Martin's Beach
Half Moon Bay, CA
Martin's Beach became a statewide symbol of the fight over coastal access after a private owner closed the only road in, a legal battle that ran for years before the California Coastal Commission and courts sided with public access. Free parking is available on the Highway 1 shoulder, or you can pay at the beach lot itself, a choice that exists because of exactly that history.
The real legal history behind public access here gives it genuine significance beyond the beach itself, though ongoing litigation means conditions and access here can still change.
How we score beachesKnow the backstory before you visit, the road access here was a genuine legal fight over the public's right to reach the coast, which makes just parking and walking down feel different than at most beaches.
Free parking is available on the Highway 1 shoulder, or pay at the beach lot.
The path from parking to the sand isn't documented in detail, so allow extra time on your first visit.
Dogs are not allowed at Martin's Beach.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Half Moon Bay area.
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