Copyright 2023 County of San Mateo. GOOD FOR: HIKING, BIKING, HORSES. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Along the way, youre likely to spot local wildlife such as soaring red-tailed hawks, dive-bombing brown pelicans, and when the seasons right, migrating whales that fill the horizon with misty plumes. You may need to go either early morning or late afternoon to avoid the golfers. Can you ride bikes on this trail? Have fun, enjoy the ride and wonderful ocean view, in August we even saw a whale. 0.8 MILES, 1 WAY, MODERATE. It was really beautiful. Our weather wasn't good -- foggy and drizzly -- but it was a nice, flat, paved, quiet (on a weekday) 3.5 mile path along the ocean. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle (5% or less) grade category but there are steeper sections at about 0.3, 0.7, and 1.2 miles when going south. Ninety feet below, harbor seals bask on protected offshore rocks. 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. We got the mountain bikes from our hotel to ride along the coast. Red-tailed hawks, blue herons and red-winged blackbirds are spotted frequently, and large hawks can often be seen perched on benches and the trail's split-rail fence. The Oceanfront Hotel on Miramar Beach is a picturesque location featuring stunning oceanfront views. It is typically at least 8 feet wide. The bridge is out over Pilarcitos creek, there is a "detour" but it routes you out to Hwy 1 and back down Venice rd. Sequoia Audubon Trail in Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. Most of the trail is paved, but there is a long unpaved (e.g. Beaches may only be accessible by stairs. Within the preserve, the CCT doubles as The Bird Trail which provides interpretive panels on the natural history of this important habitat. A mile into your walk, you reach another parking lot with access to Venice Beach. 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. Rangers were doing maintenance to keep it nice - thank you! Devil's Slide Trail offers a hike with magnificent views following the old Highway One road. Have several elderly that can't walk far. Swanton Berry Farm. With iconic lighthouses, charming inns, and fresh seafood straight from the docks, the Half Moon Bay Coastside often draws comparisons to the quaint seaside towns of New England. Heading north, on your left is the coastline and, on your right, the equestrian trail. Wear hiking boots. Yet, its not just visitors. (view on Google Maps). The serene grove at the trailhead has some of the tallest redwoods in the Preserve. Stop at one of the secluded beaches if you desire! Surfers catch the famous Mavericks waves just west of Pillar Point. The ride can be extended to the south as far as the country club if you don't mind getting off road. Started at the Ritz Carleton and headed south. The end of the street is the public parking for Poplar beach. Basically similar to Wavecrest in its bird list, Blufftop differs in having only a few, small stands of Monterey cypresses, making for fewer passerine locations. For unmatched views of Pillar Point Harbor and the Coastside, be sure to follow the trail around the point to the breakwater and tidepools on the far side. GOOD FOR: HIKING, BIKING, HORSES, ON-LEASH DOGS. The Half Moon Bay coastal trail is 3.5 miles of scenic beauty along the Pacific! Gorgeous day in Half Moon Bay - what a terrific opportunity to explore this trail! At one point on the trail, the golfers are using it to go from one hole to another. After Miramar Beach, youll traverse green coastal bluffs overlooking the four picturesque beaches that comprise Half Moon Bay State Beach. The trail is flat once you climb the gentle slope from the parking lot. Poison oak, ticks, and other hazards are common in off-trail areas. Seaside daisies, bush lupines and Hooker's primroses. Very clean and friendly people. When in Half Moon Bay, a visit to the Blufftop Coastal Park is a must. They even have two public restrooms at the spot! The Coastside encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda, and Pescadero. The trail borders a protected agricultural area. All rights reserved. Between April and August, they come ashore to molt. Gorgeous views and lovely breeze. (view on Google Maps). So, you can find great hikes all over the place. However, there are at least 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Miramontes Point Road at about 0.6 miles at the Ritz Carlton. two days ago we and our greyhounds were hiking the Miramar to Surfer's Beach (just south of the harbor) part of the trail and were treated to the most amazing sight. Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail. After paralleling Roosevelt Beach, youll cross a big arched bridge over Frenchmans Creek, and then be treated to peek-a-boo views of Venice Beach. But its also a very popular dog-friendly and kid-friendly beach. Over one-hundred steps lead from the trail's end to a delightful quarter-mile-long sandy cove, walled in by precipitous sandstone ridges. Distance: 3.6 miles one way (if you arrange a ride back to the start) This trail is approximately 3.6 miles from one end to the other, winding along the bluffs with views of the ocean. We jogged it and it was perfect distance and not too strenuous, but it would be a great family bike ride from end to end. The map below shows a parking area with convenient . Trail goers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may need assistance in the steeper sections or to avoid them for safety. Better yet, call it a special occasion, stash the bikes, and settle in for a restoring overnighter. Note that south of the hotel property, you cross several other private properties that are posted before you reach the trail maintained by the County. If you come out to the trail and see two tall humans being walked by four different-colored leashed greyhounds, be sure to say hi! From the parking lot at Poplar Beach you can make a right towards the North (HMB) but the actual coastal park will be to your left (towards the Ritz Carlton). Sure, check the weather before you head out, but come prepared, regardless of the forecast. Clean, safe and fun. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Turn right at well-marked park entrance. Easy to follow. This is a easy hike no elevations for our wellness team. Great for running and jogging. :). We recommend booking Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. That's quite the list for a day trip! Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Second time on this new trail Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail in HMB. Do you need to pay to access to this trail? Best Budget Option. Viewaccessibility details. 12/24/2021 by Carol Guttery Northern California is blessed with a ton of acreage in open space, forest and parks. Walk the Coastal Trail. The best bird watchingtimes are in late fall and early spring. Safe travels:). This paved pedway is dog, kid, bike and stroller friendly. Every year thousands of birds (nearly two hundred species) rest and feed here. A lot of folks just dont get south of Poplar. Your start and end points are totally flexible, but if you do the full loop, its 6.2 miles. Did an early morning brisk walk along the coastline during the long weekend. GOOD FOR: HIKING, BIKING, HORSES, ON-LEASH DOGS. : The pedway along the bluff is very dog-friendly, but they cant go on the beach. Pillar Point Marsh and Shoreline in Princeton-by-the-Sea. Distance: 4 milesElevation: 1,100 feetParking: There is a good sized parking lot at the trailhead.Dog-Friendly? To reach the Half Moon Bay State Beach visitor center, take State Route 1 and turn on Kelly Avenue toward the coast. Within minutes of pedaling out of the parking area, youll be skirting peaceful harbor waters filled with colorful fishing boats, zipping past cheerful patio diners at Sams Chowder House, and enjoying front-row views of surfers shredding waves at the aptly named Surfers Beach. Many were there playing in the water, taking a walk, surfing, and more. I'm not sure the exact distance maybe it's 3 or 4 miles not sure. We were able to get a nice spot to park in the Coastal Access Parking Lot at the Miramontes Point next to the Ritz Carlton. Blufftop Coastal Trail in Half Moon Bay, CA | Dog Parks Near Me - Wag! . Half Moon Bay State Beach | Visit Half Moon Bay Its organized by region and county and you may discover some unexpected finds on the list. The rail-trail continues for about another mile then merges into Mirada Road. You will encounter countless birds, sea life, and wildlife along the way. This section of the Coastal Trail starts just south of the Poplar parking lot. Experience this 9.4-mile out-and-back trail near Half Moon Bay, California. It has a map indicating waypoints. The cement trail is certainly wide enough to accommodate them. This 6 mile portion of the coastal trail is absolutely gorgeous. The truth is that it does varybut not in a normal seasonal way. What makes this hike special is that for a bit more effort, you can climb high and get super wide-angle views of the coastline. It starts at the parking lot for Gray Whale Cove and runs parallel to Highway 1, going south towards Montara Beach. The Santa Cruz Mountains form a majestic backdrop on the far side of the valley of Half Moon Bay. Spectacular views! 4 MILES, 1 WAY, MODERATE. There are only 20 or 25 spots here. Most roads are nicely paved. The hike itself is an easy, wide trail with a mix of open area and trees. Ditch the bikes, and walk down to the beach. Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Half Moon Bay, CA - BringFido Some say this is how the Northern California coast looked a hundred years ago. 0% shaded. I live in Southern Oregon and visit Half Moon Bay from time to time. HomepageAboutBlog ArchiveWork with UsPrivacy PolicyContact Us. This trail is partially paved and goes through a golf course, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and Manhattan Beach. 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. