Overview
Moss Beach is a small town on the Pacific Coast on the Peninsula south of San Francisco.
2 sights · 1 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Moss Beach
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a unit of the San Mateo County Parks famous for its tide pools. The best time to visit is during low tide when rocks are exposed and visitors can expect to find everything from starfish t…
Montara State Beach
One of the more popular beaches in Half Moon bay due to easy access and low hills, the beach provides opportunity for swimming, exploration of tide pools and surf fishing. There is also a lighthouse at Point Montara that…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Nov. Summer highs reach about 66°F; winter lows dip to about 43°F. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Half Moon Bay)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SFO San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SQL San Carlos Airport, San Carlos — 14 mi away. Directions
Visitors to Moss Beach will arrive on Highway One, either coming south from Pacifica or north from Half Moon Bay.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
- Lunch Moss Beach Distillery
- Afternoon Montara State Beach
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Like much of the area, Moss Beach is a foggy area with oceanside cliffs and lots of cypress trees. Much of the area is residential, with a population of approximately 3,100 (2010).
Get in
Visitors to Moss Beach will arrive on Highway One, either coming south from Pacifica or north from Half Moon Bay.
See
See Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a unit of the San Mateo County Parks famous for its tide pools. The best time to visit is during low tide when rocks are exposed and visitors can expect to find everything from starfish to the occasional octopus. Seals are usually present on the beach as well. Parking is limited and can be tough to find on weekends. Docent tours are available.
Eat
Eat Moss Beach Distillery
Famous for "the Blue Lady", a ghost rumored to haunt the premises, the Moss Beach distillery offers a full menu, Sunday brunch, drinks, and a tremendous ocean view with comfortable fire pits. Happy hour M-F 5-7PM offers half-priced drinks and a discounted food menu.
Sleep
Stay Seal Cove Inn
Located a few hundred feet from the ocean (but without ocean views), and surrounded by gardens and a eucalyptus grove, this European-styled inn has just ten rooms, each equipped with fireplace. It's on the pricey side, although if same-day or next-day days may be available to those who call. In addition to the impressive grounds, a gourmet breakfast is included (prix fixe menu includes items such as homemade scones and poached eggs), there is a daily wine reception, and the comfortable lobby offers a fireplace and view of the grounds.
Stay healthy
Be careful to check for ticks after hiking in fields in the bay area. There is a high rate of lyme disease transmission in the Bay Area. If a bulls' eye rash develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics.
Go next
- Half Moon Bay is the next town to the south, and features more lodging and restaurant options, but a less intimate feel than Moss Beach.
- Pacifica is the next town to the north, and has grocery stores, a bowling alley, and the chain restaurants necessary to satisfy those who need such things. The beach in Pacifica is also a good one, when the fog burns off.
Nearby
Half Moon Bay
City / town · 30 listings · 6 mi away
Pacifica
City / town · 12 listings · 7 mi away
Millbrae
City / town · 19 listings · 8 mi away
Burlingame
City / town · 39 listings · 9 mi away
San Bruno
City / town · 12 listings · 9 mi away
South San Francisco
City / town · 11 listings · 10 mi away
Colma
City / town · 4 listings · 11 mi away
San Mateo
City / town · 21 listings · 11 mi away
My experience
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