Editing Moss Beach, California (section)

==Noteworthy features==
Because of the air currents off the [[Pacific Ocean]], Moss Beach experiences above average fog levels, but also high quality ambient air. Situated along the coast of Moss Beach is the [[Fitzgerald Marine Reserve]], a California designated area of Special Biological Significance. The reserve has a scenic blufftop trail through [[Cupressus macrocarpa|cypress]] groves overlooking the [[Pacific Ocean]], historically significant tidepools, and a variety of marine animals and pelagic birds. The outcroppings along the beach are part of the [[Franciscan Complex]].<ref>College of San Mateo Geology Department</ref>

[[Montara State Marine Reserve & Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area]] extend offshore from Moss Beach. Like underwater parks, these protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems.
[[Image:mossdesterazorback.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Moss Beach Distillery photographed standing at cliffedge]]

An occurrence of the rare plant [[Hickman's potentilla]], ''Potentilla hickmanii'', was observed by E.C. Suttliffe in 1933<ref>''U.S. [[Federal Register]]'': August 2, 1995, vol. 60, no. 148, pp. 39326–39337.</ref> in the vicinity of the mouth of San Vicente Creek within Moss Beach. This colony was not further documented for decades, but another colony was discovered<ref>''Fremontia'' 21(1):25-29 (1993) and 24(1):3-11 (1996)</ref> toward the end of the 20th century north of Moss Beach. The plant was listed as California endangered in 1973 and as an [[endangered species]] by the [[United States]] government in 1998.

Off [[State Route 1 (California)|State Route 1]] is [[Moss Beach Distillery]], a restaurant that has its roots in bootleg liquor during [[Prohibition]]. The building is a [[California Point of Historical Interest]]. The restaurant, which claims to be haunted, was featured on the television series ''[[Ghost Hunters (TV series)|Ghost Hunters]]'', where they revealed that owners of the distillery have created hoaxes simulating paranormal activity.