Half Moon Bay State Beach is a single state park made up of four beaches: Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach. It’s a favorite spot for sunbathing, picnics, surfing, fishing, and camping.
Francis Beach
On the south end of the park is Francis Beach, also sometimes called Kelly Beach for its location at the western end of Kelly Street in Half Moon Bay. It’s home to the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center, which is open on weekends and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the park’s ecology and history. The California State Park Ranger Station for the area is also located at Francis Beach.
Dogs (and Horses!)
On-leash dogs are allowed in the picnic areas, trails, and campground, but not on the beach. This is true of most local beaches, with Poplar Beach to the south and Montara State Beach to the north being notable exceptions. Horses are allowed on the designated horse trail only. You may see horses passing through the state park on their way south to Poplar Beach, which allows horseback riding right up to the water’s edge.
Day Use Activities
Picnicking is a popular activity at Francis Beach, and numerous picnic tables and grilling stations are available to accommodate visitors on the short bluffs that overlook the ocean. Many visitors enjoy sunbathing, fishing, and long walks in the sand as well. You’ll often see people wading into the water or surfing the waves, but please use caution around the ocean. The water here can be very cold, and rip currents can pull even experienced swimmers out to sea.
Camping
Francis Beach has a campground with 52 campsites, suitable for both tent and RV camping. Some sites have electrical hookups, but water and sewer hookups are unavailable. Coin-operated hot showers are also available. Campground reservations are available online through ReserveCalifornia.
What’s Nearby
Lodging: Mill Rose Inn (.7 miles), San Benito House (.9 miles), Half Moon Bay Inn (.9 miles), 1855 Zaballa House (.9 miles), and Nantucket Whale Inn (1 mile) are within walking distance of Francis Beach.
