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Pillar Point Bluff

4.8 (28 reviews)

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Montage of images from Pillar Point Bluff
Ed U.

When you drive south on Hwy One on the way to Half Moon Bay and points south, you may have noticed that giant structure that looks like a golf ball. No, it's not a big misplaced ad for Titleist. It's apparently an Air Force missile tracking station. Isn't that comforting to know? Well, until the nuclear war erupts with whomever is mad at us with so many authoritarian regimes to consider, you can enjoy the Jean Lauer Trail which encircles this elevated area overlooking the Pacific. Surrounded by picturesque flora and coastal vegetation, the various paths are flat and leisurely, not paved but still quite easy to navigate. Views of Half Moon Bay Airport and a large trailer park dominate one side of the bluff. Once you get to the other side, the oceanside views are quite sterling. Be aware that the cliffs are steep so you can't access the beach below until you get to Ross Cove, a picturesque crescent of crashing waves though the walk down can get a bit precarious... Or you can continue walking through the main parking lot on West Point Avenue to get to the shorelines lining the harbor and eventually make your way to the fabled Mavericks Beach. If you're not familiar with the surrounding residential area, I recommend using the smaller parking area off Airport Street because it's far less used than the main one. I also noticed you can easily walk to the bluff from the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve by strolling south along the coastal streets and passing by the Moss Beach Distillery. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

Lily S.

This is a nice trail to take a leisurely walk. There are beautiful beach views, wildflowers, and a few benches along the way. There isn't a lot of people other than a few locals walking their dogs. If you're looking for a challenging hike, this isn't it. Recommend for young and old alike.

The side parking lot off of Airport St.
John G.

Have you ever wondered what the giant golf ball-looking thing on top of the bluff overlooking Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay was? I've always driven pass by it a dozen or so times until curiosity got the best in me and decided to check it out up close and personal. It turns out it's a housing unit that contains a radar-tracking device that belongs to the Air Force. The closest you can get it to is to the gates as it's guarded 24/7. This small area was also part of the Harbor Defense of San Francisco that was part of the Coastal Defense in connection to Fort Barry in Marin and Fort Funston south of the city. It seems like all the places I've hiked lately have military connections to them. Pillar Point Bluff is along the stretch of land parallel to Half Moon Bay Airport from Fitzgerald Marine Reserve on the north to Pillar Point Harbor to the south. This is an easy hike that can be started on either end or even from the side. It's about a 1 1/2 mile one way to 3 mile loop by taking the Jean Laurer Trail AKA Frenchman Reef Trail. There's a small parking lot that you can access from the side/middle on Airport St. and another parking lot on the southern end on West Point Avenue. These lots tends to be busier and you might have to wait for a while before a spot becomes available, especially on the weekends. I simply avoid this by going on the northern entrance and find street parking on Ocean Blvd. During the heatwave, this is where I parked underneath a huge shade of the trees. Besides, you also get an unobstructed view from this side of the bluff. This was also a nice escape from the heat as it was a lot cooler here and the ocean breeze from the Pacific was a relief. Ever since our first hike here, we've been back several times and it's become one of our favorite places to go. Since it's located in-between Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Pillar Point Harbor, there's plenty of spaces to roam while maintaining social distancing and enjoying the outdoors. On the tip of the bluff is Mavericks Beach, the same Maverick where the surfers descend to at any given moment when the top professional surfers are called to ride the big waves during this time of the year. The views here are stunning and when the tide is low, it exposes the rock formation below on a tectonic scale. It's like seeing a large conveyor belt of rock as the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate are sliding and grinding parallel to one another. It really puts things in perspective and can make one feel like a speck of dust on this planet called Earth. I guess what I'm trying to say is....it's one cool place. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 91

Lots of erosion.
Lawrence M.

This is like two hikes in one. On the beach side, the trail left leads to Mavericks Beach. With the cliff on one side and the crashing surf on the other, Mavericks is secluded if you go off peak. The fencing and buildings on the bluff above has the distinctive military feel but is worlds away from the dog friendly beach. A short walk down the wide beach gets to a dead end cliff along the water. I suppose at low tide you could try to scramble around to the other side, but I didn't try. The bluff side of the hike is actually going back through the parking lot and up the hill near the radar station. The trail winds along the cliff for a mile or so. There are benches overlooking the rugged coast. Towards the end of the trail there is a lot erosion along cliff, so be careful. We tried to get to the beach, but there are no easy ways down. Walking back, there are a straight and wide trail further inland, if you're in a hurry to get back for lunch. The parking lot has porta potties at the end. There's also an overflow lot back up the road about 1000 feet. Useful when we went during spring break. BTW, Pillar Point is marked by the the large radar dome on top of the bluff above Pillar Point Harbor. The base was built during World War II, but is still an active radar site now run by the Air Force. They still use it to track rockets from Vandenberg, like SpaceX.

no selfies with seals (even if they ask nicely)
Wing Y.

