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About James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach, California

James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is located at the west end of Lake Street in the city of Moss Beach. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a county park and marine protected area run by San Mateo County Parks. This beach is especially popular at low tide because more beach is exposed and so are the incredible tide pools.

The inter-tidal zone here is considered one of the best tidepools in all of California. They are extensive and best viewed at low tide. Birds, seals, and other animals are visible in the reserve during their various seasons. At the small visitor center there is a TV screen showing an educational video about the reserve and marine life. Learn more about tide pool zones.

Behind the beach there is a large grove of cypress trees with trails and San Vicente Creek flowing through it. The Bluff Trail leads to an ocean overlook and continues south to Seal Cove another beach in the reserve. At dusk the trails in the woods are eerie yet inviting. This elevated bluff is a great spot to view the sun setting.

To get to James V. Fitzgerald Marin Reserve, turn off Highway 1 onto California Avenue and follow it to the end at Lake Street. Check tide tables before your trip.

Address
Lake St & California Ave
Moss Beach, CA 94038
Phone
650-728-3584
Park Name
James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Owner
County
Pet Details
No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees
Free parking
Activities
Hiking, Tidepooling, Photography
Amenities
Tide Pools, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Trails, Benches, Wooded Park, Interpretive Signs, Viewpoints
Map of James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Moss Beach, US
6:32 am, March 29, 2024
temperature icon 50°F
L: 50° H: 54°
Feels like 45.88 °F mist
Wind gusts: 4 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0.04 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:58 am
Sunset: 7:30 pm
Humidity 84 %
Pressure1010 mb
Wind 4 m/s

Nearby Beaches

Seal Cove

0.3 miles away

Seal Cove (also called Cypress Cove) is a secluded beach in Moss Beach, CA. The cove is within Fitzgerald...

View beach

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