01
Best overall pick
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay Shoreline • Classic Wide-Open State Beach • Best All-Around Beach Day
A broad, sandy stretch with easy access, trails, and room for everyone from families to dog walkers on nearby segments.
If you only make one coastal stop from Hillsborough, this is the most versatile choice. Multiple parking lots, restrooms, and bluff-top paths make it simple to build your day around picnics, kite-flying, or a long out-and-back walk. Fog and wind are common, so locals pack layers and plan to linger for sunset when the sky often opens up.
02
Best for learning to surf
Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
Pacifica, Linda Mar District • Lively Surf-Town Crescent • Best For Beginner Surfers And Lessons
A scenic, crescent-shaped beach with a mellow town vibe, surf schools, and coffee within steps of the sand.
Pacifica State Beach is where many Peninsula locals catch their first wave, thanks to consistent, manageable surf and on-site rental shops. The paved promenade makes it just as appealing if you would rather stroll with a latte and watch the lineup. Parking fills quickly on sunny weekends, so early arrivals or off-peak visits are rewarded.
03
Best for dramatic scenery
Montara State Beach
Montara, North Of Half Moon Bay • Wild Bluff-Backed Shoreline • Best For Big-Sky Coastal Views
A striking, wind-swept beach framed by cliffs and open headlands, perfect for walkers and photographers.
Montara feels wilder than beaches closer to town, with rugged bluffs and wide views that stretch up and down the coast. It is great for tidepool peeks at lower tides and for pairing with a short hike in nearby McNee Ranch State Park. Conditions can be rough and rip currents are common, so most visitors stick to shoreline exploring rather than swimming.
04
Best for a seaside stroll and meal
Miramar Beach
Miramar Neighborhood, Half Moon Bay • Relaxed Neighborhood Strand • Best For A Laid-Back Walk And Waterfront Dining
A mellow stretch of sand alongside the Coastside Trail, with easy access to casual restaurants and bars overlooking the water.
Miramar is where Hillsborough residents often bring out-of-town guests for an easy coastal outing with minimal logistics. You can park once, walk the paved trail or sand as far as you like, then grab a drink or lunch while watching the waves roll in. It feels more intimate than the main state beach, especially at golden hour.
05
Best for big-wave watching
Mavericks Beach
Pillar Point Harbor, North Of Half Moon Bay • Working Harbor Beach With Legendary Offshore Break • Best For Storm-Season Wave Watching
A small harbor-side beach that serves as the gateway to the famed Mavericks big-wave surf break just offshore.
On big winter swell days, this is the place to feel the energy of one of the world's most storied surf spots, even if the actual break lies far out to sea. A short walk along the harbor and bluff trail gives you viewpoints over the lineup and passing fishing boats. On calmer days it is a quiet, interesting spot for tide-watching and a low-key stroll near the working docks.