J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve image

J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in San Mateo County


Address

200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038, United States

Website

parks.smcgov.org

Contact

+1 650-728-3584

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Monday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 8 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tide (43) beach (32) beautiful (20) pools (17) walk (14) area (13) ocean (12) parking (11) views (11) trail (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 kaliador18 11 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    Excellent tide pool access! Today there were friendly rangers on hand, offering facts & education, as well as reminding visitors of the rules (fyi do not poke the anemone!). Also the lazy harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks were a blubbery delight. Very walkable, parking close by, high diversity of sea life. Very short, easy hike up the bluff reaches very photogenic cypress tree tunnel & panoramic views.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SYED RAFI M. 2 years ago on Google • 103 reviews
    It was beautiful and breathtaking and the best part was the view and the trees how they were covered in the weird way. The hike was very small and it was very convenient for us and even a small kid or an adult above 65 can do the hike. I saw people aged above 65 and kids below 5 walking around us and hiking and taking pictures with their families. The view from top of the hill across the ocean was very beautiful. The Sunset was also was very beautiful. We can go down to the beach as well. After the hike we can play in the water at the beach if you wish to do the so. By going down the trail to the beach.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne H. 1 year ago on Google
    We love to take friends and family here when they come to visit. It’s a lovely drive to get to on a nice day. There are restrooms and information in the parking lot. Even if you miss coming during low tide there’s a short walk up to a cool tree grove that reminds us of what an elven forest might be like ;) The views are nice and we’ve always seen the seals resting on the beach. We’ve even seen whales passing through. You can walk to Moss Beach which is not too far. Also, you can drive or walk to Moss Beach Distillery for some great views (on a clear day), good food and drinks.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany J. 2 years ago on Google
    Shot a couple of clients here, it was just beautiful! Nice trails and beach area. Fun are to go tide pooling. Dogs are only allowed on 1 trail out of the entire area. On the weekends it is crowded, hard to park and traffic is awful. I highly recommend making a trip during the week.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zachary F. 2 years ago on Google
    Good tide pools. Saw a lot of starfish, anemones, sea cucumbers, and small fish. Also saw a harbor seal. They close down the beaches at 5 so if you can’t make it around 15mins before closing, go another day. They are very strict about closing the beaches at 5 and will get on megaphones to get you off the beach.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 sharon m. 7 months ago on Google • 132 reviews
    Was disappointing because currently the place is closed for the public and that was not published on the park gov went. Public is not allowed to trail on the beach and the grove trail is closed to public as well. Two rangers when past us and could see we were wondering where to go since everything was blocked but they did not stop to offer advice. The only things you can see there currently is a skeleton of a whale and a tiny spot for observation at the ocean ( but there are plenty more ocean observation spots all over Hw 1 with bigger panoramic view)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas Joseph P. 1 year ago on Google
    Always love stopping here on my way down to Half Moon Bay. Just a nice place to watch the waves on the beach or take a nice stroll in the forest. It’s so peaceful.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David Y. 11 months ago on Google • 81 reviews
    Great spot to go with kids during low tide. You can check online when the low tide is to plan the trip. Nice Parking with restrooms and water supply. There are some hiking trails to look around. But we just went to the beach and saw some mussels, snails and harbor seals. The harbor seals were little away and the area is not accessible for public to give them space. Nice spot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nabil A. 8 months ago on Google • 335 reviews
    Once was one of my favorite ocean beach walks except the beach has been closed the last few times I've gone. Either dangerous rocks, or sunbathing harbour seals. So you take a risk trying to play in tidepools here. There is a nice clifftop walk to the Moss Beach Distillery (now restaurant), but you have to shoo away the dang artists and their easels who hide in every nook. Go to Maverics beach for rocky tide pools.

  • 5/5 Hannah E. 3 months ago on Google • 304 reviews New
    When I visited, the main trailhead into the preserve off of Lake St. was closed because the bridge was out. So I entered from the other side (Beach Ave/Cypress Ave) and it was perfect! Short trail through beautiful cypress trees with incredible views of the coastline and ocean below. I followed the Bluff Trail to the lookout point, then turned around and went back; total about 0.7 miles or so. There are stairs down to Moss Beach as well if you want to take a dip.

