Cowell Ranch Beach

Cowell Ranch Beach is one of the prettiest on the San Mateo Coast, a small, curving stretch of golden sand protected by sheltering cliffs in the middle of an area that's been a ranch since the late 1800s. It's a quiet spot with little to do but relax and enjoy the views.

Entrance Fee: None
Parking Fee: None

Creature Comforts at Cowell Ranch Beach :
* Vault toilets at the parking lot and end of the path
* No pets allowed

Cowell Ranch Beach Activities:
* Bird watching (especially pelicans)
* Harbor Seals on the north beach February through May, with their pups March through April - visible from the clifftops but not accessible to the public

Highs and Lows at Cowell Ranch Beach:
* Beautiful location and lightly visited
* Small, beautiful beach
* Surrounded by pretty farm land

Beachgoer Beware:
The clifftops are unstable here. Stay away from the edge. Sand slides sometimes close the staircase that leads down to the beach, but it's a pleasant walk out on the trail anyway.

How to Get to Cowell Ranch Beach :
Cowell Ranch Beach is 3.3 miles south of Half Moon bay. The parking area is on the west (ocean) side of CA Hwy 1. It's about a quarter-mile walk from there to the cliffs above the beach, along a wide, well-maintained gravel road.
More San Mateo County Beaches:



Located at Highway 1 Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.


In order from north to south:

Pacifica State Beach
James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Mavericks
Half Moon Bay Beaches
San Gregorio State Beach
Pomponio State Beach
Pebble Beach
Bean Hollow State Beach
Ano Nuevo State Beach