Park activities guide in Half Moon Bay, California

Located in Half Moon Bay, California, the Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park offers a peaceful retreat in a pristine valley. The park, purchased by the State of California in 1983, is home to groves of mature eucalyptus trees and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore the historic Mills Barn, dating back to the late 1800s, and enjoy a leisurely hike along the old ranch road alongside Mills Creek. Dogs are welcome at the park on a leash, and camping is not available on-site. The park offers guided hikes and other public programs, as well as naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Online reservations are not available, so visitors are encouraged to check the Parks Events page for upcoming activities.

The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center, located in Half Moon Bay, California, is a travel agency that offers visitors the opportunity to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance. The center also provides information on guided hikes, public programs, and backpacking adventures through the Santa Cruz Mountains. The campground, now on the new reservation system ReserveCalifornia, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups. The center is open on weekends and offers educational exhibits on the beach's cultural history. Visitors can enjoy four miles of sandy beaches, picnicking, fishing, and sunbathing. The Coastside Trail runs along the beaches, allowing for walking, jogging, and biking. Dogs are allowed on the trail but not on the beaches. The park offers an all-terrain beach wheelchair for wheelchair users to access the beach. Drones are not allowed in the park, and collecting natural beach features is prohibited. Special event permits are required, and field trips for school groups are available. The park is supported by the Coastside State Parks Association and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach, also known as Devil's Slide, is a picturesque tourist attraction located in Half Moon Bay, California, United States. The beach features a sheltered cove surrounded by cliffs that drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and opportunities to see migrating gray whales up close. Visitors can access the beach via a steep trail from the parking lot on the east side of Highway 1. Please note that camping is not available at this park and online reservations are not accepted. However, guided hikes and public programs can be scheduled through the Parks Events page. Additionally, California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer.

Bean Hollow State Beach is a beautiful park located on New Years Creek Road in Pescadero, California. This park offers a one mile stretch of San Mateo Coast shoreline with two parking lots: Pebble Beach and Bean Hollow Beach. Pebble Beach is known for its rounded, ocean-polished rocks, while Bean Hollow Beach features a small sandy cove and rocky tide pools. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, picnicking, and beachcombing, but collecting of any kind is prohibited. The park also offers the Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail, which connects the two beaches and features interpretive panels for a self-guided tour. Swimming is not recommended at this beach due to cold water, rip currents, and heavy surf. Dogs are allowed on leashes, but beach fires, collecting, fireworks, and drones are not permitted. Camping is not available at this park, but nearby state park campgrounds include Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park.