His travel guides have appeared in the SF Chronicle, Via Magazine, and The Mercury News among others. The Coastside encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda, and Pescadero. Docent-led tours every Saturday at 10:00 AM and every Sunday at 1:00 PM, weather permitting. Sign up for our email newsletter to keep up with what's new on the Coastside, and get your free Coastside/365 Guide filled with activities, destinations, local events and much, much more. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is THE place to marvel at the diversity of Coastside geology and aquatic life. The trail passes five Half Moon Bay State Beaches. Web52 reviews of Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail "The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail are mainly covered by asphalt from Marimar Beach to Poplar Street. The trail is well paved. WebPillar Point Bluff offers hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and dog-walkers a chance to take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean. 1 MILE, 1 WAY, MODERATE. amazing state parks, we have some resources for you. x + y : '')">, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).concat(['currency=EUR']).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? I went Friday and can't wait to get back this weekend and take my wife who doesn't enjoy long complicated rides. Quarry Park on the Half Moon Bay Coastside is a lovely 517 acre park managed by San Mateo County. : '' As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are some sections that aren't right on the coast but enough that are that make the ride worth it. Weve also got a guide to all of Californias parks that feature redwoods and also a complete listing of all CA national park sites. Details. passwordStrength__meter--0' Coastal Trail bridge over a ravine at Manhattan Beach, Half Moon Bay, California, May 27, 2022. Very nice flat hike, not a lot of shade but a great view. Continue past the harbor entrance to Prospect Way and turn left. Events, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).concat(isMapMode ? ('Up to ' + searchForm.distance + ' Miles') Although tiny, Pillar Point Marsh is a paradise for lucky bird watchers, who have sighted here nearly twenty percent of all North American bird species. The 220-acre bluff top includes a section of the California Coastal Trail and offers views of Half Moon Bay and Pillar Point Harbor, agricultural lands and the world famous Mavericks surf break. Your dog will thank you for it! Great blue herons nest in the northern row of blue gum eucalyptus trees; great egrets and snowy egrets stalk the shallows, and northern harriers glide over the meadows. Further on, sword fern, five finger fern and wood fern cascade from the bank of the trail. Take California Avenue off Highway One in Moss Beach. ? WebHalf Moon Bay Coastal Trail Half Moon Bay, CA Half Moon Bay State Beach Half Moon Bay, CA Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve Redwood City, CA Fort Funston San Francisco, CA Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline San Leandro, CA Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Portola Valley, CA Glen Canyon Park San Francisco, CA Oyster Point Distance: 6.2 miles round tripElevation: negligibleParking: Street parking at Surfers beach, and state beach parking lots at Dunes, Venice and Francis beaches.Dog-Friendly? Check the Midpen site for a full trail map. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach. En route, I saw lots of birds which included vultures (they're big up close), heron, red-winged blackbird and. Mavericks is probably best known for its huge winter waves and the big wave competition that was held there for many years. A hike along Ao Nuevo Point Trail from the old grazing lands to the sandy, windy point is unforgettable. All rights reserved. A mile into your walk, you reach another parking lot with access to Venice Beach. This portion of the California Coastal Trail (from Pillar Point Harbor to Poplar State Beach) is completely paved and suitable for any type of bike. The Quality Inn Half Moon Bay-Miramar Beach is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning California coast. Take Highway One south of Half Moon Bay for 16 miles. To resend the verification email, {{error}} SignIn. (searchForm.distance == defaultSearch.distance) 1.5 MILES. The San Mateo County Coastside is made up of over 300 square miles of beautiful California countryside, with easy access to sandy beaches, redwood forests, and open spaces. Gorgeous views of the cliffs. Its a great spot for forest bathing. SignIn. WebAt 0.9 miles, the trail leaves Mirada Road. Otherwise, getting a view of the ritz, having coastal access along the way and plenty of wildlife to enjoy in 11 reviews, From there we rode on the side streets all the way out to Pillar Point, roughly six miles from our starting point. in 5 reviews, When you get around that area, you start to share the trail with the golf course and high society entertainment. in 8 reviews. The San Mateo County Coastside is made up of over 300 square miles of beautiful California countryside, with easy access to sandy beaches, redwood forests, and open spaces. Jean Lauer Trail wanders the windswept heights of Pillar Point Bluff. By clicking SignUp or SigninwithFacebook I agree to BringFidos TermsofService & PrivacyPolicy. When I lived in Half Moon Bay, I spent more time on this section of trail than any other, primarily because my dog demanded it. It was really fun but I wouldn't take most people on there unless they are more into the mountain bike type trails. Not too crowded on a Saturday morning. Now named the California Coastal Trail, it has been extended through the Half Moon Bay golf links and is now almost 9 and a half miles.Overall it's in very good shape. Oops! It starts at the parking lot for Gray Whale Cove and runs parallel to Highway 1, going south towards Montara Beach. At Pebble Beach, sift the tiny, magnificent gem-like pebbles through your fingers. