Top rated Beaches of San Mateo County

San Mateo County is believed to have the best beaches when traveling along the coast of California. Here are some of the most popular from north to south.

Pacifica State Beach:

The Pacifica State Beach is the most popular spot for surfing in San Mateo County. Since it’s located in the middle of the town, it offers easy access to eateries and complete relaxation when visitors are tired of the sun. The beach offers the following facilities:
  • Changing rooms and Restrooms
  • Outdoor showers
  • Eateries close to the beach
  • Pets allowed on leash

Half Moon Bay:

Half Moon Bay State Beach covers a range of different beaches such as, Francis Beach, Venice Beach and Dunes Beach.

Facilities include:

  • Separate parking area for every beach.
  • Francis Beach has a dump station, coin-operated showers and campground
  • Venice Beach offers outside showers and flush toilets
  • There are several eateries close to the town
  • There is WiFi service within two hundred feet of the Visitor Center

Cowell Ranch Beach

Cowell Ranch Beach is believed to be one of the most picturesque on the San Mateo Coast. A stretch of golden sand protected by the cliffs, It's a quiet area with little to do but unwind and enjoy the views.

Activities at Cowell Ranch Beach:

  • Bird watching
  • Harbor Seals visible from the cliff tops
  • The beach is surrounded by beautiful farm land

San Gregorio State Beach

San Gregorio State Beach is an extremely scenic area, located at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean and San Gregorio Creek. Swimming, surfing and beach play are the most common things to do. San Gregorio State Beach offers the following facilities:
  • Picnic tables
  • Restrooms
  • No pets allowed
  • Barbecue grills

Pomponio State Beach

Pomponio State Beach has high sandstone bluffs and gently sloping sand. One part of the beach is also clothing optional, but it remains isolated from the rest of the area. Beach combing and beach play are two of the most common activities of Pomponio.

Facilities available include:

  • Picnic tables
  • Pit toilets
  • Barbecue grills

Pebble Beach

Pebble beach is not a conventional sand beach; instead it is covered with small pebbles. Walking on the stony path or going fishing are some of the activities that are most coming here.

Facilities available here include:

  • Restrooms
  • Barbecue grill

Bean Hollow State Beach

Bean Hollow State Beach is wide and sandy. It is dog-friendly, but the pet needs to be kept on a leash.

Facilities at the Bean Hollow Beach include:

  • Picnic tables that overlook the beach
  • Restrooms
  • Beachcombing
  • Tide pooling
Swimming is extremely dangerous at Bean Hollow. The water is very cold, and surf is full of rip currents.

If someone’s looking for tide pooling opportunities on the Californian coast, visiting the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is also a good idea. With craggy rocks underneath the surface, it's a lot like a giant aquarium during low tides. Apart from this, there is also a small sandy beach to play on at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.

Transportation facility to and from the beach:

Getting to any of these beaches is also pretty easy. San Mateo has a well developed mass transportation system. There are also private transportation companies that provide yellow cabs for travelers to avail. These yellow taxis come with trained drivers who know the shortest routs in and around the city. They are also trained to be extremely courteous and considerate. Easy cabs can be booked through phones or through the transportation provider’s website.

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