Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038, USA

Related:	half day forest preserve
Address:	200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038, USA
Phone:	+1 650-728-3584
Site:	parks.smcgov.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 20

Taylor Roan

Was a fun place to go! There were volunteers there (who werent mean, even if you made a mistake and broke a rule), and lots of families and nice people, but kind of a zoo (on Presidents day). There is free parking nearby in a parking lot and the surrounding neighborhood. We got there just at low tide (a little late, and only a +0.5ft low tide), but we saw bajillions of hermit crabs, coral-looking things, snails, psychedelic blueish anemomies, and a few tiny crabs, purple sea urchins, little fish, teeny eels, and even a reclusive sea star. And a couple hundred of feet away were a dozen or two harbor seals lounging about. I wish I knew the rules beforehand, but didnt see them until I left, so I feel like a insensitive jerk/bad dad for not following them. Read the signs as you enter! Highlights - dont go in the water, poke, or move anything! Wear grippy shoes and clothes that you dont mind getting wet/dirty. Have fun!!!

Mary Kate

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a beautiful beach/park. I went to this reserve with a school class. The rangers have incredible respect for nature, wonderful knowledge, and work with children well. We had the opportunity to see seals, urchins, sea anemone, and many other sea critters as we went tide pooling! The only negative is that it is hard to find this location. There is no sign indicating that the park exists at the street entrance, so you need to make sure youre looking for the street sign of Vermont Ave. Overall this is a fantastic location to take kids and family.

Isa Rose

My favorite place in the Bay Area! Be sure to check out the tides before going so you can go to the tide pools. The best tide pools are near the sea grass planes (those are not the one near the parking lots). In addition, If you come when the tide is coming in, you can see the seals coming in with the tide! It feels like you are inside of a wildlife documentary. Also, great place for a picnic, or just chilling by the beach. Emphasis on the chilling, since it is pretty chilly even in the summer.

Aditya Bansal

A lot has been already said about this place so Ill keep this short. You have to visit this place once when you are in Bay area. This is such a unique place with a colourful and beautiful underwater world that you can observe in the tide pools. Only thing to check before visiting is the time for low tides. I went there twice on the same day once during a high tide and once during a low tide and there is a very significant difference between the number of tide pools you can see at both times.

Rey Jaraba

Went to FMR on an early Thursday morning, negative tide, with three adults and six kids between the ages of 9-18. Everyone had a great time. We spent 3 hours looking at tide pools and would have spent more time, but the kids started getting hungry. :) We found small fish, crabs, snails, sea slugs, tons of anemones, and a couple sea stars. And of course got to watch the seals, from a distance of course. I would definitely recommend this place, it is beautiful. We will be coming back!

Lewis G

What an awesome hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of HMB. Great destination for families with convenient parking & bathrooms just a short walk from a fun tide pool beach. Kids freak out as you see anemone, star fish, rock fish, and tons of tiny creeping sea snails & hermit crabs. Take a quick hike around the bluff through a breathtaking shade forest to a fantastic, non-crowded beach. An awesome stop for a day with the kids!

Kyle Wolfe

Beautiful location best seen at sunrise. As the temperature quickly changes, a light fog forms off the sea and creates a gorgeous Tindal effect as light passes through the Cypress trees. Its a great place to bring the family for a picnic, or your partner for a romantic stroll. A wonderful location for portraits and photoshoots.

C Renaissanceman

awesome place to spend the day. Go early to secure a parking spot as it can become quite crowded on weekends and there is limited parking. Additionally, nice hike south from the reserve along the cliffs. At low tide plenty to explore along the beach / tide pools. Lots of seal activity. Would most certainly recommend.

Elena Erbiceanu Tener

Great place to go see little marine creatures and occasionally seals. Check out the tide schedule on their site to plan your visit; lowest/negative tide is best. Theres also a very pretty 15-20min hike up the coast to the Moss Beach Distillery (call ahead to reserve a table with a view, it gets busy at lunch time)

Simon Bromberg

Saw a big herd of seals resting on the beach. The tide pools are pretty coold and fun to walk around on. Scenery in area is very nice, and there are cliffs you can walk up to to get a better view of the seals, and paths to walk around that go through a beautiful forest.

Mihir Meghani

This is one of our favorite places around Half Moon Bay, CA. It is fun for all ages. As the tides change, what you see changes. Lots of marine life. Be careful where you step as you dont to kill or damage many of the life forms present. Great sunset views as well.

Catherine Reyes-Cabreza

Love those lovely , dramatic trees. Down to the tide pools, during low tide, look for green sea anemone , star fish, kelps, clams , sea birds, hermit crabs, black turban snails, California mussles, kelp crab and sea urchins. Check out the sea lions too .

Joseph Kalinowski

Beautiful location. There were even park rangers there to tell us more about the animals that live in the surrounding habitat. We saw harbor seals, sea anemone, stone boring clams, algae, and even a fossilized whale bone stuck in the rocks.

Charles Leung

Theres a small beach here but its not a place you want to come and do beach activities, this place is for the protection of wildlife and education for the general public. So if you plan to play beach volleyball, please go to another beach.

Sean Scorsonelli

Lots to do here, Theres a beach on the south side tide pools on the north side a nice woodsy park with trails to walk along the cliffs for great views of the ocean and beautiful sunsets. One of my favorite spots to visit in Half Moon Bay

Joanne Lee

Visited this gem for marine life exploration during negative tides. Saw many sea creatures. Went on a couple of hikes. Thumbs up to the rangers who kept visitors at bay and provided info. Would definitely visit this place again :)

Marco Rainaldi

Best todepools! Parking lot is tiny, and turn is not so visible from highway 1. Love going there. You can even walk down to the moss beach distillery from there. Highly recommended for a nice little day trip at low tide.

Marty Ballard

For our first day of vacation we went to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, we go out to visit the tidal pools and immediately see Sea Lions. What a beautiful, amazing place. If you have the opportunity you must go visit.

Sam Stephens

Went for memorial day, one of the best day trips ever. Was not crowded, staff was very helpful. Plenty of cool things to see, bring our water shoes. Stop by P-town cafe for coffee or hot chocolate, very yummy.

Eugene Ingerman

Great place to see tide pools. Kids love this place. Check tide levels before coming. Best to come at low tide, especially if its really low (negative height in the forecast). Parking is crowded on weekends.