J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Lisa W

2024-03

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!

Hannah Elias

2024-03

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.

Bao Her

2024-04

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Meg Dimpfel

2024-04

Amazing time tide-pooling, mostly thanks to the volunteers who helped show us known and new-to-us tide pool creatures. Albalone, red sea urchins, varied sea stars, Christmas anemone, velella velella, and gumboot chiton were all new to us! And enough hermit crabs to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours.

L R

2024-04

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Sisu Yugen

2024-04

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Suzannah Radack

2024-02

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David Yarlagadda

2023-07

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.

sharon mor

2023-10

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)

kaliador18

2023-06

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.

leslie landauer

2024-04

Wonderful place. I love how conscious they are about preserving the area. No food or drinks on the beach, don’t take anything from the beach or pools. Look but don’t touch attitude. The marine life we saw in the pools was beautiful. You need to wear shoes with good traction for walking along the rocks.

Emily M

2024-03

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Nabil Alhadithy

2023-10

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.

Steven T

2023-05

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.

Melissa Hoon

2023-08

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Anne H

2023-05

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.

SYED RAFI MOHAMMED

2022-05

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.

Lisa Bail

2023-08

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.

Yonkers Channel

2023-05

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.

Adeline O

2023-05

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Daniel Q

2023-09

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.

Tiffany Johnson

2023-05

Shot a couple of clients here, it was just beautiful! Nice trails and beach area. Fun area 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.

Khan Tran

2023-11

We arrived as the tide was receding. Saw lots of sea anemones and hermit crabs. Definitely a great place for kids.

Thomas Joseph Perez

2023-05

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Greg Roderick

2023-05

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.

Lisa Elley

2020-05

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.

Joyce Wales

2019-05

What a beautiful place to enjoy and not far from the city. The trails are fairly easy and the views are awesome! The Cypress forest is mesmerizing. The tide pools are fascinating when the tide is right; you might want to check the charts before you go. And don't forget to look for the seals playing or sleeping nearby the shore. Parking and public restrooms are a plus for bringing family, as well as no admission fee. 👍👍👍

Graciela Martin

2019-05

Peaceful and beautiful. If you ever need a quiet walk through nature, with the sounds of the beach in the distance, this is it! Small parking spots, but very low-key so there isn't much bustle in the area. Trails are easy to walk through as well as access to the beach.

Jue Hung

2023-05

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.

Joseph Mackay

2023-05

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.