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

Montara State Beach - Where the Ocean Meets the Sky North of…read moreHalf Moon Bay, where Highway 1 curves along the cliffs, Montara State Beach unfolds like a hidden dream. A golden ribbon of sand stretches beneath rugged bluffs, kissed by waves and wrapped in sea mist. Mornings arrive in a hush of fog; by noon, sunlight spills across the hills, inviting barefoot walks, quiet picnics, and moments that feel timeless. Montara Mountain watches from the north, offering trails that lift you closer to the sky. Here, every breath is salt and silence, every view a painting. Montara isn't just a beach--it's where nature whispers and the soul listens.

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.

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.

I love the stairs to get down (although you could take the sandy way down too) and all the "secret"…read moreareas you can uncover on the far side of the beach near the bunker, like the mini waterfall. Tons of little coves and rocky areas to set up picnic stuff or leave items while hanging out. The whole beach and large space near the entrance are available for reservation. A get together there would be so fun!! Huge parking lot -- you can start hiking a few different trails from it, and they do look beautiful based on the photos from other Yelpers. Never busy on weekdays btw. I sadly saw so much trash strewn about around the beach entrance and under the stairs in the form of beer cans, chip bags, and even a Target bag. You know where you parked your car? Yeah, there are actually trash cans, big ones, right there in that parking lot.. like 500ft from where you threw your trash away. Don't be an inconsiderate asshole. I love eating and drinking at the beach, responsibly, but pack up what you bring in. Classless people.

Wow this beach is beautiful. It's hidden. You'll drive past it and won't even know it's there…read more There's a parking lot but you have to cross the highway to walk down to the beach. Follow the path to the right and it'll eventually lead you to the stairs to go down. It's worth the view!

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.

Quite overcast today but the beach was beautiful and not crowded. Lifeguard station was staffed…read more Parking was $10 for state beach unless you have a state parks pass. Bathrooms and trash facilities.

I'm almost hesitant posting this place because I love how it's always empty and the beautiful…read morewalking trail is clean and quiet. This is my favorite place to take my dog. Absolutely beautiful views, great walking trail that leads to the Marina on one side and a small city on the other. Highly recommend to anyone looking to take a nice walk along the beach, grab some food and drinks near the Marina or come early to purchase some fresh seafood. Happy Earth Day

Beautiful and quiet beach in moss beach- a true hidden gem! Little walking trail in the woods and…read moresome steps down to the stunning beach. Nearby is a great distillery if you're hungry after your trip to the ocean.

It's a small secluded beach at the tail end of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve where you will need to…read moretravel down a flight of stairs. No food or drinks allowed on the beach - just water. Clearly enforced by park rangers. It's to preserve the naturalness of the beach since it's part of the reserve. That is why I did not give this place 5 stars. It may be one reason why families don't flock to this beach or stay for long. They don't have trash cans readily available throughout the area so I'm guessing the "no food or drinks" rule is to avoid litter on the beach. All it takes is one irresponsible person to ruin this complex ecosystem for many marine animals. Although you can't enjoy food on this beach, what's nice and why young kids love this area is it's a great way to learn about tidepools and the marine life that live in these waters. You'll find all sorts of interesting wildlife when the water recedes enough to expose all the little creatures. The water here is almost always cold year-round so you won't see too many people swimming.

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!

Easy trail but very limited on where you can hike with your pup…read more - can't take your dog on the beach (it didn't stop some people). - most trails are not dog friendly (it didn't stop others). - the tree tunnel is eerily nice but again no dogs allowed (we took turns). Overall, it was a short visit for us even if it was for the brief the coastal view.

Half Moon Bay State Beach is an easy 20-25 minute drive from the Peninsula on a weekday, which…read moremakes it a great low-effort escape. It's one of those places I keep coming back to without much planning (like yesterday!). Wide, clean, and perfect for long walks, quiet conversations, and just letting the sound of the waves do their thing. There are picnic tables, BBQ areas, restrooms with running water, and a beautiful coastal trail for walking or biking with ocean views the entire way. Parking is $10 in the lot, though free street parking is possible if you don't mind walking (and reading the signs). Weekends can feel chaotic and crowded, but on weekdays it's calm, spacious, and grounding -- the kind of place that resets you without trying too hard.

I had a blast here. My stay here was very peaceful and relaxing. I definitely recommend this spot…read morefor a day of relaxing.