RV Rental Moss Beach, CA

Pick up your motorhome rental in Moss Beach and take time to explore the scenic bluff-top trail that leads along the edge of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, winding through ancient cypress groves and offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The marine reserve is renowned for its biological significance, encompassing tidal pools, marshes, and eucalyptus forests that support rare plants and wildlife species. There are regular sightings of the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly, as well as pelagic birds that can be seen fishing offshore.

Moss Beach also lies adjacent to the Montara State Marine Reserve and Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area, which together help to protect the region’s ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems. It’s a hotspot of intertidal biodiversity, with mussels, barnacles, nudibranchs, and starfish all spotted when exploring the tidal pools. You can explore the coast by kayak or venture underwater to go diving and snorkeling, then head north to the Gray Whale Cove State Beach to spot migrating whales from the elevated bluff.

For those wanting to stretch their legs, leave your camper rental in Moss Beach and hit one of the hiking trails that lead to the summit of Scarpet Peak for panoramic views across the region. Trek through the lush shrublands of Rancho Corral de Tierra that are often ignited in wildflowers before hiking through conifer forest while taking in the coastal views. Alternatively, head north to the McNee Ranch State Park, which is home to endangered Hickman’s potentilla and San Mateo thornmint, with the summit offering sweeping views across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Moss Beach is also within easy access of the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail - a short walk that runs parallel to the Pacific Coast along what used to be the Ocean Shore Railroad. In addition to its ocean views and access to numerous beaches, the bird watching is also renowned, with red-tailed hawks, blue herons, and red-winged blackbirds all regularly spotted here.

If you’re looking to book an RV in San Mateo County, you can pull in at the Pillar Point RV Park - a first-come, first-served RV destination overlooking Half Moon Bay. There are full hook-up sites with ocean and partial ocean views, although no toilet or bathroom facilities are available.

Just a stone’s throw from a beautiful stretch of beach is the Half Moon Bay RV Park, a pet-friendly RV destination that features laundry facilities, barbecue pits, and a volleyball court. It’s adjacent to a restaurant and pub where you can grab a bite to eat, and the park also offers Wi-Fi and modern bathrooms and showers.

Also nearby is the Pelican Point RV Park, another pet-friendly option with full hookups and an on-site convenience store. Catch up on your washing using the laundry facilities and take advantage of the cable TV and Wi-Fi, together with direct access to the beach and coastal walking trails.

Moss Beach is home to a small supermarket where you can stock up on supplies, as well as a gas station if you need to fill up your RV rental in Moss Beach. It’s a five-minute drive south to El Granada where there’s a good selection of restaurants and cafes, or a 30-minute drive north will see you in the heart of bustling San Francisco.

Park your RV trailer rental in Moss Beach and head out to explore on foot, visiting the historic Moss Beach Distillery, which has been designated as a California Point of Historical Interest. Originally established as a speakeasy known as Frank’s Place in 1927, it was reportedly used to transfer illegal whiskey from ships at the beach to the clubs of San Francisco. Today it functions as a romantic restaurant that’s renowned for its seafood and spectacular sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Walk north from Moss Beach and you’ll arrive at the Point Montara Lighthouse, which was originally established in 1875 and now serves as a youth hostel. While it’s not open to the public, you can admire the whitewashed architecture of this Heritage-listed landmark while enjoying its impressive coastal views across the Montara State Marine Reserve.

If you’re into big wave surfing or just want to watch the experts in action, head to the nearby break at “Mavericks”, which is just off Pillar Point. After strong winter storms, the waves here can reach over 60 feet in height thanks to the unusually shaped rock formation underneath the water. It attracts big wave surfers whenever large swells are forecast, as well as professionals from across the globe to its invitation-only contests.

Whether you’re visiting San Mateo County for its marine reserves, coastal walks, or big wave surfing, search for the best RV rental in Moss Beach and start exploring.