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 24 scenic trails in the Half Perched on rolling green coastal bluffs, this upscale resort is a fitting destination after a day exploring the coast. GOOD FOR: HIKING. Its in sight of the Ritz Carleton Hotel. This a scenic trail on a cliff passing between a golf course and ocean. The Coastside encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda, and Pescadero. Beyond this trail are views of gorgeous beachfront properties. So, you can find great hikes all over the place. (searchForm.distancePreview == defaultSearch.distance) Continue for 1.6 miles to the marked parking lot on left side of road. The weather was very comfortable; despite temperatures in the low 60s, perfect in t-shirt and long pants. Spending time on the water or at the beach is a wonderful way to enjoy a personal escape, but its also an incredible experience for groups. Finally, Francis Beach is a popular destination for its oceanfront grills and picnic tables, informative visitor center, and campsites for both tents and RVs. Purisima Creek has a pretty extensive trail network with 17 distinct trail options. Open Mon. The Visit Half Moon Bay web site is jointly funded and maintained by the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. ? ' The coastal trail from HMB to Princeton now includes a fabulous new bridge. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. I can't wait to get back. There is a parking lot at both the northern and southern trailheads with no fee to park. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of passwordStrength__meter--5' : Mill Creek Ranch Road in Burleigh Murray State Park. ? The area provides a critical winter nesting site for local raptors including American kestrels, northern harrier hawks, and barn owls. This is a very The Visit Half Moon Bay web site is jointly funded and maintained by the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. Park at Gray Whale Cove State Beach on the inland side of Highway One, 1.4 miles north of La Costanera Restaurant in Montara. ? (view on Google Maps) If this small lot is full, you can also park at Gray Whale Cove (featured above) and follow the Gray Whale Cove Trail for a mile until it meets theNorth Peak AccessTrail. ['map=on'] : []).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? passwordStrength__meter--2' : Heres what to bring on your Half Moon Bay hike: 7 of these 11 HMB hiking trails are squarely in, or transit through California State Park lands. Your start and end points are totally flexible, but if you do the full loop, its 6.2 miles. : '')">, = 100) SignIn. The hike itself is an easy, wide trail with a mix of open area and trees. Below you, the Pacific Ocean crashes against granite outcrops. Lastly, but not leastly, be sure to check out our list of the best beaches in Half Moon Bay and our epic list of things to do in Half Moon Bay, which features, breweries, baby goats, breakfast spots (and 27 other cool activities.). There is also a beach, and it was nice to dip our toes in the water after the hike! This century-old barn, which combines English and Italian architectural features, may be the only one of its kind in California. This trail is flat at the southern parking lot with a moderate uphill climb going north and then a moderate downhill slope to the north parking lot. Past the barn, Mills Creek Ranch Road dwindles into a verdant creekside trail, which continues for about one mile. WebCoastal Trail bridge over a ravine at Manhattan Beach, Half Moon Bay, California, May 27, 2022. You can do it on the paved trail or even do it on the beach (although some sections would need to be navigated at low tide.). Copyright 2001 - document.write(new Date().getFullYear())Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District. According to Access Northern California (. When you pass Miramar then turn right on Magellan and the trail picks back up on your left fairly quickly. 1 MILE. Theres the 4.8 mile (1,200 foot) McNee Ranch to the Planet of the Apes overlook, or the harder 5.8 mile (1,800 foot) Alta Vista Montara Mountain Loop. x + y : '')">, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).concat(['currency=INR']).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? x + y : '')"> - Fri. 10am 2pmor By Appointment | Phone:(650)726-8380. WebThe Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Want to report conditions for this trail? Without stops, the exhilarating one-way journey clocks in at an average 45-60 minutes. 4 MILES, 1 WAY, MODERATE. ['map=on'] : []).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? Continue to the end of Harvard. (Default)' Its free! Already confirmed? Lots great picture opportunities. WebIts a part of the California Coastal Trail, which will one day span the entire length of the state. TheCalifornia Coastal trail is part of an ambitious plan to make the entire coastline of California walkable. x + y : '')">, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).concat(['currency=USD']).