Francis Beach has a campground with 54 individual sites, some suitable for tent camping, others for trailers or recreational vehicles. Although hookups are not available, there is a dump station. Venice Beach has outside showers, flush toilets, and a payphone.

Camping is presently available on summer week-ends and most week-days by reservation. Otherwise, camping is available on a first-come-first-served basis if the campground is not expected to fill.

The major weather pattern for Half Moon Bay is fog in the summer, crisp, clear days in the fall and spring, and wet, windy winters. Temperatures are moderate with the summer highs in the mid 60s and winter lows in the mid 40s. Summer fog is most common in the mornings and evenings.

The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays. Entrance to the visitor center is free. The visitor center is completely accessible to those with disabilities.

Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four beaches providing close to a three-mile stretch to walk, jog or ride bikes. The trail continues north to Pillar Point Harbor. A horse trail parallels Coastside Trail from Roosevelt Beach to Francis Beach. While in the state parks, horses are restricted to the designated horse trail and are not permitted on state beaches.

Please, NO beach fires are allowed.

Dogs are prohibited on the beaches at all times. Dogs are permitted in the campground, in the day-use picnic areas, and on the Coastal Trail, provided they are controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times.

The beach is located a half-mile west of Highway 1 on Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. There are three parking and beach access points: Francis Beach, at the end of Kelly Avenue in the City of Half Moon Bay; Venice Beach, at the end of Venice Boulevard off Highway 1; and Dunes Beach at the end of Young Avenue off Highway 1.