Francis Beach Campground

Motorized boating isn’t really a thing here, but you should definitely grab your paddle and check out the kayaking and canoeing section!

For you anglers out there, your best bet is on the surf smelt here. The season is from late spring through the summer. Make sure to use your throw nets and bring along gear to catch the striped bass that sometimes follow the smelt.

While there aren’t a ton of hiking options there is one very nice 4-mile, multi-use Coastside Trail (and it’s fairly level). It extends along the beach’s easter boundary from Kelly Avenue north to Pillar Point and south to Poplar Beach. As you can imagine, there are some pretty epic ocean views along the way.

Kayaking at Half Moon Bay is a wonderful way to get in the water alongside the wildlife and experience Pillar Point Harbor or the Pacific. If you’re looking to try kayaking, this is a great place to rent a kayak and get yourself out there!

Half Moon Bay can serve up some pretty monumental waves for kiteboarding .The bay is best on a south wind, and can also serve up a wild ride (aka have fun and be careful)!

Surf? Oh yes there is definitely some of that (I mean, have you heard of Maverick’s??) Surfing conditions here are difficult to forecast because of the unpredictable weather and surf action. However, depending on the direction of swell and the level of the tide, lucky surfers have been known to catch some memorable waves, particularly around the southern end of the crescent. The gentle swells at The Jetty near El Granada make it perhaps the most popular surfing spot in the area for beginners. A mile offshore Pillar Point, where waves can reach 20 feet in height, the world-famous Maverick’s surfing spot is for experts only (seriously, don’t get any ideas).

Uhhhh...unless you’re an experienced swimming it might be best for you to stay out of the water. Swimming is not recommended here because of the cold water temperatures and unpredictable rip currents (not to mention their are some critters with some pretty sharp teeth lurking beneath the surface).

Half Moon Bay houses the expected water-associated birds. With a little bit of luck (and patience), you may be able to catch some less common wildlife like gray whales.