Drive to the end of Poplar Street in Half Moon Bay and you’ll find Blufftop Coastal Park, home to Poplar Beach. It’s located about a half mile south of Half Moon Bay State Beach, and is operated by the City of Half Moon Bay and the County of San Mateo, unlike most beaches in the area which fall under the jurisdiction of California State Parks. While most Coastside beaches prohibit dogs and horses, both are welcome at Poplar Beach, making this a favorite destination for animal lovers.
Parking
Admission to the beach is free, but there is a fee for parking. A number of designated parking spaces are also available for trucks with horse trailers. You can pay for parking at a self-serve kiosk that accepts credit cards and debit cards, but don’t let the lack of on-site staff give you the impression that no one is keeping track – local law enforcement does cruise through the lot and ticket cars that park without paying.
Dog Friendly Beach
Poplar Beach is likely the most dog-friendly beach in the Half Moon Bay area. Dogs are allowed on the sand, unlike most of the state-run beaches. Your dog does need to be on a leash, but there are rule-breakers so you should be prepared to encounter off-leash pets as well.
