01
Best overall pick
Half Moon Bay State Beach (Francis Beach)
Half Moon Bay • Classic Sandy Town Beach • Best All-Around Choice
Wide sand, easy parking, and in-town amenities make Francis Beach the go-to coastal day trip from Emerald Lake Hills.
Francis Beach sits at the southern end of Half Moon Bay with a broad sandy shoreline, campground, and a paved coastal trail running along the bluffs. It is an easy place to bring mixed groups, with room for kids to run, surfers out front on smaller days, and coffee or tacos just a short walk or drive away in town. On warm weekends arrive earlier in the day, as the parking lot fills quickly when the fog stays offshore.
02
Iconic surf spot
Mavericks Beach
Pillar Point Harbor • Rugged Surf And Harbor Edge • Best For Big-Wave Watching
More of a viewing spot than a swim beach, Mavericks offers a dramatic walk along the harbor to one of California’s most famous surf breaks.
From the small parking lot by Pillar Point Harbor, a flat dirt path leads out to the bluff overlooking the Mavericks lineup and a pocket of sand below. On big winter swells, you may see tow-in surfers and rescue skis working far offshore, while calmer days are better for walking the harbor, seal watching, and extending your outing into nearby Princeton’s fish shacks and breweries. It is a great choice when you want ocean drama and a leg-stretch without committing to a full beach setup.
03
Easy coastal stop
Surfers Beach
El Granada Coast • Roadside Surf And Stroll Beach • Best Quick Ocean Fix
Fronting Highway 1 just south of the harbor, Surfers Beach is a convenient pull-off for checking the waves or walking the shoreline.
This stretch of sand runs along the breakwater opposite Pillar Point Harbor, with a mellow shorebreak on smaller days and steady surf crowds when conditions line up. Parking is informal along the highway shoulder, so it is ideal when you want to pop out of the car, feel the salt air, and take a short walk without dealing with day-use kiosks. Combine it with a coffee stop in El Granada or a harbor-side lunch if you are making a half-day of it from Emerald Lake Hills.
04
Scenic bluff escape
San Gregorio State Beach
San Gregorio Coast • Bluff-Backed Creek Beach • Best For Coastal Vistas
A wide creek, high cliffs, and long views up and down the coast make San Gregorio feel a bit wilder without being remote.
Down a short road off Highway 84, San Gregorio State Beach opens onto a sandy mouth where the creek meets the ocean, framed by tall, weathered bluffs. There is a day-use parking lot with restrooms, but once you step onto the sand it feels far removed from town, especially on cooler or foggier days. Walk north or south along the base of the cliffs for a sense of the raw San Mateo coastline, keeping an eye on tides and staying clear of unstable bluff faces.
05
Tidepool favorite
Bean Hollow State Beach
Pescadero Coast • Rocky Cove With Tidepools • Best For Exploring With Kids
Small coves, pebbly sand, and easy-access tidepools make Bean Hollow a fun, low-key exploration spot rather than a sunbathing beach.
About 25 minutes south of Half Moon Bay, Bean Hollow offers two pullouts with short paths down to pocket beaches dotted with sculpted rocks and sea life. On calmer days and lower tides, you can peer into tidepools filled with anemones, crabs, and tiny fish, which keeps kids busy without needing a lot of gear. Pack layers—wind can funnel along this stretch of coast—and plan your visit around the tide chart if tidepooling is the main goal.