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Pescadero is a popular beach for families and the Audubon Trail has a beach section just before the bridge with cool driftwood sculptures. (view on Google Maps). This short 2 mile out and back is a nice little leg-stretcher. Big, panoramic ocean views are a given, but you may be surprised by the diversity of landscapes youll encounter along the trail. Cowell Ranch Beachmay be accessed from a stairway located a half mile from the northern parking lotthe beach and northern parking lot are managed by California State Parks. As a native, he has yet to tire of exploring the many cities, small towns, and natural splendor found throughout the state. Get there early on summer weekends. The trail hugs the bluff's edge here. Continue for 1.6 miles to the marked parking lot on left side of road. Watch out for golfers though, Road my bike here during a week day afternoon. The Bike Works has a variety of rentalsfrom comfort bikes to mountain bikes to performance road bikeslocated a few blocks from the CCT. There is beautiful, changing coastal scenery along most sections. Its not a forest, but its pretty!!! Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Half Moon Bay! At the point you can observe all the stages in the life of a northern elephant seal-from birth (in January) to adulthood. Many people. The visitor center is at the end of Kelly Avenue. Please click here for more information. 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. Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail - The Outbound Would have liked to stop for cocktails at the Ritz Carlton, but alas. For very little effort, you get some pretty awesome views overlooking both Gray Whale Cove and Montara. 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. Trails lead you along dramatic ocean bluffs, through wetlands teeming with wildlife, and under serene redwoods. Everyone comes to Ao Nuevo State Reserve to see the elephant seals, who are present nearly year-round. The Beach at Half Moon Bay: 107 Reviews, Map - AllTrails From Ao Nuevo island offshore come the characteristic barks of California sea lions. Blissfully removed from (nearly all) roads and traffic, the family-friendly trail guides cyclists through lush wildlife habitats, past secluded beaches, and along dramatic coastal bluffs with sweeping views of the Pacific. 0.5 MILE LOOP, MODERATE. 03/29/23, Easy trail, very little incline, and very little mud. 4,573 Reviews Want to find the best trails in Half Moon Bay State Beach for an adventurous hike or a family trip? Park at the marked parking lot. Very easy going and amazing views. Also, we spotted MANY adorable tiny bunnies along the way. kites flying and hovering in pursuit of their next meal of voles or gophers, or the northern harriers dipping and swooping low over the ground, or strings of pelicans cruising the coastline at eye-level along the blufftop. It is around 3.5 miles one way or 7 miles round trip. Awesome Hikes in Half Moon Bay California for Coastal Views and Redwood Originally built in 1906 as a roadhouse, this historic property still echoes its turn-of-the-century heritage with its Victorian-inspired decor. 25+ Things to Do in Half Moon Bay: The Ultimate Weekend Guide Purisima Creek Redwood Preserve is managed by Midpen Open Space organization. However, the railroad had a tremendous effect on the Northern California coastline. You could also combine this walk with the 1.7 mile Pescadero Pond loop, which includes a nice stretch along Pescadero Beach. Trail end points: Miramontes Point Road, 0.6 mile west of Cabrillo Hwy./CA 1 (Half Moon Bay) and Pillar Point Harbor Blvd., 0.3 mile east of Capistrano Road (El Granada) Trail surfaces: Asphalt Trail category: Rail-Trail ID: 6132471 Activities: Bike Inline Skating Wheelchair Accessible Walking Go Unlimited Export to Trail Guide Create Guidebook Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. 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I will be back!!! The view is fantastic. Very easy trail and dog friendly! Trail is long enough to get a pleasant ride - not too long. It will be closed until a new bridge can be planned and funded, which unfortunately will take a long time. Mills Creek, which flows year-round, is lined with red alder, flowering currant and twinberry. GOOD FOR: HIKING. Golden orange California poppies, bright yellow beach primroses and pale yellow bush lupines line the trail. Bukhara Traditional Women's Hammam / Bath XVI Century, See all 4 Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail tours on Tripadvisor, Beach Unit w/Private Hot Tub, Fire Pit, BBQ / Walk 2 Food & Activities, Oceanview Miramar Home Steps to Beach, Restuarants, Trails, Activities, Miramar Beach Home Walk to Beach, Trails, Restuarants, Family Activities, View all hotels near Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail on Tripadvisor. Nice to have the ocean 'on your shoulder' as you move up and down the path, as well as seeing all the wildlife - hawks, herons, rabbits to name a few! After circling for a couple time, we figured how to get out of there and finish the trail. Its guaranteed to give you one of those because this is why I love California moments. MODERATE. We usually park at Poplar Beach, then choose a direction to walk in. GOOD FOR: HIKING. : No. The 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. In addition to skirting beachfront shores and coastal bluffs, youll zip under giant cypress trees and across bridges that extend over rippling creeks and lush riparian habitats. You can also check out our full guide for Half Moon Bay State Beach, which is strung all along this bit of Coastal Trail.

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