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    Poplar Beach

    4.0 (129 reviews)

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    Linda M.

    This is a beautiful beach that is tucked away off the main highway. There's a paved path to walk along if you don't want to get sand in your shoes. There's a lot of parking, but it's not free. I don't mind paying for parking, however only one of the two kiosks weee working and they don't accept cash.

    Sunset
    Ellen H.

    You could go to any beach in Half Moon Bay and be impressed by the views, yet this beach in particular can best show you the exact reason as to why this lovely place is called Half Moon Bay. This beach also has a lot of other great things going for it. There's a nicely paved and easy to walk path on top of the cliff and along the beach that's very kid and dog friendly. The beach is clean and wide, making it possibly one of the best spots around for a beach day with sun bathing and sandle castle building activities. All is easily accessible. There are several picnic tables around. That said, if you're looking to go into the water and especially if you have little ones, be extra careful. The warnings signs posted around here are not being extra cautious. The tides around here are tricky and can easily become dangerous. Always make sure you keep your eyes on the water and don't turn your back to it. So why not 5 stars? Well, they have a great parking lot adjacent to this beach that charges you $10. If you spend the whole day there, what a steal! If you're just parking there to have a 30-min walk however, that walk has now become quite expensive. There should be an option to pay per hour.

    Dale S.

    This beach is probably my favorite in Half Moon Bay. There is a designated parking area, which is convenient. Unfortunately, it is also a little sketchy. Half Moon Bay asks you to pay $10 to park here and whether you spend 10 minutes or all day long, you will pay the same price. We were lucky enough to come at a time when someone else was leaving and they were also frustrated by this, so they kindly offered us their spot. You see, you get no ticket or confirmation, other than a digital notification that the spot is "paid" until 12 am, so it is impossible for any parking attendant to know who paid for the space, only that it was paid for. Basically, they sell the same spots over and over throughout the day. There really should be a better way to manage parking. That being said, the parking area provides garbage bins and porta-potties, so those who are willing to pay to park will have what they need. This beach also has convenient access a short walk from the parking area with a set of steps leading down to the beach. It offers benches up top as well as a spot to lock your bicycles. This beach is also dog friendly and allows dogs to be off leash. There was also an ice cream truck that came by the last time we were here. The beach itself is large enough to get away from crowds if you are willing to walk a bit and yet small enough to sit close to the waves without getting out of breath if you are an old lady like me. If you are willing and able to pay the parking fee, it is definitely worth the stop. If not, there are lots of other beaches nearby where you can find street parking and walk over for free.

    Gabrielle B.

    This is a nice beach in half moon bay and the only beach I've been to in the Bay Area so I really have nothing to compare it to. I like that they have a little walking trail above the beach and the beach itself is large and full of soft sand. I didn't see anyone swimming and the water looked rough, so it seems like more of a place to hang out in the sand. The parking is $10 which seemed a little steep to me.

    J Christian E.

    Great beach for doggies!!! It was pretty clean when I went and there seems to be a nice trail to walk if sand isn't your thing. There is a parking lot however it is paid parking---there are also tons of neighborhood parking near by.

    Nico Samneil S.

    Beautiful and relaxing! Watch your children here!! Warnings everywhere! See images for information

    Mariela M.

    Beautiful quiet beach! My family and I went hiking at Wavecrest so we were able to find parking here ($10 whole day). After hiking, we went back to the beach and it was just perfect just to relax and eat a small lunch! We went on a Monday morning so parking was easy and there weren't a lot of people in the afternoon. Beach is clean, allows dogs, and we even saw a bunch of people riding their horses! Definitely a spot to chill and relax with a friend, partner or family.

    Lacey
    Kelly M.

    This is a dog-friendly beach with a scenic walking trail above that follows the coast. My dogs absolutely love the beach, so it is always fun to walk them and observe their joy! The one annoying thing is the machine that takes your $10 payment for parking. It was not very user-friendly, and when we finally got to the end of the transaction, we got no confirmation whatsoever.

    Ming C.

