you'll want to do that because it's awesome!), bring a headlight or flashlight to help you navigate your hike back up. - There are pots of trash in certain areas of the beach since it's hard for people to haul their garbage back up the path from the parking lot. - Tends to get pretty cold as soon as the sun goes down, bring warmer gear as well as your beach wear PROS - Don't know if it's legal but likely one of the few places you can find where there is camping, bonfires, drink and fireworks. My guess is that people do these things b/c it's difficult for law enforcement to climb down to regulate these activities. These are intensely fun night time activities! - There aren't a lot of people who come here, not many little kids or seniors, probably since the hike is so intense. - Beautiful cliffside scenery, a pleasant change from flat beach landscapes and miles of beaches full of umbrellas and people - It's quiet, private and lots of beach to stretch out on. read more

Gross beach. Broken bottles, human waste and toilet paper everywhere. To top it off both cars we arrived in were ticketed. Would have been better off hitting any of the state beaches. read more

Awesome beach! Good for swimming? Not so much... Getting down to the beach is a bit hairy. Wear good hiking shoes! Word of caution: Do not go to this beach if there is even a SLIGHT chance of rain. Getting down the steep dirt path is not so bad... Trying to go up the hill in the rain? FORGET IT! I took a nice slide back to the bottom (on my bottom) trying to climb just a few meters back up the hill. It turns into a heck of a mudslide! How do you get back up in the rain? Through the cave to the other beach, or up the creek (follow the trail) Though I do warn you, the trail can be a bit hazardous in the rain while lugging gear! read more

Please leave tunitas as is!!! If your complaint is there are no bathrooms and no easy access then you are selfish!. There are only almost all other beaches right by there that supply that!!! If you claim you want to protect beaches such as this but you want paves access and bathrooms then you are just a self person!!! Thanks to self centered folk with with no commonsense this beach is on its way to lose it pristine seclusion! Oh, and to top of the government having control and claiming it's now public. It has always been public! Now the .CA is claiming to arrest anyone visiting is unacceptable.. Even the city manager slipped and said we don't want people getting us sick... Even though tunitas is one of the most secluded no easy access beaches. Shame in you .CA for allowing the government to take only for themselves... They bought land and claim it's public but take your freedom away and babysit visitors. Those who demanded bathrooms...i have nothing nice to say to you. It nature! Your and adult! Nature will not supply you bathrooms!!! Yes This is a public beach...but not all beaches are there to serve you! If your complaining that it's dangerous for your kid...stop it. Actually give up your child for adoption...whatbl are you reaching your kid? This beach is complicated and doesn't make my life easy so scew it!? I wish it was the past because people like you would not survive . read more

Back in the 1970s'1983, Dad lived in one of those 1 room cabins overlooking Tunitas Beach. He and the other hippies lived quietly and peacefully. I adored my summer vacations, holidays and every other weekend exploring the terrain above, swimming in the creek and enjoying the beach, tide pools, jetty, driftwood, wildlife and wild flowers. They are by far my best memories. The cabin property was sold and the cabins refurbished. With the prperty off limits to former tentants, the only legal access to the beach was going down and up the steep treacherous cliff. It pained me greatly to hear how people trashed the once pristine beach. Today I read that the state is finally going to make Tunitas a state beach. California is going to spend $5 mill to build bathrooms, parking etc. No camping though. read more

Don't go here, THERE ARE SAND SPIDERS EVERYWHERE!! Just kidding, this is greatest beach ever and even though it's a bit of an obstacle course to get here, but that just means less people on the beach!! And all said and done, it will probably wind up being top 3 decisions of your miserable life :) you didn't hear it here, but legend has it you can camp on the beach and have epic bonfires. If you're doing this though, please don't leave your trash behind. this is one of the few pristine (trashless) beaches left in the area - don't be the one to ruin that! PACK IT IN PACK IT OUT read more

From the freeway, once you pass over the bridge, that intersects Tunitas Creek Road, their is a little shoulder that you can pull off the road and park. This place marks a beautiful stop that is worthwhile just to get out of the car and take in the amazing view of the ocean crashing along the cliff side. Go ahead and snap off a quick photo op at almost any time of day, the location is stunning. I will say that if you have the time and the guts strap on your hiking boots, grab your camera, some water and maybe even a rappel kit, and if you can manage to get down in one piece out to the beach what awaits you is a whole stretch, of secluded and amazing beach views, you could spend the day here and almost not run into anyone. Regardless, the trek down can be a bit sketchy, I came down the cliff side to explore... and it took me a while to walk around to find a way that was safe enough to get me back up. (About a 2 mile trek back to where my car was parked. Still this remote location, is absolutely beautiful. Oh and BTW, the waters here can be a bit sharky like most beaches in this area, and according to some locals, this beach area is commonly nicknamed, "Don't eat us creek." There have been a couple of shark sightings here and a attack back in the 80's... the surfer was fine... Still unless I can find a better route down into here, all the hazard and trouble of bringing a surfboard down here, hardly seems worth surfing here given that the surf conditions aren't the best. Instead, bring a picnic basket and that special someone and spend some quite alone time together as you watch the sun set. Make sure to bring warm clothes and a flashlight if you do this because getting back out in the dark has got to be damn hard.... read more

Tunitas Creek Beach - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Hello visitors visiting to tunitas creek. Please pass the word to stop trashing tunitas creek. Its becoming a huge problem and Local folks and volunteers programs are exhausted and low on funding to support tunitas. I love tunitas. It's sand is beautiful and the environment is breath taking. Lets try to work together, pass the word, pick up your trash and be a hero to keep every beach on our coast stay beautiful to visit. -mahalo oxox read more

Tried camping there last weekend - got a $178 ticket parking all afternoon on Tunitas Creek Lane and right after cops put tickets on all our cars, they came and kicked us off the beach and wrote $180 tickets for the booze. The place is no longer under the radar, of the general population or worse, the cops. I recommend finding elsewhere. (In addition to our nearly $400 in tickets per person, we are covered in Poison Oak.) read more

Just an update I got through the grapevine. The county is putting in no overnight parking signs and the local tow companies are going to have authority to start towing cars parked there between 10pm and 5am. Also, ticketing will take place. This is what happens when a bunch of people abuse the beach, leave their trash (and broken bottles), and act like idiots along the road in the middle of the night when locals just want (understandably) some quiet. Keep it up and this park will turn into a full blown pay to access state beach. read more

Stopped off on our cruise down highway one. Five minutes in my fiancé stepped on glass and cut his foot. Spent the rest of the day in the ER. Was pretty disappointed. read more

Please remove this from site of you want it secret keep it secret the spot has already been ruined by to many people showing up

This beach is not serviced by the state or county parks, enjoy the beach and have fun but please bring a trash bag so you can take your trash when you leave. If people continue to leave garbage, the beach will be closed to the public. read more

Got very very bad poison oak from this beach. It was probably from the hike down. Anyways I had to get a prescription to get it to go away. I don't recommend this beach. But if you decide to go anyways, wear closed toed shoes, because the beach requires you to go down a wierd/steep path. In other words: Don't wear sandals! read more

The hike down is treacherous, not just because it is crazy-steep but also because of the poison ivy. Then, you get down to the beach and the water off the creek smells. I'm sorry, but I don't see the appeal. No thanks. Better to be had down South by Santa Cruz. read more

The real hidden gem of the bay area. It's located right off Highway 1, going south to Santa Cruz from Half Moon Bay. The way I've always gotten there was from the pull out from the highway. I think the Yelp address is now correct, before it wasn't and we had to kind of search for it, since it's not a state beach and there are no signs. I never thought the climb was that bad (until I came back after college and realized how out of shape I was) but it's so worth it. Sunset here is really beautiful. Pick a nice day to come or it will be freezing. My friend and I came today and had the whole beach to ourselves. We also went down to the creek and waded in it a little. Make sure to bring trash bags, especially if you're coming here to party because there are no trash cans (or bathrooms, for that matter). I'm definitely coming back here many more times in the future. Don't tell all your friends though or soon everyone will know about it. read more

Tunitas Creek Beach - When the tide is low - Hiking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

See all

This is a most beautiful beach. However there have been too many parties too many beer bottles left on the beach too many dirty diapers. There has been destruction of the environment by individuals clearing a 4-5 foot path starting at Tunitas Creek Road which leads to the beach. People are parking overnight on Tunitas Creek Road and recently have returned to their vehicles In in the morning to find that their cars have been broken into and Items have been stolen. I only hope that the beach can return to what it was a few years ago a place for fisherman surfers and for the adventuresome camper. read more

