A gorgeous spot for an easy coastal stroll along the bluffs with convenient beach and park access. 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. read more

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This was a really nice spot to visit and hike up to one Thursday morning in April. No crowds, the sun was out but not too intense, and the flowers were in bloom. Parking was easy and there were signs not just for directions but also providing information regarding points of interest. The parking lot was off Airport St. in Moss Beach. There were a couple of people walking with their dogs. There was an incline which brought you up a hill that allowed you to get a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. There was also a park bench under the shade of a tree where one can take a moment to rest and just take in the spectacular sights and sou read more

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One of our go-to walking trails along the Pacific. We do an out and back from Moss Beach to Maverick's Beach and back. Go at low tide (minus tide is best) and add some tidepooling at Maverick's Beach. Usually spot some sea stars. Thevwalk along the bluffs is beautiful. Nearly guaranteed harbor seal sightings on Frenchman's reef (at lower tide) or swimming in the reef area. Lots of pelicans flying above Maverick's Beach read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

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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). read more

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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. read more

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It's a nice area for a leisurely stroll. Lots things to see: sea animals, trails, a newly added sunken boat. I like that it's not very crowded and there is always plenty of parking. The view is incredible too. Good for family and little ones. read more

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. read more

Pillar Point Bluff - Beaches Near Me - Moss Beach, California

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. read more

Pillar Point Bluff - Beaches Near Me - Moss Beach, California

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. read more

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Beachside hiking? Yes please! Pillar point bluff has various trails for all skill levels. Hike along the hillside for some beautiful birdsongs and wildflowers or go a bit further to enjoy the lovely coastline. No crazy terrain, I came with my parents who opted for tennis shoes - but I wear flip flops rain or shine and was totally fine. A great place to solo trail or bring along your friends/family. read more

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

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! read more

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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. read more

Pillar Point Bluff - Flowers along the cliffs. - Beaches Near Me - Moss Beach, California

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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! read more

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

Pillar Point Bluff - Beaches Near Me - Moss Beach, California

A nice vantage point of the sea while visit Half Moon Bay! Decent amount of parking, and maybe not the prettiest beach area, but a nice little escape. A good area for a hike or a dog walk, or some photography or shell hunting down by the water. read more

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One of my favorite places to visit on the Coastside. Great place to walk the dog, hike & mountain bike. The trails are smooth & wide with great views of Mavericks Surf & Princeton Harbor. It is not a real large area so a round trip can be made in a relatively short time. read more

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A little secret at the end of West Point Avenue ( before the Air Force Station). There is a Marsh where the birds live free and the ducks swim happily along the bay. We saw many people bring their dogs for a walk along the Marsh at out the the beach. You can end up at Ross' Cove. It is a very nice place to get away from it all. It seems that only the locals know about it. We had a great time and enjoyed the view. It is amazing the different types of birds you will see in the Marsh. We only saw a few because my daughter was more interested in meeting all the dogs along the walk but if you took your time, you would see them. This will be something we will come back to for years to come. read more

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Good hiking spot for those looking for an easy walk/ hike. It's a small "park" with many short trails intertwined with each other. If you do the loop, you can probably finish it in about 20-30 minutes walking. But we kept going down unmarked trails near the cliffs (be very careful doing this!), so we ended up almost close to the beach at the bottom near the "golf ball". You'll see this huge golf ball from far away, and it's actually an Air Force base, no trespassing allowed obviously but you can get pretty close via the unmarked trails. There's parts that come to a stop on the cliffs so hike with caution! One of the coolest parts is that you will see lots and lots of bunny rabbits on the trails! There's a one stall unisex bathroom at the trail head and free parking. read more

We drove to Pillar Point Head and the parking lot to the left was jam packed with a line of cars waiting to get in. Parking along the road gets you a little walk, not too far. The walk along the beach was very nice, lots of happy dogs fetching balls from the water. We were there as the tide was going out and there were a lot of folks with buckets out "clamming". There are posted warnings about the water quality but the dogs and clam diggers did not seem to mind. Very nice way to spend an afternoon on the beach. I'm bringing my bucket next time! read more

We LOVE this area. We come here at least 5 times a year. This time we've had sprinkles to gorgeous blue skies with the ocean to match. TY PPH for a GREAT get away read more

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

love this place! hidden gem with very limited parking. great spot for a short walk to check out the shoreline and tidepools. very family friendly. can't wait to check it out again. read more

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