Bay Area Toddler
Free guide to baby & toddler activities around the SF Bay Area

Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail (State Beach)

Walk

Why it works for toddlers

A paved coastal path linking four beach lots, with restrooms and picnic tables at Francis Beach. Dogs are OK on the trail, not the beach.

Our words, from the official sources below.

Official page ↗Directions ↗⚑ Report a problem

At a glance

💵 Cost
Price unknown State Parks mentions park entrance fees for the beach lots but doesn't list the amount on this page. Correct this
👶 Ages
0 mo–6 yr (our estimate) Paved coastal path with a ramp to the sand at Francis Beach: good for strollers and scooters.

Parent logistics

🅿 Parking
Yes Four day-use lots: Francis (95 Kelly Ave), Venice, Dunes and Roosevelt. Confirmed · California State Parks · checked Sep 27, 2026 · Correct this
👶 Stroller
Yes The Coastside Trail is paved; Francis Beach has a paved ramp to the sand. Confirmed · California State Parks · checked Sep 27, 2026 · Correct this
🚻 Bathrooms
Yes Restrooms with running water at Francis, Venice and Dunes; pit toilets at Roosevelt. Confirmed · California State Parks · checked Sep 27, 2026 · Correct this
🚼 Changing table
Unknown Know this? Correct this
🌳 Shade
Unknown Know this? Correct this
🍎 Food
Yes Large picnic area with barbecues at Francis Beach. Confirmed · California State Parks · checked Sep 27, 2026 · Correct this
⏰ Crowds
Unknown Know this? Correct this
😴 Nap fit
Half day the coast drive plus an hour or two on the trail and sand. Our estimate · checked Sep 27, 2026 · Correct this

The walk

📏 Distance
3.0 miles
🛤 Surface
Paved source · Correct this
↩ Turnaround
Three miles along the four beach lots; start at Francis Beach and turn around at Venice (about two miles north) or sooner.
📈 Elevation gain
ft
⛰ Steep sections
Unknown Know this? Correct this
🚫 Non-stroller segment
No The Coastside Trail itself is paved (a separate dirt horse trail runs parallel from Venice to Francis). Confirmed · California State Parks · checked Sep 27, 2026 · Correct this

Last verified Sep 27, 2026 against the official sources. ✓ = confirmed by a source · ? = unknown (not the same as "no") · community notes are marked unverified. Spot something out of date? Use "Correct this" next to any detail.