Lovely hiking trail, and it's one of the few seaside options in Half Moon Bay. Like everyone else, we've been feeling cooped up. We've been following the guidelines of staying close to home closely so we were happy to see some of these restrictions relax recently. We still haven't tried to brave the crowds at outdoor spots over the weekend, but this past Friday we took the afternoon to go on a half day trip. This was my first visit here, which is surprising considering how often we visit Fitzgerald Marine Preserve and Barbara's Fish Trap, both nearby. We found Pillar Point Bluff but missed the open parking lot (I think it's further north) so we parked near the southern park entrance and walked in. Eventually we found our way to the bluff trail, which was spectacular. We loved the views of the beach and ocean below, even though it was slightly scary to be feet away from the edge. After heading north for a bit, we returned back and walked/climbed down a steep trail to the beach (on the ocean side, not the bay side). The kids played with the sand and I checked out a few tide pools. For a moment it was nice to forget about the pandemic and watch the kids carry handfuls of wet sand to their work area. We walked back, stopping to enjoy some of the bird life in the marsh (egret, heron, Canadian geese, and others).

Hike Route map and Elevation
Greg B.

This review is specifically for the Pillar Point Bluff Trail, a 1.5-2.5 mile loop trail at Pillar Point Bluff near Moss Beach. Very easy, relaxing walk just outside of Half Moon Bay. Starts with a short incline which brings you to the top of the ocean cliffs with beautiful views along the shore. The hike itself is pretty uneventful and it's fairly flat and mundane at the top of the hill - but for those looking for a short hike with beautiful ocean views, this can't be beat! Plenty of parking both in a small lot and along the street. The main entrance is right across from the Half Moon Bay Airport. (There are several entrances.) Note this IS OPEN during COVID-19, as of May 16, 2020. There were quite a few folks hiking there, though, but everyone was friendly and it was easy to stay socially distanced.

Patty B.

Came here for a stroll by the beach and it was great! Plenty of parking, portable bathrooms available, benches along the water, dog-friendly, and you'll see lots of families walking around. On the day we went, an elephant seal came out for a few minutes to sun bathe! Will definitely be back during low tide to see some more sea creatures.

Joey W.

Hiked here on May 16 and it was a very relaxing hike along the water. There is a small parking lot and parking along the road next to the small airport. We wore masks and others did too. The trail down to the beach was closed off. This is an easier hike so great for all ages.

Make out bench
Frederick D.

Pillar Point, home of the Maveric's, where surfers are challenged by some of the largest waves in the world between October and April. It is also home to an white epcot sized golfball radar installation that sits on the bluffs above the beach and salt marshes, and can be seen for miles from the South on Hwy 1--this is all off limits to the public as its part of the US Airforce Station which has warning signs from W Pointe Avenue. Too bad because the view of the Pacific would be good. There is parking near and a Porto Potty at the trail head that leads to the beach which is about a half mile long walk. Along the trail you can look across Pillar Point Harbor which has a levy built by the US Army Corps of Engineers. A weathered wooden sign at the beach shows the familiar White Castle framed in a Red Crest, the Army Corps insignia. On the beach you can hike around the Pillar Point which has 70 ft bluffs that rise the beach. While we were walking the beach had much sea kelp that had washed up and harbor seals playing in the water. The famous maverick waves were non-existent this time of year and so you can paddle board or kayak without incident. It was fun hiking here from the Half Moon Bay Harbor.

Nic Z.

I, along with a few others, mistakenly reviewed Moss Beach as Pillar Point Bluff. I've been here several times now and finally found the correct name -- the sign is WAY out there by the water / Maverick's, not near the parking lots or any other entry point to the beach. My original review (below) holds true, but I'll add that I love, love, love Pillar Point Bluff - as opposed to just loving it - and it's my go-to spot for a dog date with friends. Bonus points for every single restaurant at Pillar Point Harbor (a short walk or drive away) being dog-friendly. We have been very pleasantly surprised to see "dog-friendly" signs and/or pooches hanging out on every patio. It's nice to have options! ______________________________________ Copying + Pasting my original review from Moss Beach: 10/3/2015 5 stars as a dog beach or "long walk on the beach" for people. This is not a beach you come and lay out at -- at least I wouldn't recommend it. For dogs, walking, and exploring, I can't imagine anything better. It isn't very crowded, although there are a lot of people; it sounds contradictory, but it's not. Moss Beach is a very long stretch of coast, and it's easy to get 50m to yourself, even on the weekend. Parking is pretty easy, too. There's a dedicated lot as well as lots of parking throughout the neighborhood. I truly love this place - only wish it was closer!

Flowers along the cliffs.
Tommy N.

