Make a Splash This Summer
as a Half Moon Bay Junior Lifeguard
Do you know a 9-15 year old who is looking for a fun, engaging summer program where they get to learn important safety skills while also making new friends and improving their swimming? If your answer is yes, the Half Moon Bay Junior Lifeguards Program is perfect for them!
Wow! 150 Years Old!
Happy Sesquicentennial Pigeon Point Lighthouse!
November 12, 2022 could not have been a more perfect day to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park. It was a cool, crystal clear day with light sea breezes. Approximately 5,000 visitors exuded a festive mood amidst lighthouse tours, live music, and booths celebrating parks and related organizations. Kinetic Steamworks ran four letterpresses to print anniversary tote bags and posters while a line formed at the food truck. The lighthouse tours were fully subscribed and the park store, featuring 150th Anniversary merchandise, had one of its busiest days.
Butano State Park is Full of Wonders
From peaceful redwoods to inspiring views, and from bats to banana slugs, Butano Park is a hidden park wonderland. Unlike San Mateo County’s many oceanfront state parks, Butano’s tranquility may be due to its location just a few miles inland from Highway 1.
A double win for holiday shopping, birthdays and special events!
The winter holidays are on the horizon and there is always the need to purchase a birthday present or a gift for a new arrival. Not to mention a housewarming or anniversary event. We hope you’ll take a moment to stop by one of our park stores and pick up a unique gift that will be much appreciated while also helping to raise funds for our beloved parks along the San Mateo coast.
Coastside State Parks Association manages three park stores located at Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pigeon Point Light Station and Año Nuevo State Park. Merchandise in the stores is unique and reflective of the spectacular natural resources and rich history of our parks.
At the stores you will find a wide variety of merchandise. The best sellers are logo clothing items including custom tee shirts, hoodies, hats and socks, along with pins and coffee mugs. The stores display many adorable stuffed animals such as otters, octopuses and elephant seals – perfect for the newborn in your world or a birthday gift for a youngster. The stores also carry a great selection of books covering topics ranging from Lighthouse and other local history to local plant, bird, butterfly and animal guides, to the story of the ecosystem of Monterey Bay, many of which are written by local authors. There are also handsome reusable water bottles in case you want to help reduce plastic in our oceans. And don’t overlook the really cool jewelry, postcards and magnets.
Susan Blake: Wildfire Survivor
and Passionate Interpreter
We are proud to feature a California State Parks interpreter, Susan Blake. She was at ground zero when the CZU Lighting Complex wildfire started back in 2020. While she lost her valuables in the wildfire, including her home, she has rebuilt her life since and continues serving the public as well as fueling her love for nature.
Hiking to the Top of Montara Mountain
Montara Mountain, in the northern Santa Cruz Mountains, rises abruptly from the Pacific Ocean near Pacifica. At an elevation of 1,898 feet it offers spectacular views, an abundance of ecological diversity, and some great hiking opportunities.
Jr. Ranger Program at Half Moon Bay State Beach
The California Department of Parks & Recreation offers exciting programs for kids. One such program that all parents of kids 7-12 years old should know about is the Junior Ranger Program at Half Moon Bay. It runs for 12-14 weeks during summer.
CSPA Improves Año Nuevo Access with New Trail Bridges
It was a foggy July morning in 2020 when I met up with Santa Cruz District of State Parks roads and trails supervisor Chris Pereira in the Año Nuevo State Park parking lot. The fog was sufficiently heavy that the island was barely visible. Our purpose in being at the park during the pandemic was to receive delivery of two aluminum truss pedestrian bridges destined for the North Point trail.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse: On the Brink of Restoration
Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a beloved and iconic landmark that has towered dramatically over the San Mateo County coast for 150 years. The tower portion has been fenced off since 2001 for public safety due to serious disrepair, while Its massive, glimmering Fresnel lens beacon is now awing visitors in the adjacent Fog Signal Building.
Looking for a less crowded coastal hiking trail?
Trail maps invite one to explore. On a sunny Tuesday in late January your correspondent, when weary of sheltering from the omicron virus’ winter surge, chose to accept such an invitation after scanning Año Nuevo State Park’s official brochure and its trail map.