    So came here instead of going to my regular beach thinking this might be a nice difference. Instead a horrible nightmare. This is but a beach for surfers and people having picnics. Their are plenty of signs that says no dogs allowed on the beach due to San Mateo renting that section out to the local horse ranch who uses this part of the beach for their tours, but still see dogs. This is the 1st beach I had been to that didn't have a single shell on a 10 min walk across.

    Amy E.

    You may now avoid the parking machine line by paying by APP! The app is called FLOWBIRD, just check your parking stall number and pay via app. $10 for the day. Over the course of the pandemic I have noticed this beach has exploded in popularity on certain days. But dont worry, once you leave the overcrowded parking lot you'll likely find plenty of space to social distance. Poplar is a nice and well loved beach in HMB. it's conveniently close to the intersection of hwy 92 and hwy 1. People love to bike, walk, scooter,etc along the coastal trail which is just past the parking lot. There are a couple benches along the trail to rest and look out at the ocean. To go down to the beach, theres a big hill which it seems the city has recently taken some effort to spruce up into gentle steps rather than just a gravel incline. Still, this beach isnt very friendly to bringing tons of gear with you I'm giving Poplar 3 out of 5 cuz while it's a beautiful beach , the parking lot is crowded and mildy stressful in recent visits, 10 dollar fee, and steep incline to beach which not all people may manage easily.

    Ee Vonn Y.

    August 29, Saturay 10:30AM. Parking - $1/hour. Portable potties are available. Gorgeous beach with giant bird of prey flying around. Don't worry, they're really pretty, and it was fun watching them hunt for fish. There is also a ranch with horses available for horseback riding. The walk from parking lot to beach is a short incline. There's also a really nice flat, scenic walking trail that follows along the coastline if you decide not to take the beach route. Only downside is the beach is on leash. I really wanted my dog to run wild and free. It worked out anyway to not have my dog run around because he kept trying to eat all of the horse poop.

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Inconvenient amount of charcoal and horse poop littering the entire beach. If you are a small human, beware the strong waves.

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    15 years ago

    It's too bad that they started charging for parking. It makes sense, but it's unfortunate.

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    Page 4 of 4

    Ask the Community - Poplar Beach

    What company is allowing their horses to poop all along the beach line here?

    When does it close?

    Parks in my area technically close down a half hour after sundown. A beach close to poplar closes about that time.

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    Review Highlights - Poplar Beach

    The paved trail along it has sweeping views of the ocean, which can take you to Half Moon Bay State Beach.

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    Moss Beach Ranch - Nice trail ride in the coastal hills from Moss Beach Ranch

    Moss Beach Ranch

    4.5(66 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    Although I've known of Moss Beach Ranch because I live nearby and my son attended a horse camp many…read moreyears ago, I had never booked a trail ride before. I am SO glad I did. I had two young students staying with our family from Japan, and I thought they might enjoy the experience of riding horses in an authentic California environment. Kim and Ashley provided that and more. I appreciated the time in the ring before the ride for each rider to learn how to work with his/her assigned horse. Then we headed out on the trails behind and above the ranch, some parts of which included ocean views and lovely trees. Kim and Ashley clearly understood and cared about the horses. We felt supported and respected as beginning riders, never rushed. I have already started to think about taking future guests to enjoy this experience. A must-do on the Coast.

    Kim replied quickly to my text, and we were able to set up the ride that same afternoon. The ranch…read moreis tucked into a small valley with quick access to the highway and Moss Beach, so it was easy to find but felt quiet and peaceful once we arrived. We were paired with two beautiful horses, including an enormous draft horse named Buck. Kim, the trainer, was warm, welcoming, and clearly loves her horses. She guided us through the foothills and into cool forest trails, where we even stopped to visit other horses along the way. Ashley the 2nd trainer joined us on the ride, and she was kind, supportive, and helped make the experience even more enjoyable. The entire afternoon far exceeded my expectations. From the breathtaking scenery to the comfort and confidence we felt with the horses, it was unforgettable. I highly recommend Moss Beach Ranch if you're looking for a truly unique and memorable riding adventure.

