01
Best overall pick
Pescadero State Beach
Pescadero Coastline • Scenic State Beach With Rugged Coves • Top Choice For Varied Coastal Scenery
A dramatic stretch of coast where sandy pockets, rock arches, and a creek mouth all meet the Pacific just west of Pescadero.
From Loma Mar, follow Pescadero Creek Road out to Highway 1 and you land almost directly at this long, varied state beach. You can choose between wide sand near the creek mouth or smaller coves framed by rocks and low cliffs. Surf and currents can be powerful, so most people come here for walking, photography, and sunset watching rather than swimming.
02
Best for wide-open sand
San Gregorio State Beach
San Gregorio Bluffs • Broad Sandy Beach With Creek And Cliffs • Great For Long Walks And Open Views
A spacious, windswept beach where San Gregorio Creek meets the ocean below high, golden bluffs.
San Gregorio State Beach feels big and open, with plenty of room to spread out even on busier weekends. The creek often pools behind the sand and the bluffs give the whole place a dramatic, windswept feel. Bring layers; it can be foggy and breezy, but on clear days the long shoreline is perfect for unhurried walks.
03
Best for relaxed picnics
Pomponio State Beach
South Of San Gregorio • Low-Key Cove With Easy Access • Ideal For Laid-Back Beach Days
A compact cove with a sheltered feel, picnic tables, and a simple path from the parking lot down to the sand.
Just a short hop south on Highway 1, Pomponio State Beach is a favorite when you want something easy and mellow. Picnic tables and grills sit just above the sand, and the cove shape can offer a bit more protection from the wind than some nearby beaches. It is still a wild stretch of coast, so keep an eye on the surf and avoid turning your back on bigger sets.
04
Best tide-pool spot
Bean Hollow State Beach
Between Pescadero And Año Nuevo • Rocky Pocket Beach With Tide Pools • Perfect For Exploring Marine Life
A rocky shoreline known for tide pools, pebbly coves, and textured sandstone that makes the beach feel almost otherworldly.
Bean Hollow is the go-to choice when you want to poke around tide pools and watch waves crash over rocks instead of lounging on broad sand. There are two main access points, and both offer short walks to small coves rich with anemones, crabs, and sea stars at lower tides. Wear sturdy shoes and check tide charts; the terrain is uneven and the best exploring is when the water is out.
05
Best classic beach town vibe
Half Moon Bay State Beach – Francis Beach
Half Moon Bay Seaside • Lively Town Beach With Promenade • Best For Pairing Beach Time With Cafes And Shops
A long, sandy shoreline at the edge of Half Moon Bay with bluffs, a walking path, and easy access to town amenities.
Francis Beach is the most convenient slice of Half Moon Bay State Beach if you are coming from the redwoods and want a full-service stop. The paved coastal trail along the bluffs makes it easy to stroll, jog, or push a stroller while taking in the views. After time on the sand, you are only a few minutes from coffee, seafood, and small-town browsing in downtown Half Moon Bay.