Half Moon Bay State Beach: four beaches, a campground, the Coastside Trail and a bootlegging past

Half Moon Bay State Beach isn't a single beach. California State Parks describes four miles of broad, sandy beach with four separate day-use parking lots, Francis, Venice, Dunes and Roosevelt, plus a campground. Wikipedia says the 181-acre park was established in 1956.

The four beaches

Francis Beach, at 95 Kelly Ave., is the main hub. A paved ramp leads to the sand, and there is a large picnic area with barbecues and restrooms. The visitor center here is open Saturdays and Sundays, depending on weather and volunteers, and admission is free.

Venice Beach, at the end of Venice Boulevard about 2 miles north, has ample parking, a small picnic area, restrooms and outdoor showers.

Dunes Beach and Roosevelt Beach are at the end of Young Avenue, about 3 miles north of Francis. Dunes has restrooms. Roosevelt has a small lot, a picnic area, pit toilets and easy access onto the sand.

The Coastside Trail and the rules

Half Moon Bay's Coastside Trail runs along the eastern edge of all four beaches, about 3 miles for walking, jogging or biking. Dogs are welcome on the trail, in the campground and in the picnic areas on a leash no longer than 6 feet, but they are banned from the beaches at all times. Horses are allowed only on the dirt path beside the Coastside Trail between Venice and Francis. Fires, fireworks and drones aren't allowed, and collecting driftwood is prohibited. An all-terrain beach wheelchair is free to borrow at the Francis Beach entrance station.

State Parks warns that the water is very cold year-round and strong rip currents can pull even experienced swimmers offshore.

Camping

The Francis Beach campground has tent and RV sites, some with electric hookups. There are no water or sewer hookups, but there is a dump station ($10, not included in the reservation) and coin-operated hot showers. Reservations are highly recommended. Stays at Santa Cruz District campgrounds, including this one, are limited to 30 days a year combined.

History

Wikipedia says the Portolà expedition camped near this shore on Oct. 28-29, 1769, at either Frenchman Creek or Pilarcitos Creek. The area later grazed Mission Dolores livestock and was split into Rancho Miramontes and Rancho Corral de Tierra. In the 1920s, rum ships cruised offshore and Francis Beach was a favorite landing spot for bootleg liquor. During World War II, the Army set up a post at the beach. Today the beach is known for its western snowy plover colony.