With a signature shark fin-shaped rock surrounded by spectacular cliffs, Martins Beach is one of California's most spectacular coastal locations. High bluffs are visible at both ends of the scenic cove. The rock has an arch in the bottom that is only visible from the north.
The California Coastal Commission and the State Lands Commission continue their land-rights access battle with Silicon Valley billionaire Vinod Khosla over public access to Martins Beach on the San Mateo County coast. For 100 years, Bay Area families have been going to this beach, seven miles south of Half Moon Bay, to fish, swim and picnic. The only way onto this scenic beach is a single road through private property. After Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, bought the land surrounding Martins Beach in 2008, he restricted access to that road by displaying "No Trespassing” signs, charging parking fees, and locking its access gate. This case represents a big clash between two rights: private property and free access to California’s coastline.
