Half Moon Bay, California

1. Burleigh H. Murray Ranch

• What is Burleigh H. Murray Ranch?
  • Burleigh H. Murray Ranch is a state park surrounding a historical ranch that once belonged to Burleigh H. Murray, a Vermont farmer who settled there in 1857.
• Where is Burleigh H. Murray Ranch located?
  • The park is located in a hidden valley on the San Mateo Coast, about a mile from the intersection of Highways 1 and 92 in Half Moon Bay, California.
• When did the State of California acquire the ranch?
  • The State of California purchased the property in 1983.
• What historical structures are preserved in the park?
  • The park maintains the Mills Barn and other ranch outbuildings in ‘arrested decay’ as an example of an English Lake District Bank Barn.
• What natural features can visitors find at the park?
  • The park is home to mature eucalyptus groves and diverse wildlife.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch?
  • Visitors can explore hiking and horseback riding trails throughout the park.
  • There are also several picnic areas available for public use.
• What is the address and contact information for the park?
  • Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
  • Phone: 650-726-8819

2. Crystal Springs Reservoir

• What is Crystal Springs Reservoir?
  • Crystal Springs Reservoir consists of two artificial lakes located in the rift valley developed by the San Andreas Fault in the northern Santa Cruz mountains near the city of San Mateo. They are part of the San Mateo Creek watershed.
• What kind of natural habitats can be found there?
  • The whole area is very beautiful and covered with diverse habitats, from old-growth Douglas fir forests to wetlands and chaparrals.
• Is there a trail in the area?
  • Yes, there is a trail that follows the ridge of the Coastal Range along the eastern side of the Crystal Springs and San Andreas reservoirs.
• What kind of wildlife can be seen there?
  • Surrounded by oaks and madrones, the area is home to more than 180 kinds of birds as well as deer, bobcats, squirrels, and coyotes.
• Is the area protected?
  • The watershed area around the trail has been declared a biosphere reserve and is protected.

3. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

• What is special about the seashore near Moss Beach?
  • About 3 miles of rocky seashore, bluffs, and reefs near Moss Beach provide a home to a unique community of marine life.
• What kind of marine life can be found there?
  • A variety of crabs, seaweed, sponges, mollusks, sea stars, and fish live in the shallow, warm areas between the low and high tide lines.
• Why was this area declared a reserve?
  • The area was declared a reserve to protect the fragile and complex plant and animal community.
• What activities are popular at the reserve?
  • Visiting tidal pools is a popular activity for school kids and community groups.
• What types of plants are found in the reserve?
  • Most plants in the reserve are non-native species such as Monterey cypress, pampas grass, and German ivy, as well as many ornamental garden escapees. Native plants include coastal bluff scrub, freshwater marsh, and central coast arroyo willow forest.
• Are there guided tours available?
  • The reserve is fun to explore on your own, but there are also guided tours.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, 200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038, Phone: 650-728-3584

4. Francis Beach

• What is Francis Beach?
  • Francis Beach, one of four Half Moon Bay state beaches, is located at the end of Kelly Avenue. This lovely, wide sandy beach also has a nice grassy park with picnic tables and barbecues perched on the bluff overlooking the ocean.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Francis Beach?
  • The beach is very popular for sunbathing and long walks on the sand.
• Is swimming safe at Francis Beach?
  • Swimming is dangerous due to strong rip currents and cold water.
• Does the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail connect to Francis Beach?
  • Yes, the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail passes through parts of the park, and you can join it from either direction.
• Are there camping facilities at Francis Beach?
  • Yes, there is a campground with spots for RVs and tents.
• When is Francis Beach most crowded?
  • The beach tends to get crowded on weekends and holidays.

Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, Phone: 800-444-7275

5. Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail

• Are there many trails above Half Moon Bay?
  • There are literally hundreds of picturesque trails above Half Moon Bay, and most of them are part of the famous California Coastal Trail.
• What can visitors expect from these trails?
  • All of them provide spectacular views, vigorous exercise, and often a lot to see along the coast.
• What is the Half Moon Bay State Park?
  • The official Half Moon Bay State Park consists of four beaches with 3 miles of sandy shoreline paralleled by the paved Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail.
• Are these beaches similar to other coastal areas?
  • These four beaches are not famous for high bluffs and rough rocks seen to the north or south, but they are very popular with families and those who prefer an easy hike.
• Are the beaches easily accessible?
  • Yes, they all have easy access, parking, and restrooms.
• Is swimming safe at these beaches?
  • The beaches are safe for swimming as the sea is not as rough as in other parts of the bay, but the water is still cold and there is a possibility of rip tides.
• Are the beaches good for sunbathing?
  • Yes, the beaches are great for sunbathing on the broad expanse of fine sand.
• Is the trail suitable for biking?
  • Yes, the trail is paved and easy, running for about 5 miles along the ocean-side railroad tracks, making it great for biking.

Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

6. Half Moon Bay Distillery

• What is the Half Moon Bay Distillery?
  • Half Moon Bay Distillery is a small distillery brewing craft vodka, whiskey, and fruit brandy located in scenic Half Moon Bay.
• Is Half Moon Bay Distillery unique in the area?
  • Yes, it is the only distillery on the San Mateo coast, an area historically known as a hotbed of rum smuggling during Prohibition.
• What kind of spirits does Half Moon Bay Distillery produce?
  • They produce ultra-premium, hand-crafted, and highest-quality spirits in small batches for people who appreciate fine distilling.
• Does the distillery offer tours?
  • Yes, the distillery offers 45-minute tours of the production facility, explaining the distilling process and showcasing the equipment.
• Are there tasting samples available?
  • Yes, visitors can sample their signature products, including Purissima Vodka and Harvard Avenue Gin.

103 Harvard Ave #4, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, Phone: 650-728-7226

7. Half Moon Bay Brewing

• What is Half Moon Bay Brewing?
  • Half Moon Bay Brewing opened in 2000 and quickly made its mark on the local social scene. It is located just a short walk from the famous surfing spot Mavericks.
• Why is Half Moon Bay Brewing well-known?
  • It is considered one of the best coastal breweries in the United States, producing a variety of beer styles using the best ingredients.
• Where can visitors try their beers?
  • Their famous brews are available on tap all year round at their spacious tap room and restaurant.
• What makes the tap room and restaurant special?
  • The tap room and restaurant have become the in-place to hang out, featuring fun local bands on weekends and excellent pub grub to pair with their brews.
• Does Half Moon Bay Brewing have outdoor seating?
  • Yes, their outdoor terrace with a fire pit overlooking the sea is spectacular and is packed on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.

390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, Phone: 650-728-2739

8. Half Moon Bay Kayak Company Day Tours

• What outdoor activities are available in Half Moon Bay?
  • Exploring the diverse and unique ecosystems of Half Moon Bay on a sea kayak, paddleboard, or bike ensures a highly personal and unique experience.
• Where can you paddle in Half Moon Bay?
  • You can paddle through the protected waters of Pillar Point Harbor or venture into the wild Pacific waters near Half Moon Bay.
• What kind of wildlife can you encounter?
  • While paddling, you may have close encounters with seals, birds, turtles, and other marine life.
• What services does Half Moon Bay Kayak Company offer?
  • The Half Moon Bay Kayak Company offers a variety of guided kayaking and paddleboarding trips around the bay, or you can rent a single, double, or triple kayak and explore on your own.
• Are there lessons available?
  • Yes, they provide lessons in sea kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Do they offer any specialized trips?
  • They also organize fishing and crabbing trips using kayaks.
• What kind of equipment do they provide?
  • They provide first-class equipment, including waterproof jackets and wetsuits.

Half Moon Bay Kayak Company Day Tours, 2 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

9. Half Moon Bay State Beach

• Where is Half Moon Bay State Beach located?
  • About half a mile west of Highway 1 near Half Moon Bay, there is a 4-mile stretch of wide, sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
• Are there camping facilities available?
  • Yes, there is a campground for those who want to stay longer. Francis Beach has a well-equipped campground.
• What does the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center offer?
  • The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center provides information about the nature and history of Half Moon Bay. It is free of charge and open on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Are there restroom and shower facilities?
  • Venice Beach has showers and toilets for visitors.
• How long is the Coastside Trail?
  • The paved Coastside Trail winds for about 3 miles along the beaches and continues to Pillar Point Harbor.
• Is there a trail for horseback riding?
  • Yes, a horse trail runs parallel to the Coastside Trail between Roosevelt Beach and Francis Beach.
• Are fires allowed on the beach?
  • No fires are allowed on the beach.
• Is swimming safe at Half Moon Bay State Beach?
  • Caution is advised when swimming due to the cold ocean waters.

Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA, Phone: 916-653-6995