    Photos
    Moss Beach Ranch - Chilli dog in the middle is the one I rode

    Chilli dog in the middle is the one I rode

    Moss Beach Ranch - Buck the Draft Horse

    Buck the Draft Horse

    Moss Beach Ranch - Spine Trail view

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    Spine Trail view

    Lessons With Denise - summer camp 2016

    Lessons With Denise

    4.4(9 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Denise has been very helpful to me in taking care of my horse. She is conscientious about making…read moresure my horse is well cared for and I have come to trust her advice even though I have a lot of experience around horses myself. I believe she shares a wealth of good knowledgeable about horses and equestrian skills to her students.

    I am so grateful I found Denise. Her lessons are exactly what I had always been looking for. I have…read morebeen taking lessons with Denise and her horse Lobo for nearly a year now. As background - I am a complete beginner rider. Denise is an incredibly knowledgable and experienced instructor who is also patient, trustworthy, and teaches important foundational riding and horsemanship from the ground up. Along with her knowledge, she has a very realistic/no BS approach to the way she teaches. She tells you how it is and will always point out improvements in a supportive and constructive way. All her lessons build upon each other and focus on important skills like balance, general groundwork, reining, communication, having a good seat, and of course riding at various gaits. Denise teaches practical skills of how to be around horses and know what to do in different situations. She also focuses on safety first for both the horse and rider at all times. I also love how comprehensive her lessons are. She teaches how to groom and tack up a horse along with riding, which only makes the experience feel more realistic and complete. Denise is also very responsive and is able to work with you when it comes to scheduling, which I appreciate so much. My riding lessons are one of the very few places in my life where I truly shut off from everything and am completely immersed in the moment. My mind doesn't trail off, but rather is focused on Denise and riding. It's an incredible feeling that not much else compares to. I absolutely love going to my lessons every week. Thanks for the amazing experience Denise! I'm looking forward to more

    Photos
    Lessons With Denise - Summer camp 2016 Horsemanship lesson "the yo yo game"

    Summer camp 2016 Horsemanship lesson "the yo yo game"

    Lessons With Denise - Photo Shoot with Kash on the beach

    Photo Shoot with Kash on the beach

    Lessons With Denise - On the trail with Buddy

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    On the trail with Buddy

    Sun Valley Equestrian - Little equestrian

    Sun Valley Equestrian

    5.0(8 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    I board my gelding at Sun Valley Equestrian and couldn't be happier. There is a wonderful arena to…read moreride in with beautiful scenery surrounding you. I've seen many riding academies and Sun Valley is one of the best out there. They have several different trainers to bring out the best in you and your horse. They are able to cater to beginning riders as well as advanced riders for lessons, schooling shows, etc. Their students are taught all aspects of horsemanship so they understand safety as well as a bond with the horse they are riding. The trainers are knowledgeable, friendly and always willing to give a helping hand if you need it. The trainers are highly skilled and each have their own specialty. There is a multitude of knowledge and years of experience in this barn. The owner, Diane, is a great business woman who cares about her staff, students, horses and her boarders. This is a rare thing to find. Her business is truly an equestrian family!

    We love this place! My daughter has been taking lessons here for a few months and I couldn't say…read moreenough nice things about this place. Diane and my daughter's instructor Kailey have been such a huge part of my daughter's healing and happiness. I do believe that horses provide therapy and this has seriously been life-changing for my daughter. In the short amount of time, she has learned so much about riding, horsemanship, and has a real passion to keep learning and going far in the sport. I haven't seen her so passionate about anything like this in a long time. They really take the time necessary to train each person on every aspect of horses and horse riding. It's beautiful to watch and I love having my daughter come home and tell me all of the things that she's learning. It's hard work but the feeling of accomplishment is like nothing you can imagine. I have seen several of the instructors and every single one of them is very positive and uplifting and I am not used to that because in the past when we have been around riding instructors, I have noticed that there has been a lot of negativity. Not at Sun Valley equestrian - it's all about positive energy and loving what you do. I just can't thank them enough for the impact they are making in my daughters life.

    Photos
    Sun Valley Equestrian - JULIE and Primo

    JULIE and Primo

    Sun Valley Equestrian - Lilly

    Lilly

    Sun Valley Equestrian - Little equestrian winning!

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    Poplar Beach - beaches - Updated September 2026

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