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Half Moon Bay Beach essentials
Parking
10+ public lots nearby, closest on site, 2 marked free, 2 accessible spaces
Restrooms
Public restrooms 0.1 mi away
Lifeguards
State Parks lifeguards and rangers provide roving vehicle patrols (no fixed towers)
Drinking water
1 water fountain nearby
Picnic tables
4 mapped nearby
Food & drink
34 restaurants, cafés & bars nearby
Rules and fees checked against parks.ca.gov. Other amenities were mapped by volunteers on OpenStreetMap within about ¾ mile of the beach. Rules, fees and lifeguard hours change by season, so check posted signs. Updated September 2026. Data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Something missing? Add it on OpenStreetMap
Beach Report is an informational guide from public data, not a substitute for lifeguards or official National Weather Service warnings. Always check posted signs and swim near a lifeguard.
About Half Moon Bay Beach
Half Moon Bay is a coastside town south of San Francisco known for its rugged beaches, bluff-top state park, and proximity to Mavericks — the legendary big-wave surf break that draws the world's best surfers to giant winter swells. Its wide, wind-swept sand and cold, powerful Pacific make it more a place for walking, surfing, and scenery than casual swimming. This is the rugged Northern California coast: the water is cold year-round, sneaker waves and rip currents are a real danger, and the surf is powerful — check the safety flag above, never turn your back on the ocean, and swim only where and when it’s safe.
Half Moon Bay Beach FAQ
When is the best time to visit Half Moon Bay?
Late summer and early fall have the calmest, clearest weather. Fall is also pumpkin season in town, and big winter swells bring the Mavericks surf spectacle offshore.
What is Mavericks?
Mavericks is a world-famous big-wave surf break off Half Moon Bay that produces some of the largest rideable waves anywhere in winter. For today’s conditions, see the live surf reading and safety flag above.
How cold is the water at Half Moon Bay?
Cold year-round — roughly the upper 40s to upper 50s°F. See the live water temperature above.
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