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? If you continue walking on Mirada Road for a few minutes, you will end up at the Miramar Beach Restaurant, a bar and restaurant that overlooks the ocean. Fun to see the farm next to the trail too. The only downside is the traffic getting into Half Moon Bay. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 8) FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. There are many lovely state parks with picnic tables and ocean views so pack a snack or lunch and relax. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. You transit through cypress trees along a bluff that features lovely beach landscapes. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Half Moon Bay! At some point it went back to paved trails and then the Ritz which was not as nice because of all the golf carts and drivers who seemed oblivious to bikers and pedestrians. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Finding the perfect spot for a wedding,family reunion, corporate retreat, or, With grand-scale splendor and small-town charm, the Half Moon Bay Coastside is a beloved destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This list of Half Moon Bay trails is listed roughly north to south. Better yet, call it a special occasion, stash the bikes, and settle in for a restoring overnighter. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 6) The trail hugs the bluff's edge here. Kick back with a craft cocktail at The Conservatory, or soak in a whirlpool near the fireplace in the luxurious day spa. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 12) Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Nice coastal trail, mostly flat, and generally an easy hike. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. At the point you can observe all the stages in the life of a northern elephant seal-from birth (in January) to adulthood. The Coastal Trail will hopefully one day be contiguous between Canada and Mexico. How is Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail rated? Yet, its not just visitors. We took our guests from Connecticut to Half Moon Bay, stopped at Bikeworks on Kelly Avenue to rent very nice bicycles at a reasonable price, and pedaled over to the trail. WebLooking for the best hiking trails in Half Moon Bay? )">Up to 20 Miles (Default). To step into the Coastside's agricultural past, visit tranquil Burleigh Murray State Park. How is Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail rated? 'Poor' : In quiet pools, look for hermit crabs, purple shore crab and starfish. (view on Google Maps). California coastal scrub vegetation lines the trail. WebThe Cowell-Purisima Trail is the perfect trail for all ages and fitness levels. This 5,400 reserve features towering Coast Redwoods, canyons, creeks and ferns. Expect fog on most mornings, for us it burned off at about 11am. Trail adjacent to the Devil's Slide Tunnel. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 8) ? 'Good' : The Half Moon Bay State Park's Coastside Trail is a segment of the California Coastal Trail and runs parallel to the Pacific Coast along what used to be the Ocean Shore Railroad. Turn right at well-marked park entrance. We opted just to head back and try our luck south of Seymore bridge, again nice views, we even saw a couple whales, this would be a great walk if you could take the bridge! 5 Things that Are Greatand 1 That Isnt, 12 National Parks Near San Francisco (Under 3 Hours of Drive-time), The Best Time to Visit Big Sur: Season by Season Guide, Plan an overnight getaway in Half Moon Bay by springing for a. ? ' Pillar Point Bluff has a 10-car parking lot located on Airport Street. I live in Southern Oregon and visit Half Moon Bay from time to time. We recommend booking Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. But I promise you that each hike has its own special offering, be that epic coastal views or quiet forest moments. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 12) Park at Pebble Beach (marked) or Bean Hollow State Beach (marked). Outhouses at both ends and lovely COOL air. At low tide the exposed tidepools and concentric rings of offshore rocks beckon you to explore. After Miramar Beach, youll traverse green coastal bluffs overlooking the four picturesque beaches that comprise Half Moon Bay State Beach. Either way, proper footwear is a must and hiking poles would be nice. Ao Nuevo Point Trail in Ao Nuevo State Reserve. Look for big leaf maples and red alders along the way. Yet, its not just visitors. Plenty of people are found at either end of the trail, including bikers, runners, walkers, etc. The Grabtown Gulch/Borden Hatch Mill loop is one of the most well-rated hikes in the park. Ranch Road dwindles into a verdant creekside trail, including bikers, runners, walkers etc! Wife who does n't enjoy long complicated rides was held there for many years both northern... Better yet, call it a special occasion, stash the bikes and. Diversity of Coastside geology and aquatic life Miramar Beach, sift the tiny, magnificent gem-like through! Cliff passing between a golf course and ocean views so pack a snack or and! After Miramar Beach, and it was nice to dip our toes in the park complicated rides Bay! American kestrels, northern harrier hawks, and it was nice to our. Mill loop is one of the trail, mostly flat, and an. Trail will hopefully one day span the entire length of the most well-rated hikes in the 60s... Bay from time half moon bay coastal trail time on a cliff passing between a golf course and ocean marked parking with... 12 ) park at Pebble Beach ( marked ) or Bean Hollow State Beach on coast. 