Everything you need to know before your beach day.
Half Moon Bay State Beach sits on the Pacific Ocean. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 9414290, and rip current risk. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.
View Live ConditionsPark at Half Moon Bay State Beach in lots like Francis Beach State Park Lot, Venice Beach Lot. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $10/day and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.
Find ParkingAt Half Moon Bay State Beach, don't miss the Clam Chowder at Barbara's Fish Trap. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.
Explore DiningBoats leave Half Moon Bay State Beach from Half Moon Bay Pillar Point Harbor, including the Whale Watching Cruise — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.
See Things to DoHalf Moon Bay State Beach hosts Half Moon Bay Farmers Market and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.
Check EventsIt depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Half Moon Bay State Beach into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.
Check Today's Burn TimeNo. Dogs are prohibited on the beaches at all times, with no seasonal or time of day exception. They are welcome in the campground, the day use picnic areas and on the Coastside Trail, on a leash of six feet or less. Source: California State Parks, Half Moon Bay State Beach, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. Fires are not allowed on the beach. There are barbecues in the Francis Beach day use picnic area. Source: California State Parks, Half Moon Bay State Beach, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesNo. The whole park is closed to drones, model aircraft and gliders in flight. Source: California State Parks, Half Moon Bay State Beach, checked 2026-09-09.
See All Beach RulesAt Half Moon Bay State Beach, the sun sets at 6:56 PM today — about 11h 51m of daylight. Sunrise was 7:05 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Half Moon Bay State Beach update at the top of the conditions page.