Moss Beach

Like much of the area, Moss Beach is a foggy area with oceanside cliffs and lots of cypress trees. Much of the area is residential, with a population of approximately 3000.

Visitors to Moss Beach will arrive on Highway One, either coming south from Pacifica or north from Half Moon Bay.

• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

  phone: +1 650-728-3584
  The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a unit of the San Mateo County Parks famous for its tide pools. The best time to visit is during low tide when rocks are exposed and visitors can expect to find everything from starfish to the occasional octopus. Seals are usually present on the beach as well. Parking is limited and can be tough to find on weekends. Docent tours are available.

• Moss Beach Distillery

  phone: +1-650-728-5595
  address: 140 Beach Way
  Famous for "the Blue Lady", a ghost rumored to haunt the premises, the Moss Beach distillery offers a full menu, Sunday brunch, drinks, and a tremendous ocean view with comfortable fire pits. Happy hour Mon-Fri from 5PM to 7PM offers half-priced drinks and a discounted food menu.

• Seal Cove Inn

  phone: +1-650-728-4114
  address: 221 Cypress Ave
  Located a few hundred feet from the ocean (but without ocean views), and surrounded by gardens and a eucalyptus grove, this European-styled inn has just ten rooms, each equipped with fireplace. It's on the pricey side, although if same-day or next-day days may be available to those who call. In addition to the impressive grounds, a gourmet breakfast is included (prix fixe menu includes items such as homemade scones and poached eggs), there is a daily wine reception, and the comfortable lobby offers a fireplace and view of the grounds.

Be careful to check for ticks after hiking in fields in the bay area. There is a high rate of lyme disease transmission in the Bay Area. If a bulls' eye rash develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics.

• Half Moon Bay is the next town to the south, and features more lodging and restaurant options, but a less intimate feel than Moss Beach.
• Pacifica is the next town to the north, and has grocery stores, a bowling alley, and the chain restaurants necessary to satisfy those who need such things. The beach in Pacifica is also a good one, when the fog burns off.