Flowers everywhere!! We visited this short hiking trail in Mid-March and there were yellow flowers blooming all along the trails and cliffs. It was quite a view with the ocean in the back drop. He hike is less than a 2 mile loop and is great hike to get away for an hour or longer if you find yourself exploring. There is also a beach you can gike down to and watch surfers or paddle boarderd take on the wave. If you ever find that the parking is full near the air force station, there is another parking lot on the on the other side of the rv park near the jean lauer trail off of airport st.

Charlie B.

okay...this place is pretty outstanding parking lot with easy access to dog friendly beaches and trails port o potty and poop bags great place to sit in the sun and read!

Sue B.

Really beautiful little beach! Easy walk to the beach. Great for kids and dogs! Nice view of ocean and harbor.

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7 years ago

A Beautiful and Relaxing Area. Low tide is extra beautiful. Parking can be a little packed at some times.

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Beautiful beach, plenty of parking and dining choices. Nice path for bike riding or walking.

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I love this place! Friendly dogs everywhere! The views are dramatically different depending on the tide.

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Review Highlights - Pillar Point Bluff

Bonus points for every single restaurant at Pillar Point Harbor (a short walk or drive away) being dog-friendly.

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Fitzgerald Marine Reserve - Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

(295 reviews)

If you're looking for a peaceful coastal escape, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is such a hidden gem…read more The tide pools here are the biggest we've ever explored--so much to see and wander through (definitely best when the tides are low!). We even spotted a baby seal, which made the whole experience feel extra special. The beach itself is calm, quiet, and beautifully blue--perfect if you're trying to avoid crowded, touristy spots. I personally skipped swimming since there's a lot of visible coral/rocky areas, but honestly, this place is more about exploring than swimming anyway. Just a heads up: there's about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, but it's totally worth it. Overall, such a cute, peaceful place to spend a day by the ocean.

A beautiful place to come to for tidepooling or just for a hike through the trees. On a sunny day,…read morethe trees will provide you cool shade but the sunlight will filter in and bathe everything in the most gorgeous light. We brought the kids tidepooling here and they loved it. Check ahead for what time low tide will be so you can plan accordingly. The main entrance to the beach from the visitor center is closed but you can walk 10 minutes over to the Seal Cove staircase and go down to the beach and rocks from there. Bring rainboots or shoes with good grip as the rocks are slippery. You'll see plenty of anemones and hermit crabs and will spot a couple of small fish darting by. If you're lucky, you'll even see a starfish! After being on the rocks for a bit, you can relax on the beach before heading back. Parking is a bit limited - there is a private lot but it fills up quickly but it shouldn't be too difficult to find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

Ross Cove Beach - Ross's Cove

Ross Cove Beach

(3 reviews)

Daaaayum! I think I've just hit the jackpot. This beach right here is truly breathtaking. The most…read morebeautiful beach that I've been to in the HMB area and one of my new favorites! Stunning, stunning, stunning! What I initially thought wasn't accessible was actually just hiding beneath the bluffs. You want secluded?! Oooh, you'll get that here! I really think that most people don't know that this beach even exists. And even after I post this review, I'm pretty sure that it's gonna stay this way for a long time. This beach is accessible by way of the Pillar Point Bluffs Trail. The parking lot is tiny and there isn't street parking for almost a mile out, so this is probably another reason why it isn't crowded. There's a dirt trail and a paved road that both lead to the stairs down to this beach. The problem is, you won't even see the stairs leading down unless you're really looking for it. From the trailhead, it looks like the beach is far away and inaccessible, but it actually is. There's a steep downhill and then some steep stairs to get down here. But once you make it down there, it is so damn magical. When I first made it down here, there was absolutely no one else there. Not a damn soul. I was shocked but happy. Blinded by the beauty of the white waves and the coastal views of the land's end. The perfect friggin' beach and all mine in that very moment. It was so serene. Picture perfect. I didn't wanna leave but I did anyways, knowing that I'd be back. When I came back the second time, there were a few other groups there but that was it. That was all. Since this beach is tucked between Ross Cove, it feels so much warmer and keeps the heavier winds at bay. But, you still get that nice ocean breeze. Ended up staying for the sunset and it was everything that I imagined it to be. Peaceful. Calming. Beautiful. Just everything. The perfect beach, ladies and gents! I have nothing to complain about. Fell in love instantly and have been dreaming about coming back. And I'll get back there again real soon.

This mile-long beach made a great first impression. Like a lot of people, I came upon it as I was…read morewalking on the coastal trail above Pillar Point Bluff while focusing on the huge golf ball structure that's built above it. The cove has a crescent shape which appeared to attract especially dramatic waves crashing on the shore at what was presumably high tide. I could picture burly Burt Lancaster making out with ecstatic Deborah Kerr on the beach before Pearl Harbor was attacked in "From Here to Eternity ". She breathlessly said to him, "I never thought it could be like this." I was thinking the same thing - even though it was slightly treacherous to walk down here with no steps. RELATED - Exploring the Pacific side of the peninsula? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3aiDR9I

Pillar Point Bluff - beaches - Updated May 2026

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