The trail is really a collection of trails all over the Half Moon Bay area. You can jump on the…read moretrail quit and find it again miles from your last location. Most of the trail is paved and level making it a highly enjoyable family walk.

Too Big to Trail The…read moreHalf Moon Bay Coastal Trail is an amalgam of several trails that run thru HMB and goes for 11.5-miles one-way from start to finish. The southerly end is at the Cowell Ranch Trail in HMB and runs all the way north to Dardanelle Trail in Moss Beach. The Good: *Great views *Easy flat to moderate trails *Trails are mostly AC with some compact dirt, as well, and they are mostly in good to great shape. *Bike, dog, & horse friendly *Multiple beach access *Lots of different (free) parking lots up and down the coast The Meh: *Little to no shade for most of the trail. This isn't really a big deal, as HMB is almost always cloudy, foggy, and cold--but there's always a few days a year where it can get into the 80s and low 90s. The Ugly: *Some of the lots do require payment, so be sure to check signage before parking. Oh, and in case you're wondering, they most definitely *DO* enforce parking. Conclusion: One of my all-time favorite trails in The Bay.

Did the Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Loop trail a few weeks back and boy oh boy, the the hike was…read moreamazing. Route was strenuous, as advertised but awesome. The hike was about 80% shaded in some of the most gorgeous redwood forests, with crisp woodsy air, and lots of flora and wildlife. Wooded trails were nice and cool, which afforded a welcome respite from the warmer ambient temperature (non forested). Saw a lot of banana slugs, some dear, and a bunch of flowers of different types-some endemic and sadly some invasive to the bay. The hike offered views of the bay (at the expense of no shade) on top of the ridge, which was neat. Elevation gain of the hike was approximately 1500 feet, which was gradual in some parts but more steep on others. Didn't use a hiking pole, but wish I did because my legs felt like jello afterwards! The hike which was advertised as around 7 miles took my friend and me about 3h45m (advertised recommended time as 4h-4h30m) with a bunch of rest breaks. Definitely would be back to explore the other trails and get a good dose of trees and nature.

We drove to the Purisima Creek Road Parking Area, arriving at 9:50 on Friday as the 5th car in the…read more7 spaces lot. Toilet at trailhead; out of TP by afternoon so BYOpaper just in case. Walking next to the creek was easy and tranquil. Looped up Craig Britton Trail for vista views. Had a trail lunch at a u turn. Later at Harkins Ridge Trail, we were treated to see and hear a beautiful bird pecking on a tree trunk. I think the best part of hiking this trail is the lack of people; we had the forest to ourselves. We finished this 7.4 miles loop in 4 hrs, including a lunch stop.

Cowell-Purisima Trail -- where the Pacific Coast puts on a show!…read more Just south of Half Moon Bay, the Cowell-Purisima Trail unfolds like a love letter to the California coast. This 3-mile, one-way ribbon of well-maintained path (easy to moderate, with just a few short, steep bites) hugs dramatic bluffs as part of the legendary Coastal Trail -- and the views are nonstop. Walk it and you'll feel the ocean wind on your face, watch waves explode against cliffs below, and scan a panorama of green headlands that roll into blue forever. Wildlife is part of the cast: harbor seals bobbing in coves, pelicans gliding in formation, hawks circling overhead, rabbits darting through brush, lizards sunning on rocks, and wildflowers painting the trail in season. It's a living field guide out there. Parking is easy at both the north and south trailheads. From the northern lot, a half mile in you'll find a stunning wooden stairway that drops you down to Cowell Ranch Beach -- a secluded cove that feels like a secret reward. Heads up: poison oak and ticks like the off-trail areas, so stay on the path and you'll stay happy. This trail isn't just gorgeous -- it's rejuvenating. Go early, go slow, and let the coast do the talking.

Nice easy hike along the coast. In spring time the best views are at the beginning of trail. The…read morerest of the trail looks kind of the same.

We went to the northern entrance of Fitzgerald reserve only to find out it was closed due to sea…read morepups. We drove a few minutes south to the other entrance and found street parking. We skipped the tree tunnel this time only because my kid was anxious to tide pool. We walked down the long flight of stairs to the beach to find amazing tide pools and a clean beach. No restrooms on this side, no dogs, no beach toys, no food (though I saw people with it), and no collecting. If you come here be sure to bring a well fitted hat, sunscreen (even on cloudy days), towel, water, and sturdy shoes. The tide pools rocks can be slippery so wearing shoes with grip can help avoid falls. I saw two adults slip in the 90 minutes we were there. I saw anemones, crabs, clams and so much kelp of all colors.

The Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel is a quick and easy trail to explore, take pictures, and to…read moresimply just enjoy nature. Parking is free which is a plus--located near the Fitzgerald marine reserve, and there are public bathrooms to use as well. The trees do give off a spooky/enchanted vibe, but that's the cool thing about nature!

This beach is very nice absolutely no garbage any where, beautiful water color for pictures, clean…read morebathrooms, lots of parking close to the water, surfers in the water to watch, great place to take your kids. I have a 1 1/2 year old who loved it! Many shells to pick up in the sand. This place is booming with life. Really beautiful drive to the beach as well.

