James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is located at the west end of Lake Street in Moss Beach, CA. 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 tide pools too. The inter-tidal zone here is considered one of the best tidepooling locations in all of California (learn more about tide pool zones). Birds, seals, and other animals are here during the various seasons. At the small visitor center there is a TV screen showing an educational video about the reserve and marine life. Behind the beach 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 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

North Lake St and California Ave
Moss Beach, CA 94038

Park Name

James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Owner

County

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

No fee for parking

Activities

Hiking, Tidepooling

Amenities

Tide Pools, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Trails, Benches, Wooded Park

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart