This is a nice, quiet family beach. We didn't actually go to the beach this time, but instead took a 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. read more

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I was searching and never been here so I tried it out. I would recommend if there is parking. The walk is a bit longer than I would prefer but very worth it. The way down is not easy but not difficult. Soo be prepared. There is a lotnof beach space and because od the limited parking I would think it does not get to packed. The best part is free parking unlike some other beaches that I belive is 8 dollars. But once you reach the end. You will have to stay and enjoy because the walk back will take a bit of energy. Nice quiet large beach. Reccomend. read more

Haven't seen such a beautiful spread of flowers! The yellow flowers carpeted the hillside and the entire path to the beach. Parking can get tight over weekends this season so try to arrive early. There is street side parking just incase. Recommend visiting during spring to catch this sight before they dry out. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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The beach is pretty and usually quiet. The coastal trail makes for a lovely flat hike. The reason I'm giving Cowell Ranch Beach one star is that the beach is prone to sneaker waves and people have drowned here. I feel people should have some warning of this and I don't find any on the official websites or TripAdvisor and the like. read more

Second time to Cowell Ranch State Beach. They have a free small parking lot holds maybe 10 cats or less. I've seen people park on both sides of Hwy 1 when it's full. One pit toilet by parking lot. There is another out toilet by the beach with a few trash cans. Hike to the beach isn't too far, but if u have lots of stuff will feel far. Lots of stairs to climb down to the beach, afterwards you have to climb back up which is harder! Worth a visit in HMB. read more

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It's absolutely the worst beach. There is hardly any parking. You have to walk thirty minutes from the parking to the beach. There there are rickety, depilated stairs. If you want to go to the bathroom, you must climb the stairs again. There are no BBQ pits or picnic tables. It is impossible to bring a stroller or an ice chest. There are super aggressive wild birds. You can't wade in the water at all because of rip tides. Someone drowned free years ago. It is also windy and cold. 0 stars. read more

This part of the peninsula has the kind of scenic coastline that makes Instagramming an addiction rather than a peer pressure hobby, and this beach doesn't disappoint, starting with the precarious wooden steps you need to climb down from the bluff and ending in pillow-like sand. The entry point is actually a half-mile walk from the tiny parking lot off Hwy 1. Honestly the only reason I stopped was my intent on taking a leisurely walk on the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail, but they close the gate during the week (review: http://bit.ly/2TDS0qk). The beach is the consolation prize and fine if you can stand the cold ocean breezes during most of the year. RELATED - Exploring this part of the Pacific Coast? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/3aiDR9I read more

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Typical NorCal beach with cold water and kelp on the sand. Pick a spot away from the washed up vegetation unless you like sand flies. The undercurrent can be strong at times. One tiny surf break towards the right. No lifeguard. Less crowded than other HMB spots. Long walk in and out from the parking lot or highway. Small parking lot but there is street parking. 2 ports potty booths if you get desperate. A few dogs on leash. The sand is very coarse and pebbly. It might be too rough for those that have soft feet. COVID-19 note: most people were following social distancing and mask guidelines. read more

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A little hidden gem in HMB - it was recommended to me by a friend years ago and now it's my go-to spot. 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. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Arrived for a day at the beach - but which one? "I thought you had a plan!" "Turn right here" and Cowell Ranch was the one. Small parking lot tho plenty of street parking. At the entrance lay what looked like a 3 mile hike on a dirt pathway. It was pleasant enough. The air smelled of beachy seaweed. Temp was to be 77. It was 10:30 am. Came to another entrance to another hike down the side of the cliff on steps made of railroad ties. Sooooo worth it. Hardly anyone there. Yet! Take a left or right at the bottom as you're right in the middle and choose your spot... a cove!!! Course sand, not compact so stepping was somewhat heavy and deep. Nice breeze today. Waves were breaking white close to shore and often. The kind of day you just sit, look out over the water, let the waves wash over your feet - or higher. You know... Beachin' it. Perfect!!! read more

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Our weekly ocean hike and go to oasis in HMB. We enjoy the views and love how serene and quiet it is here ... Cliffside views, no rails ... fair warning to be mindful while walking here ... there is a stair case that leads down to the beach however please .are sure to not turn your back to any ocean and stay safe... sneaker waves and large swells and rip currents galore. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Great Small beach is good ...but to get there is 0.5 mile walk and the .. steep staircase .. but its has bot amazing view. Parking lot is small with about 10+ parking spots and there is no street parking. Sand is graniny be careful with Rift currents .. pack food and water and enjoy good time read more

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I love this place. After searching where to go and have a nice beach day i came oñaccross this beauty. Decided to check it out since im always heading to Half Moon Bay area. So, glad I came to this beach. This beach is a hidden beach. The parking is small but, there is parking available ok the side. To get to this destination one must walk. The walking path is beautiful. It also has a nice big trail. Would definately be coming back soon. read more

This place is a hidden gem at the Half Moon Bay. Their parking was just enough for about 10 cars, and it wasn't busy at all when we came. About a mile walk to the cliff, view from there was so peaceful. Walking path is available to the beach area, hardly anyone is there, great place to just relax and watch the waves go by. They also have harbor seal protection area. I climbed rocks to get some peeks of the area. No people around, I only hear the waves, I stood there for a while to enjoy the soothing sound of waves. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Harbor seal protection area - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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There was no fee to enter the State park it was not crowded at all and the waves were beautiful it was just an overall beautiful place. The sand was different and didn't cling to you like most beach sand. Just a beautiful place to be. I would say this is the first beach that I actually really loved. Would I go again? Absolutely. read more

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Easy parking and almost an entire beach to one's self on a sunny Memorial Day Monday seemed nearly too good to be true. But luckily, Cowell Ranch Beach is very real. To get there, head south on Highway 1 and keep on the lookout for a sign that announces Cowell Ranch Beach soon after passing the Ritz Carlton. Turn right and you'll find yourself in a parking lot with about a dozen spaces. To access the beach itself you'll take an easy 0.48 mile walk to steps which descend down to the water. Once to the bottom you'll find a beach that's nearly empty. The day I went I spotted a few families and some dudes playing frisbee. That's it. Pretty unreal for a place so pristine. And lest you think this beach is deserted because something's wrong with it, I can assure you it's got everything you could want: soft sand, gentle waves. . . Bring sandwiches, cold drinks, towels to spread out on, that unending stack of New Yorkers and whatever you do, don't forget a hat and sunblock (I got burnt because I neglected both. Ouch.) I prefer this beach to every other I've visited in the Bay Area (sorry Stinson!) read more

Love this place, however prepare for a 1/2 mile hike before you get to the beach parking is hard to get read more

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Cowell Ranch is an absolutely stunning beach on the Half Moon Bay coast and holds sort of a bittersweet place in my heart. This is hard to write, but I visited this beach the morning after my younger sister passed away (after a long illness.) I was looking to spend the day somewhere quiet, soothing and beautiful as I contemplated my loss and just life in general. Half Moon Bay on crisp fall day is always a treat and a place of calm for me so after reading up on Cowell Ranch Beach, I decided this would be the perfect spot to wile away the afternoon. Located south of Downtown Half Moon Bay, the beach parking area is well signed and free. To walk to the beach itself there is a half mile, easy trail with some stairs leading down at the end of the trail. The walk there is scenic as you view the fields north and south of the beach and then once you arrive there is a bluff area with benches to rest or take in the sweeping Pacific views. Once down the staircase leading to the sand, you will see a small but respectable beach area that is un-crowded and unbelievably beautiful. The highlight of this beach for me was the treasure trove of sea glass and shells I was able to collect. It was definitely unexpected but delightful. Although the bits were small, I found a small Ziploc baggie's worth of green, amber and even a few blue pieces of well tumbled sea glass and unique smaller shells. I spent the better part of my visit beach combing and just watching the waves crash in. A few other noteworthy points -There is a porta potty at the trail head after the parking lot-unfortunately it's the only blight on my experience-I opened the door and then slammed it shut right away-it was just abhorrent -If you have time or are so inclined, there is an easy trail that winds it's way along the bluffs in either direction (I think you can head towards the Ritz Carlton if you walk north) -strong waves and visible undertow-does not seem to be a safe spot for swimming -Overall it seems like a friendly, locals spot Later on, as I headed back up the stairs, I was able to watch the colorful sunset from the top of the cliffs-I was lucky on the timing and just sheer majesty of the view that day. I went home feeling a sense of peace and calm-grateful for being able to visit such amazing places not too far from where I live. read more

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Trying to escape the heat, we discovered this gem just 2-3 miles south of Half Moon Bay. There is small parking area on the west side of Highway 1 (park along the highway if the lot is full) and a roughly half mile trail that leads out to the beach. The beach lies in a picturesque setting surrounded by cliffs, with one access trail. It wasn't crowded, even on a Sunday in July, probably because it requires some effort to get there. It you're there on a weekend or holiday, you can also hike or bike the Cowell-Purisima Trail which runs 3 miles south along the bluffs above the ocean. (The trail is closed weekdays for some reason that is not readily apparent). The trail is well-maintained and offers gorgeous views of the coastline. On any day of the week you can also hike or bike north from Cowell Ranch Beach along the Coast Trail, although it's not quite as pleasant as the southern route since you have to pass through some developed areas. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - From Cowell-Purisima Trail. - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Woke up Sunday morning, rolled out of bed and decided, "We're gonna go look for wieners today!" Get your heads out of the gutter, Yelpers! I'm talking about baby seals... Do your research: http://www.armory.com/~crisper/seals/index.html From March - May, our Pacific coastline is dotted with little wieners. Cute ones, too! A few quick lessons in searching for baby seals: + You're NOT going to get close enough to touch 'em. Mama seal would not like it and either bite your hand off or leave her baby to fend for itself. Neither situation is ideal, so stay far away. + There are guided tours offered where park rangers can take you around to the most popular spots. Año Nuevo State Park is one of the places where you can do this: http://www.yelp.com/biz/a%C3%B1o-nuevo-state-park-pescadero-2 - they might already be booked for 2013, but there's no harm in planning for 2014. There's a small parking lot at Cowell, enough for maybe 10-15 cars? Put on some comfy shoes and walk up the gravel driveway towards the beach. You'll know the lookout point when you see it. Sadly, we did not see any wieners, but there is a beautiful view of the coast. From this vantage point, you can also hike take your bike up and down the trails. Not a total loss at all! Going to give it a few more weeks before looking again. Let it warm up just a tad more and we'll be back. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Beautiful coastline - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Beautiful!! If you're visiting the Bay Area, take a day trip up and down the coast and make the stop at Half Moon Bay! This beach has a small public parking area which is free. When my boyfriend and I came here on a weekend day, there was ample parking. The walk to the beach is about a half a mile, but it's a nice a peaceful walk with beautiful views and there's also a restroom at the end of the walk. Once you get to the end of the walking trail, you have to take a long staircase down down to the beach. The beach itself is small and reclusive. Good for a couple to get away from the "real world" for awhile or for you to have time to yourself to think. This beach may not be good for kids or dogs due to the long walk and it being so small and quiet. Bring a blanket, some food, a good book and plan on staying a couple of hours and you'll be happy! I'd come here again! Cheers! read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

1) Park at the road, be ready for a half mile walk. It's an interesting historic thing which meanders along the (now abandoned) railroad mainline that was a lifeline connecting this part of the coast and the rest of California. 2) The beach is nearly perfect. Instead of grainy sand, it is made up of teeny tiny white pebbles. This means several things: that the beach stays cool to the touch as it doesn't absorb as much sunlight; that you can wipe the "sand" off with a single sweep of the hand as it's not as insidious as real sand; and that your tan will be even as sunlight reflected from below hits what usually is shaded. 3) Little known, very rarely crowded. My favorite beach between SF and Monterey, without a doubt. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Cowell Ranch Beach from the cliff's edge - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Cowell Ranch beach is very nice with gorgeous views. However, it is very difficult to find. We knew that we shouldn't follow the map thanks to other reviews on Yelp, but we somehow still missed the sign and ended up near Martin Beach (the next one down). When we got there, we saw a sign that said 0.3 miles to outlook point and 3 miles to Cowell Beach. Right away we knew we werent at the right spot, but oh well.. here goes 3 miles. Finally, after 45 minutes of walking we came upon the stairs that led down to the beach. We also noticed a small parking lot and realized DUH! it was where we were originally supposed to park! We walked 3 miles to and from for a total of 6 miles for nothing! At least we got to burn calories! LOL. The sand is not soft and smooth, it is gravel-like so you need to wear shoes or be prepared to have some hurt feet! Overall, the views were nice and the hike was fairly easy, but i dont think I'll be coming back. Also, No pets allowed here due to the livestock and farmland surrounding this beach. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach is one of the jewels along the Half Moon Bay coastside. Since it requires a bit of a walk to reach it does not get as much use as many of the other beaches in the area. I don't use the beach but instead enjoy mountain biking the recently opened Cowell-Purisima coastal trail extension which consists of a smooth gravel covered wide pathway with several bridges extending three miles south to another parking area. This trail is mostly level except for one section which travels down to the Purisima Creek Bridge. Keep in mind that no pets are allowed here & the parking lots close at sunset. read more

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It's a small beach near a Harbor Seal habitat. These guys are quiet, not like their noisy Sea Lion cousins and are usually here in March and April raising pups. It's not legal to get near them and the Rangers will come after you! Not a beach for little ones or dogs. Rip currents, strong undertow and little rocks rather than sand. But the kids might enjoy the flat (up to the top of the stairs) mile-long nature walk through tri-colored blackbirds, robins, warblers, etc, and the information on the area along the way (Ohlones, Spanish, farming, fishing, whaling, logging) . Beautiful views and a well kept port-a-potty at the end. For those looking for a quiet beach to get some sun in a beautiful setting, this beach won't disappoint. Not a good surf or swim beach which I hate to say because I love to get out beyond the waves to swim, but I wouldn't do that here. I wouldn't go in much further than a couple feet, partly because of the strong, unpredictable currents and rocks, but also because I have an irrational fear of swimming near a bunch of shark food (seals). Don't bring much with you, you'll have to haul it up the long staircase to get back to the car. (The staircase pictures someone else posted here are great) read more

Nice Beach. Pristine and gorgeous views from above and below the cliff. There is a wondrous hike from the parking lot to the beach past artichoke fields and protected trails. May be a bit strenuous to bring coolers and equipment in. The stairwell to get down to the beach is a kicker also. The sand is more coarse than San Francisco beaches. It is a State of California beach 3.3 miles south on Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay. I loved it and can't wait to go back. read more

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absolutely a gem! Slightly off the beaten path yet perfect! Please don't go there so it stays less crowded! Go south on HWY 1 from Half Moon Bay, then a minute beyond the exit for the Ritz you'll see a grey sign that says Cowell Ranch. Free parking right there. About a 10 min walk down to the beach through a field and down 1,000 stairs. We went on Memorial Day weekend and there may have been a dozen people in total! Fantastically private. Some even felt so comfortable to sunbathe in the nude (why is it always the less attractive that do this?). Gorgeous views, secluded and just great all around! read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - View from the bluffs above of Cowell Beach below - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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This was a quiet beach with a short easy walk from the parking lot. Not a lot of parking, but many people seem to stop on the side of the highway. The view from the cliff is splendid as well. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - The beach as seen from the cliff above. - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

beautiful beautiful beach! as others say, the parking is limited so you can park on the road (just read the signs and make sure it's not a no parking zone!) there are porta potties at the start of the trail and up the stairs from the beach, and the stairs are quite the trek, but worth it. unfortunately the sand is just too coarse to make sand castles, but you can sort of get some built if you try really hard. there's also some beetles that might try to hang out with you, i think they're harmless, but can be a little annoying. overall lovely place! read more

Great beach that's tucked away. Came here on a Sunday and beach was empty. Views are great and relaxing. Great spot to go to if you just want to relax. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

whats not to love about this beach oh, yeah, the long walk to the cliff and its paved so there ya go portopotty and trash cans near the stairs to the beach gorgeous views! read more

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A wonderful experience, did not bring the dog along - was just the kids and us. 2 adult bikes, a trailer for the younger kid and a kid bike for the elder one. Rode along the trail, did not go to the beach. Quite magnificent views, and a quiet beach. The icing on the cake was the sunset, and simultaneous full moon rising across the horizon on opposite ends :) One word of caution - we got along some ticks, with us :P read more

This is a beautifully tucked away beach with free parking, though it's a bit on the smaller side [probably fits 15 cars-ish?]. My girls & I went on a summery Saturday afternoon, super nice weather, and yet it wasn't as congested as most beaches around town. The caveat is that you'll have to get a workout in from the parking lot to the beach though! Luckily, it's pretty scenic en route. We walked through a flat path in the midst of some really amazing greenery, and then down a flight of steps, which was a bit of a decline/incline. Alors, la plage! Very clean, peaceful and reminds me to disconnect and treat myself to the natural pleasures of life. If only it were possible to bottle up the smell of the ocean & salt air and take it home with me... read more

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Loved this beach. We got to this park at 10AM on a Saturday and got one of the last spots in the parking lot. There's a short but easy walk to the ocean between farmer's fields. I love the flowers (and bench) on the way to the cliffside over the ocean. Though the trail is easy (there's gated car access so flat-ish) I don't recommend a stroller as there's a lot of stairs down to the beach. Near the bottom of the stairs there's dirt build-up so it crosses between hard-packed dirt and stairs. Not sure if it would be really difficult in the rain. The beach itself is gorgeous and not too busy. The waves were so nice to watch. The is no washrooms on the beach. There's an outhouse at the top of the stairs and by the parking lot. Overall, it's gorgeous and I'm glad we went. read more

Just wanted to update my other review with some info and some pics. They added a bathroom (port o potty) near the parking area and some new signs. I'm not sure anyone else mentioned this but the purisma trail going south (for 3.6 miles) from the overlook is often gated and locked. I believe it's open on weekends only. The beach to the north (towards the Ritz) is open for use but the beach south is protected for wildlife. The rest of my review still stands, this is one of many awesome areas in Half Moon bay to walk around and enjoy the ocean. Whoa just noticed I posted this exactly a year ago originally! I didn't even plan that. read more

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Cowell Ranch Beach is now my favorite secluded spot for sun, surf, and sand between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Given the prevalence of quality beaches in this stretch of relatively undisturbed NorCal coastline, that's saying a lot. Indeed, some people might even be reticent to share such information on as open a forum as Yelp, but that's not how I roll. I'm more than happy to share this precious information with others, because this place is not perfect. It's not everyone's ideal beach, to be sure. But if you think you would like it, then chances are that I'd be happy to share it with you. Cowell Ranch Beach is unique. It's an amazing combination of accessible and remote, and it's perfect for that quick trip to the ocean's edge to commune with the sounds and sights of the Pacific. Just a few stoplights south of Half Moon Bay right off of Highway One, it is definitely not one of those adventurous, dodge the naked bather type of spots that require rock climbing gear to rappel down to from steep cliffs. But to get here, you do need to keep your eyes open for a small gravel car park with room for 15-20 vehicles and then meander down a 1/2 mile path (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dVRuKBvfJFdO1aDnOlxMzQ?select=b04KscQmyXdXAamMKxSeWw) to a 100+ step staircase (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dVRuKBvfJFdO1aDnOlxMzQ?select=6Ewus3wD-QdmIv_b92fe9A) that leads to a sickle-moon shaped beach bordered on two sides by rocky cliffs with some of the cleanest, least trampled sand that you are likely to find this close to a major area of farms, hotels (the Ritz Carlton), and houses (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dVRuKBvfJFdO1aDnOlxMzQ?select=59N1qEK7LXFLgsh39TR3Aw). The walk in is relaxing and fun, like a mini nature trail leading to beaches you can admire from the cliffs (one of which has a seal colony from time to time) before experiencing up close and personal. The set-up is basic, but the pay-off is immense: a handful of beachgoers sunbathing, kite-flying (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/dVRuKBvfJFdO1aDnOlxMzQ?select=sNLcLLPUXfbhp_c5zXqOUw), and shell hunting, and loads and loads of empty space to lose oneself in summertime bliss. As your toes sink into the warm sand and the wind whips through your hair and the sun illuminates the green-encrusted cliffs that surround you, it's as if you have stepped into a little, self-enclosed world rimmed by rock and exposed to the waves rolling in from the vast infinitude of the Pacific. You are at the edge of the continent, surrounded by solitude, and it's as if the world has stopped rotating for a few moments while you absorb it all. For hours you can hear no other human voice than your own and your traveling companions. Birds circle overhead, the waves creep up the shore, and you can almost imagine your own From Here to Eternity moment. There are few beaches in the world (outside of Hawaii) where this scene could plausibly transpire, but I'd nominate the southern portion of Cowell Ranch Beach for such a scene. The water glistened in a range of colors, from deep blue to green to grey, and the Half Moon Bay harbor was visible to the North. It is the kind of place I will return to at various seasons and times of the day just to witness the changes in the light and surrounding landscape. As we ascended the stairs and returned to the car park, we encountered a film/video crew marching down the trail to take advantage of the setting. It's that kind of a place. But it's not for everyone. You have to walk in and walk out. You need to appreciate its rugged beauty and simple charms. You need to love the Northern California coast, replete with farm fields, mountain backdrops, and crashing waves and steep cliffs. But if you do, and if the moment is right, you will enjoy your trip immensely. It's the best kind of hidden secret: the one you get to share with others. read more

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What can I say that hasn't been said already? The 1/2 mile trail to the beach would best be done in sneakers. My hubby was a bit disgruntled walking in his flip flops, since I had A) failed to mention the 1/2 mile trail and B) the long flight of stairs down to the beach! Once you get past the trail, it truly is breathtaking. Such a wonderful secluded and clean beach. We laid out for about 3 hours, just talking, walking, listening to music, and reading our books. Definitely a "Stay-cation" kind of beach...you feel like you are worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. read more

Oh I just give up. I came down here to take a healthy hike and generate some good man-sweat and what did I do? I gawked. I pondered. I wondered in awe. I listened. I watched. I took all 2.2 miles in very slowly. So I could hardly call it hiking. This time we turned north at the end of the straightaway that leads to the coast and what a wondrous combination greeted us was we meandered along this well-marked trail. On our left was the gorgeous California coast, replete with harbor seals and flying graceful pelican formations. On our right was a stunning field of yellow spring flowers that were being serenaded with song birds. All this under a perfect April sky. And the wildlife was ahead of us (and over us) and in the fields and in the ocean. We saw: Song Sparrows, White-Crown Sparrows, Black Phobes, Mourning Doves, Red-tail Hawks gliding effortlessly, a Coopers Hawk, Turkey Vultures soaring so close overhead gracefully, a scrambling skink, a singing Wilsons Warbler, a singing California Quail, Western Grebe, a llama, and even a donkey hanging out with the happy California cows! So if you are the type who likes to simply hunker down and get your walk/hike in, then I guess you can do it on the very well maintained, crushed granite, trail, with it's gentle curves and mild slopes. But if you want to get lost in a world of nature and the scenery, this is the place. To savor. To drink in. To relax and leave the hustle and stress of daily life aside for just a bit. read more

Free parking right off hw 1, then a little less than half a mile walk to beach access stairs and amazing view point. Definitely worth a stop and the walk. Biking, walking, running trails are accessible near viewing point as well. This spot is just south of the Ritz Carlton hotel read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Awesome place for walks. Steps down to the beach are quite fun. Sand on the beach is pretty coarse, which I don't know is good or bad. On the busiest days (weekends) here I've seen a full parking lot but only two or three groups at the beach--me thinks everyone else goes here for the trail. Apparently there's a protected beach adjacent to Cowell where seals congregate at the times of the year when seals do that (can you tell I read the informational display and remember everything relevant to this topic?). There's a great lookout where you can see said beach and much of the nearby coastline. "Picturesque" is what I'd tag Cowell. read more

Cowell Ranch Beach - Looking east; returning to the parking lot. - Beaches Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California