  • 5/5 Melissa H. 9 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Fun stop on a road trip to walk and get fresh air. Came on a Friday during summer - plenty of parking, not too crowded. Didn’t time it right for low tide, but it was still beautiful to walk around.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yonkers C. 1 year ago on Google
    Spent less than an hour here. Parking at the corner of Nevada Ave and North Lake St. The walk to a natural pier was just a couple minutes were one can see a beautiful view of the ocean and coast line. We also saw several sea lions swimming towards the shore. There is a higher point one can walk too but we didn't have time. Be sure to read the warning signs before entering. There are restrooms which were very clean and outside of them a continuing looping video screen which played a short story about the area. There are benches around and a nice place to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Steven T. 1 year ago on Google
    I don't know about all the 5-star reviews. It's a tiny beach blocked on both sides and crowded on weekends just like what you see in some of the posted photos. It's fine for a quick stop and checking out the tide pools. If you want to spend a good couple hours or more to explore nature, there are plenty other places with similar features and much larger space.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khan T. 6 months ago on Google
    We arrived as the tide was receding. Saw lots of sea anemones and hermit crabs. Definitely a great place for kids.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suzannah R. 3 months ago on Google • 36 reviews New
    Great tide pools! If you're looking for sea creatures try the "seal cove" area of this place, we found spider crabs, sea slugs/nudibranches, sea urchins, and sea stars! Come around 4.00 for low tide!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric C. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful spot, especially out among the tide pools but there are tons of paths to wander through the coastal cypress trees. Seal season may have additional restrictions on where you can go. Make sure to visit at low tide!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 O. M. B. 1 year ago on Google
    This reserve is very clean and somewhat easy to access. Keep an eye out for low tide and go look at the creatures of the intertidal zone. You will find anemones, hermit crabs, snails with beautiful shells, and sometimes even starfish. Do not touch the inhabitants of the tide pool as it is a protected reserve. The rangers are very knowledgeable and protect the habitat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Greg R. 1 year ago on Google
    It's not a huge park, but if you're looking to disconnect from things, it will provide a pleasant opportunity to do so. You'll have views of the ocean and a lot of trees. Very nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 derrick A. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place to hike, look at sea creatures, wander through the forest and watch the waves crash along the beach.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 S C. 1 year ago on Google
    Due to the recent storm, the bridge from the parking lot was closed. Visitors have to detour to enter from the other side. The park is small but very scenic. There're beach access at both entrance, but sometimes closed, if there's Sealions activities.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Daniel K. 9 months ago on Google
    Great to see at low tide. Nestled along the scenic coastline of California, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve stands as an ecological jewel, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty and diverse marine life. Spanning approximately 80 acres, this protected sanctuary is situated in Moss Beach, just 20 miles south of San Francisco, and is renowned for its commitment to conservation and education. The reserve boasts a wealth of marine habitats, including tide pools, rocky shorelines, and sandy beaches, providing a haven for an array of marine species. Visitors are treated to a mesmerizing display of vibrant sea stars, anemones, crabs, and other fascinating creatures that thrive in the intertidal zone. Furthermore, the area attracts migratory birds, offering birdwatchers an opportunity to observe various avian species in their natural habitat. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve embraces a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, encouraging sustainable practices and promoting public awareness through educational programs. Guided tours and interpretive displays help visitors understand the delicate balance of this marine ecosystem and the significance of safeguarding its integrity. Whether one is an avid nature enthusiast, a curious student, or simply seeking tranquility amid nature's wonders, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve promises an unforgettable experience, fostering a profound appreciation for the coastal treasures California has to offer. As visitors explore its shores, they become part of a collective effort to protect this precious coastal gem for generations to come.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lisa B. 9 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    We followed directions to the parking lot and found that the beach area directly nearby was pretty small and crowded on a weekday, but it's summer, so that is to be expected. Also, there was a sign posted warning beach goers to avoid water Contact due to high bacteria levels, so that was disappointing. However, the reserve is quite large and fortunately there was a sign with directions to a different beach with a stairway leading from the bluffs down to the beach and that was a much nicer area. It was a little tricky to find and we briefly got lost in the surrounding neighborhood, but it was worth it once we found the other beach. It was a wide, deserted stretch of sand. Saw this mysterious burned out compound up above the beach. I don't know the back story, but I'm sure the Moss Beach locals do! Nice place for exploring, I'd like to go back and see other parts of the reserve.

  • 5/5 Lisa W. 3 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    We visited the Marine Reserve with another family during very low tide and it was AMAZING: the beach was beautiful and we were able to walk out really far out around all the tidepools. We saw so many huge sea stars, anemones, sea urchins, fish and hermit crabs. The kids were so fascinated and loved exploring--they wanted to stay even as it was getting darker and colder. The sunset was gorgeous! This was our first time there and it was a great outing. We'll definitely go back many times!