Gorgeous beach, it does get busy, parking can be hard, we have been coming to this beach over a few…read moreyears, though haven't been back in the last couple of years, can't wait to come back. Its fun to see a lot of birds there, the water is cold as always, but its a solid beach

This is by far the largest tidepool area I've been to and the most interesting place to see marine…read moreand wildlife, especially because it is a reserve. If you go in the wee morning hours, it felt like walking in a dream with fresh ocean mist hitting your face, a layer of light fog, and the serenity of just you and the ocean. A few locals came down for a morning stroll and were all friendly with a quick "find anything interesting?" chat. By 9am though, lots of people start pouring in and you start hearing all the excited screams of kids, if that's what you're into. I'm not. We were there super early and were lucky enough to spot out a great blue heron patrolling the tidepools looking for a snack, a stranded baby harbor seal, starfish, and lots of small crabs. Nearby on the rocks was a washed up decaying whale, we think, from the looks of the thick leather-looking skin and big bones. It stank baking in the sun the day before, but had no smell in the morning after the tide washed it all night. This place was made for exploring. The tide is so low that you're able to walk out suuuperrr far. Some folks were mussel farming from the little Islands. There was also a cliffside that you could climb up which takes you to a whole other side of different terrain. We found a neon green and purple crab on top and nooks of crashing waves. So beautiful. Be careful where you step when exploring. I was sad to see lots of tourists just stomping over delicate barnacles and anemones like they were nothing. Continue to preserve and this amazing place will stay wild for years to come.

What a special marine preserve…read more Parking: very tight. When the tidepools are open; you will find very clean water. Tip: to find the path, walk up the road a couple hundred feet, look on the right side of the road for a path. There are bathrooms and two water faucets and several large wooden lunch tables. No fire pits.

A little hidden gem in HMB - it was recommended to me by a friend years ago and now it's my go-to…read morespot. I often take friends and family here when they visit the Bay Area because it feels like a secret private beach. There's a small parking lot that I've never had issues with, fits maybe 10 cars but again - never had any issue securing a spot and I typically visit right before sunset which I imagine is one of the peak hours. There's a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach but there's a well worn path with fences on either side making it easy to walk down. It takes maybe 8-10 minutes (depending on how fast of a walker you are) to get to the beach/cliffside from parking so be prepared especially if you've got young children or gear (picnic fixins, chairs etc.). The stairs down from the cliff to the beach are relatively well maintained, I've gone many times over the years and I find they've kept up well. With small children you may have to be prepared for a slow walk or to pick them up and escort them down yourself as it can be steep. Once on the beach there is plenty of space for all to enjoy. We never have any issues finding an open spot for our picnic blankets to enjoy the sunset.

This is a nice, quiet family beach. We didn't actually go to the beach this time, but instead took…read morea leisurely hike along the coastal trail. The hike is so beautiful anytime of the year. At the beginning of summer, there are plenty of wildflowers, and you can't beat the cliff views. You'll probably run into a few rabbits and little critters, and the hike is calming and relaxing. This is a great place to enjoy some chill time.

We parked at the free public lot here and walked down to the beach. The beach was pretty empty and…read moredog friendly. We then walked along the Coastal trail. The walk parallels the Ritz Carltons golf course. The views and fresh air were excellent. The Ritz Carlton offers free public seating and restroom access to people walking along the trail. The trail s paved and makes it easy for those who might be mobility impaired.

Beautiful lookout and path down to the beach. There are bathrooms at the top, along with a few…read morepicnic tables. Be careful coming here at night for the sunset, lots of people trying to also come and see the gorgeous view

It's a great way to walk to the bluff, or the beach. Easy access to the coast from the neighborhood.read more

Nice Trail to walk my pitbull Zero, your dogs have to be on leash at all times. Parking is $10 all…read moreday or park on the street and walk. It's busy on the weekends so make sure to come early. Most dogs are friendly here, but like most places there are always a few overly protective dog parents. Enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the trial or walk down and walk on the beach. We absolutely love it.

Quiet easy trail and not too long! Peaceful stroll, seems popular as you will see many others and…read moredogs and sometimes bikes on the trail. I liked it, quite unknown little trail. Worth checking out if you want a nice walk. Being outdoors is good for you. Hear the ocean waves, feel the breeze, catch a sight of a rabbit scurrying into the bushes Free parking lot. Not packed

A gorgeous spot for an easy coastal stroll along the bluffs with convenient beach and park access…read more Pillar Point Bluff is a stunning area of Half Moon Bay/Moss Beach that's filled with a ton of beautiful walking trails. I say "walking trails" loosely because many of the trails can be considered light hikes, but it's an enjoyable coastal stroll nonetheless. I did a 6 mile walk through the bluffs from Johnson Pier to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and it was so unbelievably beautiful. Many of the trails are dirt paths but there are also sections of paved paths making it accessible for strollers and the handicapped. There's little to no shade on these paths, but the cool breeze from the beach will keep you cool. The best part about the bluffs of course are the lovely views. There are coastal views a galore and a few different ways to access the beach if you want to make a pitstop. I stopped by Ross Cove and Maverick's Beach on my jaunt through the bluffs, and both beaches were stunning. The parking lot is extremely small considering the amount of people that flock to this place. It's shared by beach goers, walkers, and fishermen, so you can imagine how busy and crowded it gets. My one piece of advice would be to park somewhere further (I parked at Johnson Pier) and make a day out of it while exploring the entire area. Or, try to stop by in the early morning hours or right before sunset when the crowds is thinnest. This is also a popular destination for people with dogs and small children since the trails are fairly easy to maneuver. I will definitely be exploring the bluffs a lot more when I'm in the area again. It's a great spot for a beautiful coastal walk.