Beaches in San Mateo County

Daly City

Just outside San Francisco, with dramatic bluffs, stunning scenery and comfortable temperatures

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Pacifica

Learn to surf, or ride with the pros, in this picturesque California destination

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Pescadero

Rocky cliffs, sandy coves and fantastic fishing marks this popular tourist town

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Explore San Mateo County

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Half Moon Bay Lodge

The seaside destination of Half Moon Bay Lodge invites both relaxation and adventure, a mere half-hour south of San...

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About San Mateo County

San Mateo County takes up most of the San Francisco Peninsula south of San Francisco. There are a few parks here with beaches on San Francisco Bay, but San Mateo County is known for its great beaches along the Pacific Coast. The southern part of San Mateo County is sparse with only two small towns along the coast, Pescadero and San Gregorio. Along this southern shoreline there are many beaches in state parks including Ano Nuevo State Reserve, Bean Hollow SB, Pescadero SB, Pomponio SB, and San Gregorio State Beach. Half Moon Bay marks the mid-point of the San Mateo County coast and it has many fine beaches to offer. The famous Mavericks big-wave surfing competition is held at Pillar Point on the Bay each winter. Between Half Moon Bay and San Francisco are the cities of Moss Beach, Montara, Pacifica, and Daly City. Several state parks are found along this shore including Montara SB, Gray Whale Cove SB, Pacifica SB, and Thornton State Beach. In this northern part of San Mateo County there are beaches of nearly all varieties from wide sandy beaches to narrow rocky shores and pocket coves.