Teachers
In-Person Programs
Schedule your class for a field trip to the San Mateo coast and visit Half Moon Bay State Beach, Pescadero Marsh State Natural Reserve, Bean Hollow State Beach, or Montara State Beach. Coordinated through the Half Moon Bay State Beach Office, we offer a variety of hands-on programs for K-12 school groups focusing on shoreline habitats. In-person programs are available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm.
Register for an In-Person Field Trip!
Program Options:
Birding at Francis Beach: Explore the sandy beach and the birds that call it home, including the threatened Western Snowy Plover. Learn to use binoculars and how you can help protect our birds, too!
Grades: 3 - 6
Location: Francis Beach (Half Moon Bay State Beach)
Number of Students: 20 - 35
NGSS: K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, K-LS1-1,1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-PS3-1
Geology of the Rocky Shore: Experience the excitement of discovery like real geologists at Pebble Beach/Bean Hollow State Beach! Learn key geologic features and explore the rocky shore through activities, a guided hike, and a geology lab.
Grades: 2 - 5
Location: North parking lot of Bean Hollow State Beach (Pebble Beach), near the town of Pescadero
Number of Students: 20 - 120
NGSS: 2-PS1-1, 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1.C, 4-ESS2.A, 4-ESS2.B, 5-ESS2.A
Marine Mammal Adaptations: Discover which marine mammals live along our local shoreline and learn how they are adapted to life in the ocean. Explore and examine blubber, skulls, fur, and ocean food webs.
Grades: K - 6
Location: Francis Beach (Half Moon Bay State Beach)
Number of Students: 20 - 90
NGSS: K-ESS3.C, K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4.D, 3- LS4.C, 3-LS4.D, 3-LS1.B, 4-LS1.A, 5-LS1.C, 5-LS2.A, 5-ESS3.C
Gray Whale Cove Trail: Witness unforgettable views of the Pacific coast, Gray Whale Cove, and rugged coastal hills! Come explore both history and science along the California coast on this 2-mile guided hike.
Grades: 3 - 6
Location: Montara State Beach-McNee Ranch State Beach, Highway 1, 9 miles North of Highway 92
Number of Students: 20 - 35
NGSS: 3-LS2.C, 4-LS1.A, 5-LS2.A, 5-ESS3.C, HSS 3.1 #1&2
Pescadero Marsh Wildlife: Explore the largest coastal wetlands in our area on a guided walk through the Pescadero Marsh. Learn about marsh ecology, historical uses, and why wetlands need to be protected.
Grades: 2 - 12
Location: Meets at Pescadero State Beach central parking lot located on Highway 1, one quarter mile north of Pescadero Creek Road in Pescadero.
Number of Students: 20 - 35
NGSS: 2-LS2-A, 2-LS4.D, 3-LS4.C, 3-LS4.D, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS2.A, 5-ESS3.C, 5-ESS2.C
Sandy Beach Habitat: Explore the ecology of the sandy beach habitat through a variety of guided activities. Learn about where sand comes from and what organisms live on (or under) the sand!
Grades: K - 6
Location: Francis Beach (Half Moon Bay State Beach)
Number of Students: 20 - 120
NGSS: K-ESS3.A, K-ESS3.C, 1-ESS1.A, 1-LS1.B, 2-LS4.D, 3-LS4.D, 4-LS1.A, 4-PS4.A, 5-ESS2.A
Virtual Programs
Come and visit us virtually! In our virtual field trip program, students learn about the many animals that inhabit the diverse, interconnected ecosystems of the coast. The virtual program offers three modules to choose from. Programs are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 and 11 am.
Register for a Virtual Field Trip!
Program Options:
Geology of the Rocky Shore: Learn how scientists uncover the long and active history of the earth by studying rocks and the formations along our coast.
Tide Pool Invertebrates: Examine the many species of invertebrates that live in the intertidal zone that cannot be found anywhere else, and the adaptations they need to survive in this harsh and constantly changing environment.
Animal Habitats and Adaptations: Investigate how State Parks protect many animals from the beaches to the ocean, how they are adapted to their environment, and what we can all do to help preserve their homes for the future.
Grade Levels: K-5 (customized based on grade levels)
Next Generation Science Standards: 2-PS1, 4-PS4, K-ESS3, 1ESS1, 4-ESS1, 4-ESS2, 5-ESS2, 5-ESS3, K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-1, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS1, 5-LS2
This is a Kids2Parks Participating Park!
Kids2Parks is an innovative park-equity program to bring students from Title 1 schools to State Park field trips. The program, a partnership between California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, increases the number of students who have visited a state park or beach by reducing barriers to access. The program offers transportation funding for field trips to select Title 1 schools in Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. For more information, and to apply, please visit www.thatsmypark.org/visit/k2p.