Half Moon Bay State Beach

Francis State Beach also known as Half Moon Bay State Beach is a protected beach located in Half Moon Bay in California. Four miles of broad, sandy beaches stretch out to welcome visitors to Half Moon Bay. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, fishing and picnicking. A campground provides accommodations for those who wish to visit longer. This Pacific Ocean beach, located immediately south of Pillar Point Harbor and the town of Princeton-by-the-Sea, is often used by surfers, who utilize its unusual waves that are influenced by reflective action from the harbor jetty. North of Francis Beach (half mile north of Roosevelt State Beach) there is a county park in the lee of Pillar Point Harbor with a well maintained trail that allows hikers and bikers access to the ocean below the point. Some of the tallest surf in California occurs on the far side of the pillar point following big storms the area is well known as Mavericks (location) famous for its surfing.

Francis Beach has a campground with 52 individual sites although reservations can only be made through [http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/Half_Moon_Bay_Sb/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=CA&parkId=120039&pstate=CA Reserve America] , some sites are more suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. Hookups are not available, there is a dump station.

History

Historical records show that the Native American culture of the Ohlone lived in harmony with nature for many thousand years, the human population being limited by the availability of food. The way of life changed during the 1700s when the Spanish arrived on the San Mateo coast, in the search for Monterey Bay, the Spanish started the Portola expedition where they had spent two days resting near what is now the town of Half Moon Bay. They stopped here once again on their return trip and named the area the plain of "Los Ansares" or the plain of wild geese. WIth the founding of Mission Dolores (Mission San Francisco de Asis) in 1776, the San Mateo coast area came into use for grazing of mission livestock. Following secularization of the missions, in 1834 eight ranchos were granted along this section of the coast. Cattle ranching was primary agricultural activity, and San Mateo's hide and tallow trade thrived. The beach at Half Moon Bay was a gathering spot for trading and socializing between rancheros, sea captain and other visitors.

The first Americans arrived in this area in the 1850s. The Mexican settlement known as Spanishtown, a commercial center for the rancheros, was called "Halfmoon" by these Anglos; the bay itself was named "Halfmoon" due to its shape. In 1867 the local post office was identified as "Halfmoon Bay", and the spelling was changed to Half Moon Bay in 1905. Agriculture was big in Half Moon Bay at the turn of the century and farm produce such as Brussel Sprouts, Artichokes, and Mushrooms along with dairy produces presented quite a transportation problem. The Ocean Shore railroad was incorporated in 1905 and was serving Half Moon Bay by 1908 the tracks were laid over what is now much of Francis Beach. During the 1920s the gentle beaches of Half Moon Bay were ideally suited for the needs of the bootlegger. Rum Ships cruised off shore, unloading millions of dollars worth of illegal booze across Half Moon Bay where Francis Beach was a perfect spot for unloading the cargo. During World War II an army post was set up at the beach to protect from Japanese invasion and bombing raids, further north bunkers and long range cannons were built to support the coastline.

Wildlife

*Well known for the rare Western Snowy Plover colony.
*A variety of fish species have been identified in the marine environment, the most abundant fish including Flatfish, the commercially important English Sole, Rockfish, Surfperch, Pacific Herring, Lingcod, Herring; and abundant winter species including Starry Flounder and top-smelt. ["Environmental Impact Report for the Pillar Point East Harbor Master Plan", Earth Metrics Inc., prepared for the San Mateo County Harbor District, February 1989]

Marine Mammals
* California Sea Lion
* Steller Sea Lion
* Harbor Seal
* Northern Fur Seal
* Elephant Seal
* Dolphin
* Grey Whale
* Humpback Whale
* Blue Whale

Mammals
* Raccoon
* California Vole
* European Rabbit
* Skunk
* Opossum
* Long-Tailed Weasel
* Gray Fox
* Coyote
* Mule Deer
* Mountain Lion

Birds
* Northern Harrier
* Great Blue Heron
* Kestral
* Black-Shouldered Kite
* Red-Tailed Hawk
* Killdeer
* Sandpiper
* Sanderling
* Willit
* Turnstone
* Curlew
* Pelican
* Sooty Shearwater
* Gull
* Barn Swallow
* Western Snowy Plover

Plant Life

* Beach Primrose
* Beach Aster
* Blue Blossom
* Brass Buttons
* Cheese Weed
* Chickweed
* Coyote Bush
* Daisy
* Gumplant
* Coast Hedge-Nettle
* Poison Hemlock
* Douglas Iris
* Miner's Lettuce
* Live-Forever
* Lizard Tail
* Coast Lotus
* Coastal Bush Lupin
* Varicolored Lupin
* Mallow
* Wild Mustard
* Yellow Oxalis
* Indian Paintbrush
* Beach Pea
* California Poppy
* Wild Radish
* Sagewort
* Sea Fig
* Yellow Sand Verbena
* Sea-Rocket
* Spilt-Milk Thistle
* Lotus Trefoil
* Vetch
* Wallflower
* Watercress

ee also

*Ohlone
*Naples Creek

Other California State Beaches

* California State BeachesBeaches North
* Venice State Beach
* Dunes State Beach
* Roosevelt State Beach
* Miramar State Beach
* Point Montara Light Station
* Montara State Beach
* Gray Whale Cove State Beach
* Pacifica State BeachBeaches South
* Poplar State Beach
* San Gregorio State Beach
* Pomponio State Beach
* Pescadero State Beach
* Bean Hollow State Beach
* Pigeon Point Light Station
* Ano Nuevo State Reserve

References

External links

* [http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=531 California State Parks page]
*http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=905