01
Best overall pick
Half Moon Bay State Beach – Francis Beach
Half Moon Bay • Classic State Beach With Campgrounds • Best All-Around Beach Day
A roomy, well-run state beach with easy access, facilities, and a wide strip of sand that works for almost any kind of low-key beach day.
This is the spot Redwood City locals think of first when they say they’re “heading to the beach.” Drive straight down Kelly Avenue and you’ll find a large parking lot, campground, restrooms, and a broad sandy shore that’s ideal for picnics, sandcastle sessions, and blufftop walks. The water is cold and currents can be strong, so most people stick to wading, flying kites, and strolling the coastal trail that runs north along the bluffs.
02
Best for dog lovers
Poplar Beach
South Half Moon Bay • Dog-Friendly Bluffside Beach • Best With Dogs
A popular local beach where leashed dogs, surfers, and sunset walkers share a broad sandy stretch below coastal bluffs.
At the end of Poplar Street, this city-run beach feels more like a local hangout than a state-park showpiece. A short, sometimes steep path drops from the bluff to the sand, where you’ll see plenty of dog walkers and the occasional horseback ride along the waterline. Parking is paid and can fill on sunny weekends, so aim for earlier in the day if you want an easy spot and room to spread out on the sand.
03
Most iconic surf scene
Mavericks Beach
Princeton-By-The-Sea • Harborfront Surf Lookout • Best For Surf Watching
A small beach and harborfront trail that offers a front-row vantage on one of the world’s most famous big-wave surf breaks.
Tucked behind Pillar Point Harbor at the end of West Point Avenue, Mavericks Beach itself is calm and relatively sheltered, with fishing boats bobbing just offshore. On big winter swell days, you can walk the trail along the harbor wall to watch expert surfers tackle the massive wave far out to sea, while the rest of the year it’s a mellow spot for tidepool peeks and easy coastal walks. Grab a coffee or chowder from nearby harbor cafes and make it a slow, scenic outing rather than a traditional swim day.
04
Best for dramatic scenery
Montara State Beach
Montara • Scenic Cove Under High Cliffs • Best For Dramatic Sunsets
A striking, cliff-framed beach with soft sand, powerful surf, and some of the most cinematic sunset views on the San Mateo coast.
Just north of Half Moon Bay, Montara feels wild in the best way, with steep hillsides dropping to a long arc of sand and waves that pound hard enough to demand real respect. Most visitors come to wander the shoreline, watch the changing light on the cliffs, and linger for sunset rather than swim. Parking is right off Highway 1 in two small lots, so it pays to arrive off-peak if you want an easy pull-in and time to explore without a crowd.
05
Best for beginner surfers
Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
Pacifica • Lively Surf Town Beach • Best For Learning To Surf
A crescent-shaped city beach with consistent waves, surf schools, and a laid-back scene that’s worth the drive from Redwood City.
Pacifica’s Linda Mar is where many Peninsula surfers first learn to stand up on a board, thanks to its forgiving beach break and easy in-and-out access. A large parking lot, restrooms, and on-sand food options make it simple to spend a few hours here even if you’re just watching the lineup or strolling the promenade. Expect fog and crowds on warm weekends, but the mix of wetsuited surfers, families, and post-session coffee runs gives the place a relaxed, lived-in coastal energy.