Bean Hollow State Beach, San Mateo County, California

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.