Half Moon Bay and Francis State Beach

Northern California is known to be full of beautiful sights and cities to see…including Half Moon Bay and its well-known heart: the beautiful Francis State Beach. Half Moon Bay is a beach-town full of old-school charm and character. Known to attract visitors from its neighboring major cities of Santa Cruz and San Francisco, this historic beach-town has it all: old-growth forests, expansive beaches, a downtown full of community, and a harbor that has a “New England-meets-West-Coast” vibe. 

Half Moon Bay is often foggy and misty each morning, warming up and becoming golden with sunlight later in the afternoons. It is a unique area full of various ecosystems, and the soil is notably fertile for agriculture. Francis State Beach is located off of Highway 1, at 95 Kelly Ave. The state beach is expansive, with miles of sand and Pacific Ocean shoreline to explore. There are many options for all visitors, including the Coastside Trail for walking, biking, or jogging, overnight campsites, and day-use areas. The Visitor Center is free to enter and offers insight on the local ecology as well as volunteer opportunities. 

The campground at Francis State Beach has both tent and RV sites available–however, they do not have water or sewage hookups. Both a dump-station and water-filling station are available for use by campers, for an additional fee. There are also quarter-operated hot showers available on the premises, which can be used by surfers to clean up after a day by the waves, or by any campers in need of a refresh. Francis State Beach is a wonderful place to take your family to enjoy a weekend getaway. Kids love to see the dainty yellow flowers alongside the trail while walking, and the beach is full of unique opportunities for fun and playtime. 

Please be advised that dogs and fires are not permitted on the beach. Dogs are allowed in the day-use and camping areas, as well as the Coastside Trail walk path–as long as they are restrained on a leash no more than six feet long. If you are a local, or have visited this lovely city, you might have noticed that one of the most beautiful sights to behold in Half Moon Bay are the horses on their daily walk on the Coastal Equestrian Trail. They usually take a walk in the setting afternoon sun, just in time for golden hour! (Pssst…This one-in-a-lifetime experience of riding a horse by the Pacific Ocean is available to you, too, if you visit Sea Horse Ranch, located at 1828 Cabrillo Highway N!)

Downtown Half Moon Bay has a vibrant life of its own, with live music events, a historic museum located in the city’s original jail, as well as lively shops and places to dine. First Fridays are a locally-enjoyed evening Art event from 4-6pm, typically from June to September, that showcases local artists and culinary treats! There is also a lovely Farmer’s Market to stroll through on Saturdays mornings, in between April to December. It is hosted at the Shoreline Station. Pillar Point Harbor, located at 1 Johnson Pier, is one of California’s last working fishing harbors. Halibut, king salmon, and even dungeness crab are all freshly-caught and sold in the harbor. The noble harbor is surrounded by scenic beauty, ranging from ocean views, gorgeous bluffs, and wetlands teeming with wildlife. If the harbor isn’t your thing, you’re always welcome to check out the Pillar Point Marsh Trail!

Last but certainly not least, Rocket Farms, located at 2651 Cabrillo Highway North, Gate 3, is a hidden industry-giant that the public can now visit. Rocket Farms has a newly-opened and breath-taking garden center to roam while enjoying a secret garden wonderland of color and plant-life. Rocket Farms is the third largest wholesale greenhouse grower location in the United States! If you’re looking for inspiration as a new gardener, or a gift for the plant lover in your life, Rocket Farms will most definitely want to be on your list of places to visit while in Half Moon Bay. Whether you’re local to Northern California, or planning a visit to the California Coastline soon, Half Moon Bay has a variety of welcoming environments to visit when you do!