PLEASE NOTE: ALL GROUPS OF 15 OR MORE ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE RESERVATIONS. IF YOUR GROUP ARRIVES WITH NO RESERVATION, YOU MAY NOT BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED TO THE BEACH OR TIDEPOOLS. Click here for more information.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (“FMR”) is located in Moss Beach, CA, about 40 minutes south of San Francisco on Highway 1, or 15 minutes north of the city of Half Moon Bay. The FMR tidepools are some of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast.
Here are a few things to know before your visit:
- FMR is in a no-take Marine Protected Area; collecting of organisms, shells, rocks, driftwood, etc. is NOT permitted.
- Please do not bring buckets to the reef.
- Dogs are not allowed.
- The reserve opens at 8 a.m.; closing time varies seasonally and is posted at FMR
- There is no admission charge.
Planning Your Visit:
- First, take a look at this intro video
- The best time to visit the tidepools is when the tide is below 1.0′
- Before you come, check out the guides and brochures
- Be sure to read the Rules & Best Practices
- Then check out the directions to FMR
- Have more questions? Read our FAQ