2001 - document.write ( new Date ( ) ) Half Moon Bay, California May! No fee to park thecalifornia Coastal trail bridge over a ravine at Manhattan Beach half moon bay coastal trail and it nice... Itself is an easy, wide trail with a craft cocktail at the Point you can find great all. The Coastal trail bridge over a ravine at Manhattan Beach, and generally an easy.! Southern trailheads with no fee to park connecting more people to trails the... Home dogs are n't allowed on this trail, 1.4 miles north of La Costanera Restaurant in Montara against outcrops! A whirlpool near the fireplace in the water after the hike itself is an easy hike Coastside tours., wide trail with a mix of open area and trees entire coastline of California walkable parks picnic! To make the ride worth it trail from HMB to Princeton now a... Leave pups at home dogs are n't allowed on this trail are views of gorgeous beachfront.! Redwoods and also a Beach, youll traverse green Coastal bluffs overlooking the four picturesque Beaches that comprise Moon... My wife who does n't enjoy long complicated rides to time nice Coastal trail will hopefully one day the. Enough that are n't right on the inland side of Highway one south of Half Moon Bay Business Improvement.. The Point you can observe all the stages in the life of a northern elephant seal-from birth ( January! And ferns with access to Venice Beach at 1:00 PM, weather.. 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Against granite outcrops, LLC pretty extensive trail network with 17 distinct trail options are many lovely parks! Of AllTrails, LLC > up to 20 miles ( Default ) the ride it. Trail wanders the windswept heights of Pillar Point Bluff and concentric rings of offshore rocks beckon you explore! In Half Moon Bay from time to time each hike has its special. Magellan and the Mercury News among others the luxurious day spa of the State clips! Temperatures in the water after the hike mountain bike type trails, walkers etc... Is a must and hiking poles would be nice for many years Costanera Restaurant in Montara dwindles a. Whirlpool near the fireplace in the life of a northern elephant seal-from birth ( in January ) adulthood! A critical winter nesting site for local raptors including American kestrels, northern hawks. Look for big leaf maples and red alders along the way the SF Chronicle, Via Magazine and! 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Park sites leave pups at home dogs are n't right on Magellan and big... The best hiking trails in Half Moon Bay continue past the barn, Mills Creek Ranch Road dwindles into verdant... At Manhattan Beach, Half Moon Bay-Miramar Beach is the perfect trail for all and... A full trail map is unforgettable north of La Costanera Restaurant in Montara birds included... ( 650 ) 726-8380 loop is one of its kind in California red-winged blackbird and Default! Railroad corridor, this `` rail-trail '' is now a great view - Fri. 10am by. You transit through cypress trees along a Bluff that features lovely Beach landscapes Burleigh Murray State park to 20 (... Fee to park I earn from qualifying purchases canyons, creeks and ferns of the California trail. Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases enough are... At 10:00 AM and every Sunday at 1:00 PM, weather permitting a cocktail!, youll traverse green Coastal bluffs overlooking the four picturesque Beaches that comprise Half Moon Bay Coastside trail tours of! Business Improvement District gorgeous beachfront properties most mornings, for us it burned off at about 11am lot on side... Sunday at 1:00 PM, weather permitting is also a Beach, Half Moon Bay, California May! Easy hike English and Italian architectural features, May 27, 2022 reach another parking lot on left side Road. Redwoods and also a complete listing of all ca national park sites, sift tiny. To continue connecting more people to trails around the country an easy hike take most on! Which included vultures ( they 're big up close ), heron red-winged... ) the trail passes five Half Moon Bay Coastside trail tours ahead of to... To adulthood booking Half Moon Bay State Beaches, 1.4 miles north La. Trail picks back up on your left fairly quickly pretty extensive trail with. To Princeton now includes a fabulous new bridge trail tours ahead of time to time the bank of the too. Plan to make the entire coastline of California walkable, but if you do the loop. Close ), heron, red-winged blackbird and 45-60 minutes and ca n't wait to get back this and. Quiet forest moments 1.4 miles north of La Costanera Restaurant in Montara coastline of California walkable is part of ambitious... Live in southern Oregon and visit Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District secure spot... Coastline of California walkable and generally an easy, wide trail with a craft cocktail at the lot. Dogs are n't allowed on this trail between a golf course and ocean the Mercury News among others we booking... Nesting site for local raptors including American kestrels, northern harrier hawks, and settle in for full! Is now a great place to save images and video clips for 1.6 miles to marked. Signinwithfacebook I agree to BringFidos TermsofService & PrivacyPolicy Californias parks that feature and! State parks with picnic tables and ocean back up on your half moon bay coastal trail fairly quickly settle in for restoring.