  • 4/5 Sanghoon H. 4 years ago on Google
    Kind of healing :)

  • 5/5 Willis C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Offshore Reserve, well worth a while (Original) 近海保留區,很值得待一會

  • 4/5 Germana J. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the tide pools

  • 5/5 Oscar W. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience, highly recommend a visit at low tide!

  • 5/5 Zhijian J. 4 years ago on Google
    Sunset is so beautiful!

  • 4/5 Alynn N. 4 years ago on Google
    It’s a unique site to catch the marine life in a low tide day. Be sure to bundle up and get your rain boots on.

  • 5/5 Linda M. 4 years ago on Google
    It was beautiful! The work they do to save wildlife is amazing.

  • 5/5 Nicholas S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great spot to go and explore the tide pools, you can catch an amazing sunset here too with easy beach access. Be sure to watch the waves as tide comes in/out with little warning. Be sure to pay attention to the wildlife signs and give nature the respect it deserves.

  • 5/5 Irina Z. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very clean and beautiful. (Original) Очень чисто и красиво.

  • 5/5 Adeline O. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited two Sundays ago - easy walk if you do not plan to go down to the beach. Walking through the cypress trees was awesome, exploring amongst the rocks on the beach was beautiful too - added bonus of closer look at the seals & minute marine life. And meet the most lovely people & their pet 😊

  • 5/5 Jue H. 1 year ago on Google
    Hidden gem. It’s behind a residential area. Very nice trail along the shore. Highly recommended. There are seals on the beach so tide pool are is closed today. There are tree branches our kids enjoy to climb on.

  • 5/5 Liliane H. 11 months ago on Google
    Much better than Agate Beach. Seals and too many tide pools to count! Awesome for newbies and visitors to Cali.

  • 5/5 Joseph M. 1 year ago on Google
    A friend recommended this spot for my trip to HMB. I saw a total of 3 people there the entire time I walked the bluff trail. It is an amazing place. Parking is easy, free and the park is open until 7pm.

  • 4/5 Marie M. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice scenery needs more places to put garbage

  • 5/5 Lupita C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is relaxing to go and enjoy this place, nature, the sea and see its immensity, and the information booth where you see such extraordinary things, I really like going with my family, it is one of my favorite places ... highly recommended to go for a walk and relax there everything is very nice and clean and the people who visit very smiling and polite! (Original) Están relajante ir y disfrutar de este lugar la naturaleza el mar y ver su inmensidad, y la caseta de información donde miras cosas tan extraordinarias , me gusta mucho ir con mi familia ahí es de mis lugares preferidos... recomendadizima para ir a pasear y relajarte ahí todo es muy bonito y limpio y las personas que visitan muy sonrientes y educadas!

  • 5/5 greta 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Is there anyone else here for their English book? ? (Original) Ist noch jemand wegen seinem Englischbuch hier? ?

  • 4/5 Maria T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful❤ (Original) Muy hermoso❤

  • 5/5 Greg C. 3 years ago on Google
    I absolutely love this place! There are 3 easy trails, all with amazing views! Pillar Point Bluff Trail is the most breathtaking row of grey trees. You will never get the memory of walking between these huge ancient trees as you approach the ocean out of your head! If you want wedding photos or just the memory of a place that appears to be stuck in time, this is it.

  • 5/5 Kuzma S. 3 years ago on Google
    great place to take a short hike. the views are great and the big trees you see everywhere add lots to the overall vibe and atmosphere. although it was not open when we visited, there is also a small beach/tide pool area as part of this area.

  • 5/5 Anthony F. 3 years ago on Google
    Top of the line Pacific tide pools. Obviously, check the tides. Was still closed last time I was there. Walked in the beautiful cypress forests on the cliffs above. Please be aware that like so many of our parks and open spaces, this place suffers due to its popularity. Millions of footsteps a year can wear organisms out. So please explore gently. Our recent troubled times have made clear the value our natural spaces as we all flocked to the shores and trails for respite. That means something. Try this: ask Nature's permission before entering a forest, or seashore. Wait for a sign of welcome (you decide what that is). Express your deep and humble gratitude and begin your walk. Your experience will be different and fresh and powerful. At least for a few minutes....

  • 4/5 JK H. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice Cozy Beach

  • 5/5 Matt 5. 3 years ago on Google
    The tide pools are one of my favorite places to go there’s so many creatures you can discover on the beach. It’s super beautiful out there and you can get to see so much. The rangers there were kind and answered all of our questions. I’m definitely going to come back.

  • 5/5 Ryan L. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is georgous, wonderful experience to get so close to different sea creatures

  • 5/5 Lisa E. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to come for a family walk, to clear your head or meditate. Beautiful trail along the cliffs and access to the beach with pristine sand, rugged cliffs and tons of cypress trees. Restrooms available. Parking is limited but ok if you get there early.

  • 5/5 Melanie H. 4 years ago on Google
    Truly gorgeous place with wonderful tide pools! Has a restroom and a parking lot, street parking as well. Short walk to a bench that overlooks the beach and a steep (but short) hike down to the water.

  • 5/5 Adrienne H. 4 years ago on Google
    The tide pools are amazing! Seals and pups are fun to see resting on the sandy beach and on the rocks just off shore. They are in a protected zone that is cloned off to people.

  • 5/5 Shannon L. 4 years ago on Google
    If I could rate higher than 5 this place would be deserving of it. There is so much to see here! Make sure to go when the tide will be low.

  • 4/5 Nicole C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful spot. 4 stars because the parking is atrocious (which is not uncommon). Also, be aware that this is a reserve - no touchy! Look only. Although the adults were the worst offenders as far as I could see... It's pretty bad when their kids are the ones reminding them not to touch the creatures, especially the sea anemones.

  • 5/5 Omeed M. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful reserve with plenty of time pools to explore. You can see anything from starfish to sea lions all while catching amazing views of the ocean. The sunset here was also breathtaking. Highly recommend stopping by if you are in the area.

  • 5/5 Bob R. 4 years ago on Google
    Right off the main road with ample parking. At low tide there are tide pools to explore (a bit slippery so be sure to wear appropriate footwear). We were lucky enough to see a pod of ringed seals basking on the rocks.

  • 5/5 Galen H. 4 years ago on Google
    Dress in layers! Can be warm one minute storming the next. Plan your trip around low tide and enjoy. Loved exploring the tide pools... More than my kids.

  • 5/5 Jennifer C. 4 years ago on Google
    It’s educational trip for all youngsters and grownup as well who studies to be come the Marie Biologists. It’s wonderful to visualize that there are creatures live in the tide pool when there is low tide by the ocean. They don’t go no where even the tide was low, but wait patiently for the ocean water to return to bring food which carries by the tides. So they will eat their meals. I like it and hope everyone will love to explore it too. Nonetheless, we can only see them during low tide, remember...Enjoy!!!

  • 5/5 Thomas S. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful to se such work to preserve and understand nature!

  • 4/5 Andrew H. 4 years ago on Google
    I wish dogs were allowed on the bluff trail

  • 5/5 Jennifer d. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely gorgeous and a great time for the whole family!

  • 5/5 T.W. C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, first time I have been back since living nearby 25 years ago. Just as special as ever.

  • 5/5 mary v. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Dee D. 4 years ago on Google
    Family fun on a beautiful day!

  • 5/5 Gourish H. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent place.. easy hike to seal cove.. kids explore the place during low tides

  • 5/5 blackwell f. 4 years ago on Google
    Nature sure has amazing sites to offer

  • 5/5 Suzanne C. 4 years ago on Google
    Spectacular views in a quiet neighborhood county Park in Moss Beach. The parking area is next to the ranger station with tide and trail info. Tide pooling is nearby. The bluff trail leads to views of ocean, wildlife and birds. It ends in a small, but pristine beach down a lengthy staircase. Great for Sunday afternoon with many good restaurants nearby.

  • 5/5 Steve H. 4 years ago on Google
    I like the little hermit crabs and snails and stuff

  • 4/5 Jaro's R. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the place, beautiful animals and a fun day trip, only 4 stars because we were told off by a employee for getting to close to the seals, it would have been five stars but he was very harsh on our group, even though there were no signs not to go near them (we were about 150ft away from them)

  • 5/5 Val F. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place

  • 5/5 Nicole H. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to take your family. Definitely a place to create memories and take pictures. Your not allowed to go past the barriers that protect the elephant seals. But you are allowed to be adventurous and look into all the different tide pools that are there. It doesn't cost anything to visit this Marine Preserve.

  • 5/5 Carlos S. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved it. Great for kids

  • 5/5 Deysy S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to be outside in contact with nature, it's cold though so if you go there be prepare for it.

  • 5/5 Tricia S. 4 years ago on Google
    This reserve is so beautiful. Be sure to visit it at low tide!

  • 5/5 Joyce L. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a great time here! Can be a lil crowded in weekends but haven't had too much issue finding parking. Love seeing all the creatures!!


Call +1 650-728-3584 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park

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