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Moss Beach · Half Moon Bay · Pescadero · Coastside

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Coast · Tide Pools · Bluffs · Forest

Protected tide-pool and bluff reserve in Moss Beach, just north of Half Moon Bay. Cypress grove above, dramatic rocks below at low tide.

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You may see a few photos from nearby locations here. Many shoots span multiple spots in the same session.

$650 – $2,100

Ready when you are

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

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Where we shoot, on a map

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From the photographer
Chris Schmauch
by Chris Schmauch, owner of GoodEye Photography

Protected tide-pool and bluff reserve in Moss Beach, just north of Half Moon Bay.

Protected tide-pool and bluff reserve in Moss Beach, just north of Half Moon Bay. Cypress grove above, dramatic rocks below at low tide. Quiet weekdays; the cypress canopy is famous in its own right. For sessions, the setting works best when there's a clear plan: which light, which path in, what the weather is doing. Chris's note on this location is in the field below — every destination here gets a real, photographer-tested read rather than a glossy travel description.

What to expect

The lay of the land

Footwear
Flats, boots, or anything stable. Trail surfaces vary, roots cross paths, and a dim canopy means seeing the ground matters. Save the heels for indoor portrait portions.
Best Time of Day
Midday filtered light is the secret here. The heavy canopy lifts dim shadows; harsh sun barely reaches the ground. Late afternoon and overcast days look equally lovely.
Best Season
Spring through fall. The filtered light is consistent year-round; heavy winter rains may close trails or muddy footing — we'll work around those.
Weather
Cool and damp under the canopy year-round; temperatures stay moderate even on hot days. Light rain often improves the look — saturates the moss and bark.
Privacy
Quieter than most beaches. Off-peak weekdays effectively private. The trees create natural visual privacy even when others are nearby.
Drive times

Getting here

Downtown Half Moon Bay8 min
Pescadero20 min
San Francisco45 min
San Jose50 min
Santa Cruz1 hr
Approximate, off-peak driving.
Worth knowing

A few things about Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

  • Trailhead parking — may require a state-park day-use fee.

  • West-facing — chase the golden hour through blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.

  • Exposed — wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring layers + a hair-tie if it's a coast cliff.