Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Half Moon Bay, California

4.6/5

based on 5 reviews

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Details

Distance

5 miles

Elevation Gain

104 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Gene Reyes

Hike a long the world famous Pacific Coast in Half Moon Bay. Very easy partially paved, brisk walk with the family.

Start at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2016 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach.

The trail itself is an easy ~5-mile brisk walk along the Pacific Coast with many sights to see. Note that camping is not required to get access to the trail.

Camping at the Half Moon Bay State Beach Campground is on high-demand year-after-year and it is suggested to make reservations ahead of time online at reserveamerica.com. Waking up the morning when reservations open could be your only chance at saving a spot!

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Features

Chillin

Camping

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Groups

Picnic Area

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Reviews

Andy

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

11/23/20

Great hike with amazing views along the northern california coast. It can get chilly and overcast, but is still beautiful

5.0

Jennifer Carr

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

11/23/20

We did this on our bikes for a fun afternoon. The views are lovely, but my favorite was the marina.

4.0

Elena P

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

07/07/20

We did this after goat yoga in Half Moon Bay. It was a great way to get some exercise after playing with goats. I always love hikes that are buy the coast!

4.0

Natalie F

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

07/04/20

I love Half Moon Bay and am so grateful someone turned me onto it. Lots of places to walk along the coast. Not terribly difficult to find free parking. Endless scenery and beautiful (but windy!) beaches!

5.0

Tyler Vickers

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

01/16/17

Great, relaxing trail for any season

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

If you love to log as much water time as possible, this little gem is the campsite for you. Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually four smaller beaches, with a total of two miles of sandy shore, but you'll be camping right at Kelly Ave., one of Half Moon Bay's most consistent surf spots. Keep in mind that this is northern California beach camping - this spot is pretty exposed to wind and fog, an...

Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm

This is a great way to destress and have fun! Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats. Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces. So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back! These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as fully grown goats. You are free to do as much, or as little, yoga as you like. Just enjoy your time...

Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty

The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West Shoreline Access. Parking can fill up quickly on weekends.

Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach

Hike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach. There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach. The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side. It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic. A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something less crowded.

Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail

This is a popular trail that has beach access to Cowell Ranch Beach. Along the trail, there is a steep staircase that goes down to the beach. The trail also features fields, a bridge, and beautiful views of California's rugged coastline. This trail is paved in some parts, and can also be biked or jogged.

Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The trail playfully meanders along the cliffside with views of the ocean on your right and the Santa Cruz Mountains on your left. You will cross three be...

Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Camp at Francis Beach Campground

Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm

Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty

Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach

Hike the Cowell-Purisma Trail

Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

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