Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl
It had been years since I visited Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a wonderful outdoor tide pool and marine reserve on the San Mateo Coast, just north of Half Moon Bay, along highway 1. Well known as a destination for school children, it is also an interesting stop for any marine science enthusiasts.
The Tidepools at Fitzgerald
Before going, be sure to check the online tide chart, as it is not worth visiting unless the tide is low. When the tide is low, you can walk out and visit the tide pools, checking out starfish, sea anemones, hermit crabs and other creatures. Across the waves, we also spotted several harbor seals lounging in the sun.
Harbor Seals Basking in the Sun
Established in 1969 by James F. Fitzgerald, the reserve has deep historical importance for the area. Moss Beach is the site of several important fossil discoveries, including a baleen whale, estimated to be between 2 and 5 million years old. As you look up at the cliffs from the beach, you are drawn to think about how the coast has changed over these many years.
Cliffs and Beach at Fitzgerald
For picnicking, check out the tables near the ranger station at the top of the hill, or bring your picnic down to the beach. The beach is also lovely for walking, flying a kite, or building sand castles. Do not, however, bring your dog – they are not allowed on the beach and in the tidepools!
Starfish
Hermit Crab?
- If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
- Share
- Prev/Next
6 Responses
[...] because I, unlike many other travelers, still actually read the physical newspaper. While I get fantastic travel ideas from Uptake, nothing grabs my attention like a well-written travelogue that smells of [...]
[...] because I, unlike many other travelers, still actually read the physical newspaper. While I get fantastic travel ideas from Uptake, nothing grabs my attention like a well-written travelogue that smells of [...]
This is a must read for my family. We could be there in maybe 7 driving hours and have the adventure of a lifetime. We LOVE tide pools, my little daughter and I, and this place looks fresh and clean. For some reason the ocean spray, smell of saltwater, just makes one feel alive! I am definitely printing out this article.
[...] are dedicated to the places along the Pacific Coast Highway from where I reside in Moss Beach to my favorite one block town of Pescadero. In Pescadero you will find this [...]
[...] are dedicated to the places along the Pacific Coast Highway from where I reside in Moss Beach to my favorite one block town of Pescadero. In Pescadero you will find this [...]
[...] making this a fantastic jumping off spot to explore the coast and San Francisco. You can explore Fitzgerald Marine Reserve for tide-pooling, surf some of the local beaches in Pacifica or El Granada, kayak Princeton Harbor [...]