The county-wide area has over 40 beaches and parks. Sailing, fishing, surfing, golf, horseback riding, whale watching, hiking, biking and many other sports and recreational opportunities are available for your year-round enjoyment. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a county facility which features a protected tidepool habitat containing many varieties of species that can be observed at low tide. There are developed and undeveloped beaches and campgrounds, lighthouses and youth hostels, hiking and equestrian trails, blufftops, mountain-tops and monuments.
Many areas have parking accommodations or are accessible through public transportation.
The area also offers a 369 berth yacht harbor with commercial and pleasure fishing capabilities, fishing pier, public swimming pools, and bowling lanes. Health and athletic clubs feature tennis, aerobics programs, yoga, swimming instruction and water aerobics, tournaments and many other activities. The Coastside is an artistic and cultural center with art galleries, quaint and colorful shops, community theatre, many fine restaurants, and live music and entertainment at various cafes and nightspots. Many residents participate in activities and instruction in the fields of dance, arts and crafts, music or dramatic arts. On the Half Moon Bay Coastside, there is a monthly Flower Market where local residents and visitors can get great buys on locally grown flowers and plants.