Visit Beautiful Moss Beach CA

Beautiful Moss Beach in San Mateo County is a community within the James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. You’ll find the reserve where California Avenue meets Beach Street. Featured in the recent issue of National Geographic, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Park is about 40 minutes south of San Francisco.

This designated Marine Protected Area has rocky shores that provide kayaking opportunities and ocean sports, but also serves as an outdoor classroom at low tide, allowing visitors to explore and learn about the diversity of marine life. On any given day you’ll likely see sea urchins, sea stars, harbor seals, various mollusks, and even the elusive red octopus. Keep reading our Moss Beach CA travel guide and start planning your vacation to beautiful Moss Beach CA. For all the great area beaches, click here.

Weather – When to Visit Moss Beach

Average temperatures in Moss Beach CA vary little. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit, the hottest months are July thru September. The temperature highs during this time average 78°F with temperatures rarely dropping below 57°F at night. The busiest time for tourism in Moss Beach, CA, is June thru August. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance.

The Best Moss Beach Beaches

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and its tide pools are part of a San Mateo County Park located in Moss Beach, CA, about 40 minutes south of San Francisco. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tide pools are one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast.

Seal Cove Beach

This secluded cove is within Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and is a real treat at low tide when tide pools are exposed for exploration. Behind the beach are trails that lead into a cypress forest that feels like something out of the movies with long shadows and unique tree trunks. It’s a fun hike with great vistas out over the ocean.

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Montara State Beach

Montara State Beach is a wide mile-long beach just north of Montara along the San Mateo County Coast. Behind the beach are stunning sculpted sandstone cliffs making this a very photogenic spot.

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Maverick’s Beach

Mavericks Beach at Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay, CA is the site of the annual big wave surfing competition called Maverick’s. The big wave surf area is located a quarter-mile offshore from the bluff top viewing areas outside the Air Force military installation on Pillar Point. A huge white ball marks this spot on the bluff from miles away.

Moss Beach Juliana Access

In Moss Beach is a little-known sandy beach below the eroding bluffs. Above the beach there is an undeveloped open space with a well-worn footpath that follows the bluff. A couple benches along this trail have superb views out over the ocean. Look for steep routes down to the beach near the parking area. There is a sea cave at the north end of the beach to explore when the tide is safe.

Best Restaurants in Moss Beach

$-Inexpensive     $$-Moderate     $$$-Pricey     $$$$-Ultra High End

Moss Beach Distillery $$ – $$$

The Moss Beach Distillery sits at the edge of a cliff in Half Moon Bay, California overlooking the ocean.  They offer delicious steaks and fresh seafood alongside a haunted setting provided by their resident ghost the “Blue Lady.” For the more casual outing we offer a heated outdoor patio that comes fitted with warm blankets and fire pits.  Telephone: 650-728-5595 Web: Moss Beach Distillery

Barbara’s Fish Trap $$ – $$$

With its neon fish sign outside and nets dangling from the ceiling, funky Barbara’s Fishtrap sits along the harbor and has drawn big crowds since 1971, thanks in part to some of the best fish-and-chips anywhere in California. Telephone: 650-728-7049 Web: Barbara’s Fish Trap

Sam’s Chowder House $$ – $$$

Sam’s Chowder House serves ocean fresh seafood, reminiscent of a New England style seafood house. Voted “Best Seafood in the Bay Area” by the 2017 San Francisco Bay Area A-List, and named “Top Three Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area” by San Francisco Magazine, Sam’s serves lobster, crab, fish and chips, fried calamari, fresh oysters and clams from the raw bar, and many fresh fish dishes such as salmon and halibut. Telephone: 650-712-0245 Web: Sam’s Chowder House

Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar $$ – $$$

Kim Levin – Chef/Owner of Pasta Moon strongly believes in giving back to the community and supporting local coast-side farmers, ranchers, fishermen and gourmet artisans. In fact, these elements are the core of the Pasta Moon identity along with Kim’s passion and creativity. Their menu rotates regularly depending on what’s in season, bringing our guests a contemporary Italian dining Experience that is unique and eco-friendly! Telephone: 650-726-5125 Web: Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar

Miramar Beach Restaurant $$ – $$

Enjoy incomparable views, exceptional food, and impeccable service that will exceed the expectations of everyone in your party. Except for those who have already enjoyed our seafood and steak restaurant dining experience! The menu consists of the freshest seafood, finest steaks and our world-famous seafood chowder. They also have a superb, hand picked list of wines, domestic and imported. Telephone: 650-726-9053 Web: Miramar Beach Restaurant

Best Moss Beach Nightlife

Moss Beach Distillery

Professional friendly staff, great food, tasteful and clean facility. Tremendous sunset views of the Pacific Ocean. Outdoor downstairs patio is very fun and romantic. Classy San Francisco historic vibe. Among the best seafood and best restaurants in the Bay Area. Telephone: 650-728-5595 Web: Moss Beach Distillery

The Wine Room

A great little wine bar.  Coast-side cute on the outside. Modern on the inside. Nice and warm making for the perfect place to curl up with a friend, a group, or just you and your glass.  The music talent is usually from the local area, but widely known and in many cases, published more than a few times.  Telephone: 650-728-9463 Web: The Wine Room

Old Princeton Landing Public House & Grill

They host live music, private events, festivals, sporting events, plus pool and dart tournaments. Their garden back patio is dog friendly! Every weekend they host the best bands from around the Bay Area and coming through on tour.  Telephone: 650-728-7096 Web: Old Princess Landing Public House & Grill

Cameron’s British Pub

If you can’t find a beer you like here, you must not like beer. It’s an atmosphere that only a family run business can provide, a place where babies and great grandmums are welcome. Let’s not forget the great grub! Enjoy and don’t be a stranger. An English pub is a family place, unlike our American bar equivalents. Telephone: 650-726-5705 Web: Cameron’s British Pub

Sacrilege Brewery

From their brewing methods to their burgers and everything in between, they buck the system and challenge the norm. Find hand-made beers and fresh, creative eats. Telephone: 650-276-7029 Web: Sacrilege Brewery

Best Moss Beach Hotels