Francis Beach at Half Moon Bay State Beach

Francis Beach is the southernmost beach in Half Moon Bay State Beach. It has a campground and a grass park with picnic tables and barbecues on the bluff above the ocean. This wide sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing and beach walking.

Next to the day-use parking area is Francis Beach Campground with paved spots for RV’s and grass areas for tents. This campground isn’t nearly large enough to handle the demand for beach camping in Half Moon Bay so it books up fast for the summer months. Try to get reservations as soon as you know you’ll be visiting (book spots through ReserveCalifornia).

Francis Beach is popular so expect more people at this location than the others in Half Moon Bay State Beach. If you want to get away from the crowds on a sunny day, simply walk north or south for a few minutes and you’ll find a quiet spot.

The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail passes through the park and offers you a walking and biking opportunity in either direction. It’s paved in the vicinity of Francis Beach so you can ride it with a bike of any type or even with rollerblades or a long board. Dogs are allowed on leash on the trail so be extra careful when you are passing pedestrians.

To get to Francis Beach just head west on Kelly Avenue from downtown Half Moon Bay and turn right after Balboa Boulevard. The parking lot and entrance station are directly ahead.

Note that even though you might see surfers out in the water, we don’t recommend swimming at Francis Beach due to strong rip currents and cold ocean water.

Address

95 Kelly Ave
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Phone

650-726-8819

Park Name

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Other Names

Kelly Beach

Owner

State Park

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on beach, but OK on Coastal Trail if leashed (watch for bikes)

Fees

Fees for parking and camping

Activities

Hiking, Biking, Running, Skating, Beachcombing, Fishing, Beach Walking, Sunbathing, Camping, Beach Volleyball, Surfing

Amenities

Campground, Restrooms, Showers, Picnic Tables, BBQs, Paved Bike Path, Visitor Center, Lifeguards (summer)

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart