Half Moon Bay

Plan the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve around the tide: its tide pools are underwater at high tide. A minus tide shows the most life. At Half Moon Bay the daylight minus tides come in the morning from about April to July and in the afternoon from about November to February. Arrive at low tide, which leaves a few hours before the water comes back. Times come from the Half Moon Bay station, which gives predictions only (no real-time gauge).

Half Moon Bay sits about 30 miles south of San Francisco, on a broad sandy shore sheltered by a curve of headlands. It is still a farm town, with a small downtown and miles of state beach that rarely feel crowded.

It is also the home of Mavericks, the big-wave spot. In winter, when big northwest swells arrive, the wave breaks just offshore from Pillar Point Harbor, and you can watch from the bluffs.

Where to go:

• Half Moon Bay State Beach — 4 miles of sandy beach in four sections, for long walks and sunsets.
• Francis Beach — the busiest section of the state beach, with a campground on the bluffs above the sand.
• Pillar Point Bluff Trail — an easy walk with views over the harbor and out toward Mavericks; best in winter, when the big swells come in.
• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve — tide pools just north in Moss Beach (see the tide note above).
• Downtown Half Moon Bay (Main Street) — local shops and coffee, a mile from the beach.
• Pescadero State Beach (nearby) — a quieter beach with a creek estuary and birdwatching.
• Año Nuevo State Park (nearby) — seasonal elephant seal colony; book tours in advance for winter visits.