Princeton Harbor

How often do we ignore or underutilize the benefits of what is accessible “right in our own back yard”?

Responses to our informal survey about favorite beaches were enthusiastic and fun for us to read. One person referred to the “jewels” here on our San Mateo County coast. 

When choosing a favorite beach for a picnic or barbeque, several people mentioned the benefit of being there “especially at sunset.” The most amusing comment for a picnic beach was “any beach where it is sunny.”

Here are the favorite beaches by category.

For a picnic:

Top choices: Francis and Montara

Other choices: Rockaway, Linda Mar, Venice, Dunes and Bean Hollow

For a barbeque:

Top choice: Bean Hollow

Other choices: Sharp Park and Pomponio

For reading a book: Roosevelt, Surfers, Bean Hollow, Poplar, San Gregorio, Montara and the Pacifica Pier.

For taking a stroll: Cowell, Surfer’s, Francis, Roosevelt, Montara, Miramar, Poplar, San Gregorio, Pillar Point Harbor and the Coastside trail.

For taking the kids for “water play”: Surfer’s, Montara, Francis, Harbor, Roosevelt, Linda Mar, San Gregorio, Pescadero Coyote Point and Miramar.

For walking the dog: Mavericks, Surfer’s, Linda Mar, Francis, Poplar, Miramar, Montara, Bean Hollow and Princeton Harbor.

Even though it was not on our survey, a few people mentioned camping at Francis Beach.