Half Moon Bay
Top Spots
Camp at Francis Beach Campground
Half Moon Bay, California
4.0
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...
Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Half Moon Bay, California
4.6
5 mi
/ 104 ft gain
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 t...
Poplar Beach Trail
Half Moon Bay, California
1.5 mi
/ 43 ft gain
Poplar Beach Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Half Moon Bay, California.
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
Half Moon Bay, California
5.0
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...
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Half Moon Bay, California
3.64 mi
/ 322 ft gain
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Half Moon Bay, California.
Cowell-Purisima Trail
Half Moon Bay, California
6.93 mi
/ 554 ft gain
Cowell-Purisima Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Half Moon Bay, California.
Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach
Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California
5.0
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.
Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
Half Moon Bay, California
4.0
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 the Cowell-Purisma Trail
Half Moon Bay, California
5.0
7 mi
/ 400 ft gain
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.
Places to stay
San Francisco, California
Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime Nhp
Overview
Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of Ame...
From $10 / night
Sausalito, California
Bicentennial Campground
Overview
Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is...
From $20 / night
Point Reyes Station, California
Point Reyes National Seashore Campground
Overview
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hi...
From $20 / night
Guides and stories
Quick links
- The best hiking trails in Half Moon Bay
- The best backpacking in Half Moon Bay
- The best camping in Half Moon Bay
- Top adventures in Half Moon Bay
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