Bean Hollow State Beach stretches along one of the great
northern California expanses of coast overlooking the Pacific
Ocean in a region that's part of the Monterey Bay National
Marine Sanctuary. Located in San Mateo County, the beautiful
county between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, the major cities in
the county include Half Moon Bay. Perhaps that tells you how
charming this beach is.
If you like
fishing, picnicking and hunting for seashells, you'll be in good
company here. Tide pools may surprise you with the the small
crab and sea urchins in this marine habitat. A self-guided
nature trail offers easy hiking, but forgo the swimming. The
water is cold, surf is heavy and rip currents are not conducive
to pleasure swimming. Putting it another way, it's dangerous.
Bean Hollow
does not permit beach fires and prohibits removing driftwood,
shells and other items. Oh well. You can look, pick them up and
take photos, but must leave with memories and some digital
images.
Dogs are
permitted on leash on this beautiful, generally un-crowded
beach. Located under 18 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 3 miles
south of Pescadero State Beach, Bean Hollow includes picnic
tables, restrooms and public parking.
