Beach Access Sorta Granted

Martins Beach

Martins Beach San Mateo Coast

There's a secluded and scenic beach on the San Mateo Coast that's been kept under wraps for years. The reason? A homeowner has kept this beach to himself, and the Surfrider Foundation, San Mateo County Chapter, hasn't been happy about it. After a long battle in the courtroom, the public was granted access to the beach for the summer, but things are still a bit tricky: Permanent public access isn't a guarantee, and it's unclear which days the gate will or will not be open. You can take your chances over the next few weeks and see if the entrance gate is locked or not. The official name of the beach is Martins Beach, and it's located just off Highway 1, about 6 miles south of Half Moon Bay. In exchange for a parking fee of $10, you can enjoy this crescent-shaped sandy haven bookended by 30-foot cliffs. Towards the north end, small pools appear during low tide, teeming with starfish, mussels, and sea anemone. The beach is popular for surfing and fishing. Depending on the swell and tide, waves can be a decent size, and fun. No waves and the water's calm? Then tide-pooling or fishing for rock cod and perch can be a blast.

Alternate Beach: If you show up to Martins Beach and can't access it, head a few miles south to San Gregorio and Pomponio State Beaches, which are connected by a 1.5-mile (one-way) stretch of golden sand backed by grassy bluffs.

Martins Beach is 5 miles south of Half Moon Bay Golf Links, or 5 miles north of San Gregorio State Beach. On Hwy. 1 there's a green blank billboard that sits on a farm at the turnoff/roadside parking. If the gate is unlocked, follow the road down to the beach. Parking fee $10. No dogs. __Researched and written by Kyle Madden.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View