Dunes Beach
Half Moon Bay, CA

Dunes Beach is another of Half Moon Bay State Beach's named entrances, reached by turning left at the end of Young Avenue, opposite the turn for Roosevelt Beach. The dune habitat here gives this stretch a slightly different character than the more open sand further south.
A quieter, dune backed stretch of the same beach as its neighbors, genuinely useful as an alternative when Francis Beach is busy.
How we score beachesThis end of Half Moon Bay State Beach tends to be a bit quieter than the main Francis Beach entrance further south, worth trying if that one's crowded.
A day use fee applies; the exact amount is best confirmed at the entrance.
A path leads from parking through dune habitat to the beach.
Dogs are not allowed on the sand at Dunes Beach, part of Half Moon Bay State Beach, though leashed dogs can use the Coastside Trail.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Half Moon Bay area.
More Pacific Coast beaches

Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.

Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.

Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.
