Mavericks Beach
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About Mavericks Beach in Half Moon Bay, California
Mavericks Beach at Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay is the site of the annual big wave surfing competition called Maverick’s. This big wave surf area is located a quarter-mile offshore from bluff top viewing areas outside the Air Force military installation on Pillar Point. From a distance Pillar Point is easy to spot as it has a huge white ball (a “radome” that encloses a telemetry dish for tracking aircrafts) on top.
The landforms under the water at Mavericks create a unique big break when large winter swells roll in. The surf competition is held when (and if) sufficient conditions occur between November and March. It’s “on” when there’s a strong winter W-NW swell and wind coming from the east blowing offshore.
The first Mavericks event took place in 1999 and has happened in most years since. Several films have been shot here telling the history of Mavericks some of its surfers (e.g. Discovering Mavericks, Chasing Mavericks).
When the weather cooperates this is a great beach to get out and stretch the legs on. This is a popular spot for locals who want to walk their dogs in peace. Signs say leashes are required but this is not typically enforced unless dogs get close to the nearby Pillar Point Marsh wetlands.
To find Mavericks from Highway 1, drive through the Half Moon Bay community of Princeton-By-The-Sea, then turn north onto West Point Avenue and continue to the Pillar Point Marsh parking lot at the end of the road.
From the parking area hike down the trail to the harbor and turn right. Follow the trail to the jetty and around the corner. Keep in mind that rogue waves can hit the beach so always keep your eyes on the surf. The steep cliffs on the bluff are crumbling in the area outside the jetty so stay back from them.
Camping on the point is not allowed and the parking lot is locked at sunset.
- Address
- W Point Ave
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 - Other Names
- Pillar Point Beach
- Owner
- County
- Pet Details
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Fees
- No fee for parking
- Activities
- Surfing, Whale Watching, Hiking, Birdwatching
- Amenities
- Toilets, Trails
Nearby Beaches
Ross Cove Beach
0.3 miles away
Ross Cove Beach is on the north side of Pillar Point between Half Moon Bay and the city of...
Pillar Point Marsh Beach
0.4 miles away
Pillar Point Marsh Wetlands is a protected area for the salt marsh habitat on Pillar Point Harbor. There is...
Pillar Point Harbor Beach
1 miles away
Pillar Point Harbor Beach is the beach inside the jetty across Highway 1 from the housing community of El...
Nearby Attractions
Pillar Point Harbor
0.7 miles away
Pillar Point Harbor occupies the north end of Half Moon Bay. It provides shelter for boats traveling up and...
Pillar Point Bluff Park
1 miles away
Pillar Point Bluff Park gives visitors several trails to hike that lead to incredible views of the Pacific Ocean...
Nearby Lodging
Inn At Mavericks
0.6 miles away
Uniquely named after popular surfing spots, the half dozen suites of Inn at Mavericks supply spectacular scenery and generous...
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Reviews
Not a bad beach but Ross Cove on the other side of Pillar Point is much better.