This has to be by far the best beach i have ever been to. My favorite in all of califoria. The hike down isnt as bad as people say if u know anyone who has been here. Its just a long trail until the end, thats where there is a rocky cliff u must get down, but dont worry there a trail for that too and a few ropes that people have tied to make it a hell of alot easier. I skimmboarded here for years when i was a teen. Its the perfect beach because its so flat and stretches out pretty far. I have also surfed here to wich is amazing. there is not a soul around but your friends. So heres the secret to bringing a surfboard down. As ur driving down HW 1 going south, u will aproach a bridge before the shoulder where u can park and hike down to the beach. Now before u go over the bridge take that left turn and park on that road. now u can take a trail under the bridge and along the river all the way to the beach. its paradise. Theres also a big cave at the very end of this beach, u can walk through it at low tide and it leads to another beach. even longer than the first. But beware because every time i have gone over there i have seen several gay nude men just lounging about. Maybe its a gay nude beach. also there is alot of seals that u can see just poping there heads out of the water. wich also means alot of sharks too. favorite food. On a nice day this is the beach to go to. it has everything. read more

Trashed beach, the sand spiders are gnarly, got both our cars broken into, windy as hell. Any other beach trumps this

Ew. What a total shithole. Seriously. The trail was muddy and long. There were dirty diapers and trash all over the beach. There were tweekers combing the beach asking for beers and cigarettes (I am pretty sure these people lived here). Our car was broken into and we were only gone for 3 hours in the middle of the day. But hey, if you like being harassed, the smell of trash and for your stuff to be stolen, this may be the beach you are looking for. read more

one of the best places to chill with friends, bring the weber mini grill, a tent, snacks, beer, and some friends. I always see a bunch of people camping out there and having bonfires, The place is absolutely desolate.....and beautiful. I am sure the fishing and crabbing there has to be awesome. no surf??? Who said dat? LOL! I was there last week and caught half dozen lefts and rights on both ends of the creek. I surf in the reef cove in the winter also, so there is plenty of surf....c'mon this is Norcal- if you have the balls to paddle out, you will catch a wave or two. OK so here is the trick to getting down there....park on the road just before the ...its Tunitas Creek Road, there is a narrow trail that briefly follows the highway, then goes under the bridge and follows the creek all the way to the beach...I call it Joe's trail, b/c a few years back I met the guy who blazed this ish with a machete and garden tools- a really cool older Filipino fisherman named Joe. anyway, be prepared for hella poison oak- thus wear long pants, a jacket, and shoes( and you may want to bring a machete) - no sandals or shorts, until the beach- b/c if you are like me, Joe, or any non-Ohlone Indian- you will end up with poison oak all over your legs, feet, arms, and face, and every other unmentionable god forsaken orifice. However the hike is worth it...and BTW, after you get home wash up with the Burts Bee's jewel weed/ poison oak soap to rid yourself of the poison oak oil- an old hippie chick from SC taught me that jewel of knowledge. I never went thru the cave so no idea what lurks over there? LOL, maybe there's surfable waves, maybe not? read more

It's true there is trash at this beach, but IMHO the pros far outweigh the cons. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. Just make sure to take your trash home with you and keep the area clean. When I was there some volunteers were handing out plastic buckets to be filled with beach trash and returned to the parking area. read more

This beach used to be quiet and nice, but the trash and sanitation are out of control at the moment and there are hundreds of people doing drugs and trashing the place on the weekends. There are a couple of local groups who have been working on clean-up, but there are just too many people camping on weekends to keep up. The beach has NO bathroom facilities, so people defecate all along the trail and it is polluting the land, creek and ocean and smells pretty awful. Because it is such a long hike in (about a mile whether you take the north or south entrance all downhill and pretty sketchy on the south), NO ONE PACKS THEIR TRASH OUT - literally throwing it all over the beach. A local group donated some cans a couple weeks ago and that has helped localize some of it, but over 3000+lbs of trash has been removed from the beach in the last few weeks. Until people start caring to pack out what they pack in, not bring glass that breaks and is all in the sand and not defecate everywhere - I would try elsewhere! At this point its likely going to be taken over by the state with fees and no more camping because no one who visits seems to care. read more

See all