When to Go
Pomponio State Beach makes a good spot to escape the summer crowds—it rarely gets busy, even in peak season. Come in spring to spot western snowy plovers nesting on the beach, or in winter to enjoy the views all to yourself (especially if you visit on a weekday). Water temperatures can be very cold, even in summer, so it’s best to stay shoreside. The beach is open from 8am to sunset year-round.
Know Before You Go
- Pomponio State Beach is located off the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), along the San Mateo coastline. It’s about a 12-mile or 15-minute drive south of Half Moon Bay.
- Daily parking fees are charged at the state beach.
- Facilities at Pomponio State Beach include barbecues, picnic tables, and vault toilets. There are no lifeguard patrols, and swimming and surfing are not recommended.
- There are accessible parking spaces, vault toilets, and picnic sites at Pomponio State Beach.
Pomponio State Beach
Seaside strolls serve up dramatic views at this remote beach.
At the mouth of Pomponio Creek, this windswept beach is hemmed in by high sandstone bluffs, some of which tower almost 200 feet high along the shore. Seaside walks are the main activity here, and it’s possible to trek all the way to San Gregorio State Beach (to the north) or Pescadero State Beach (to the south). Keep your eyes peeled for seashells and seabirds along the way, and pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic coves of Pomponio Creek. There’s no camping at Pomponio, but campers can find options along the coast or at the surrounding state parks.
At the mouth of Pomponio Creek, this windswept beach is hemmed in by high sandstone bluffs, some of which tower almost 200 feet high along the shore. Seaside walks are the main activity here, and it’s possible to trek all the way to San Gregorio State Beach (to the north) or Pescadero State Beach (to the south). Keep your eyes peeled for seashells and seabirds along the way, and pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic coves of Pomponio Creek. There’s no camping at Pomponio, but campers can find options along the coast or at the surrounding state parks.
When to Go
Pomponio State Beach makes a good spot to escape the summer crowds—it rarely gets busy, even in peak season. Come in spring to spot western snowy plovers nesting on the beach, or in winter to enjoy the views all to yourself (especially if you visit on a weekday). Water temperatures can be very cold, even in summer, so it’s best to stay shoreside. The beach is open from
Read more...When to Go
Pomponio State Beach makes a good spot to escape the summer crowds—it rarely gets busy, even in peak season. Come in spring to spot western snowy plovers nesting on the beach, or in winter to enjoy the views all to yourself (especially if you visit on a weekday). Water temperatures can be very cold, even in summer, so it’s best to stay shoreside. The beach is open from 8am to sunset year-round.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —