Pomponio State Beach
State Park · San Gregorio, California
Pomponio State Beach lies on Highway 1 on the San Mateo County coast, south of Half Moon Bay and north of Pescadero, at the mouth of Pomponio Creek. It is a small, quiet beach of sand backed by steep sandstone cliffs and brush, popular with surfers and with people who prefer a calm stop to the busy beaches near Half Moon Bay. A creek crosses the sand toward the sea and may form a small lagoon - confirm - and a picnic area has been tucked in a valley near the lot. The water is cold, rip currents and sneaker waves are real, and lifeguards are not normally present - confirm. Fog and wind are common, and the cliffs drop rocks, so this is a beach for walking, watching and photographing. It suits quiet days and experienced surfers, and it is a poor pick for swimming, children who want to paddle or a warm day. Always allow for a short stop, not a full beach holiday, and a layer more than you think.
CA-1, San Gregorio, California, 94074, United States
California State Parks has generally run Pomponio as a day-use beach open from about eight in the morning until sunset, with entry collected by a kiosk or a pay machine at the lot - confirm the current hours, the day-use fee and whether the beach is staffed. Fog often fills the coast in summer mornings, winter storms bring heavy surf and can close the access path or the lot, and Highway 1 on this stretch can be slowed by slides or road works. Cell signal is patchy. Check the State Parks page and road alerts on the morning you go.
Pomponio State Beach on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos