Trail adventures in Half Moon Bay, California

The Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center, located in Half Moon Bay, California, is a travel agency that offers visitors the opportunity to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance. The center also provides information on guided hikes, public programs, and backpacking adventures through the Santa Cruz Mountains. The campground, now on the new reservation system ReserveCalifornia, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups. The center is open on weekends and offers educational exhibits on the beach's cultural history. Visitors can enjoy four miles of sandy beaches, picnicking, fishing, and sunbathing. The Coastside Trail runs along the beaches, allowing for walking, jogging, and biking. Dogs are allowed on the trail but not on the beaches. The park offers an all-terrain beach wheelchair for wheelchair users to access the beach. Drones are not allowed in the park, and collecting natural beach features is prohibited. Special event permits are required, and field trips for school groups are available. The park is supported by the Coastside State Parks Association and the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.

Half Moon Bay State Beach- Dunes Beach Parking Lot is a parking facility located on Young Avenue in Half Moon Bay, California, United States. Our mission is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by preserving the state's biological diversity and protecting its natural and cultural resources. We offer California State Parks Annual Passes, making it easier for frequent visitors to enjoy the beauty of our state parks. Our new reservation system, ReserveCalifornia™, allows visitors to book their outdoor adventures online. Operated by PRIDE Industries, we also sell quality publications to the public. With the Outdoors For All initiative, we provide innovative access programs for children and families to explore California's State Park System. Whether you want to relax by the shoreline or explore the pines, Half Moon Bay State Beach- Dunes Beach Parking Lot is the perfect starting point for your outdoor adventure.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a stunning park and tourist attraction located in Half Moon Bay, California, United States. This beautiful preserve is home to majestic redwood trees, picturesque creeks, and lush greenery, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful and serene setting. With its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty, Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the wonders of the great outdoors.

The Bike Hut is a charming and cozy food and store institution located at 1045 Tunitas Creek Road in Half Moon Bay, California. This hidden gem offers a unique selection of delicious food items and a variety of biking accessories and gear for enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat or need to stock up on supplies for your next biking adventure, The Bike Hut has you covered. Stop by and experience the warmth and hospitality of this local favorite in the beautiful coastal town of Half Moon Bay.

Rancho Corral de Tierra is a breathtaking park and tourist attraction located on Frenchmans Creek Road in Half Moon Bay, California. This 3,858-acre site offers stunning views, important watersheds, miles of public trails, and diverse wildlife. Preserving over 80,000 acres of parkland, Rancho is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the San Mateo peninsula. Once planned for development, this land is now protected as part of our nation's natural legacy. As the National Park Service takes on management of Rancho, the Parks Conservancy is working with the community to improve trails, trailheads, and trail connections. The property, historically known as “Rancho Corral de Tierra (Earthen Corral) Palomares,” has a rich history dating back to the 1839 Mexican Land Grant to Francisco Guerrero y Palomares.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach, also known as Devil's Slide, is a picturesque tourist attraction located in Half Moon Bay, California, United States. The beach features a sheltered cove surrounded by cliffs that drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and opportunities to see migrating gray whales up close. Visitors can access the beach via a steep trail from the parking lot on the east side of Highway 1. Please note that camping is not available at this park and online reservations are not accepted. However, guided hikes and public programs can be scheduled through the Parks Events page. Additionally, California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer.

Sea Horse Ranch, located on the stunning Pacific Coast Highway in Half Moon Bay, California, is the perfect destination for those looking to experience horseback riding on the beach. As the flower and pumpkin growing capital of the world, Half Moon Bay provides a picturesque backdrop for your riding adventure. At Sea Horse Ranch, you can enjoy guided horseback rides along the Coastal Equestrian Trail and onto the bluffs above the ocean, with views of Poplar Beach. The Early Bird Special offers a discounted two-hour trail and beach ride at 8:00 a.m. daily, giving early risers the opportunity to explore the beautiful coastal scenery.

Cowell Ranch Beach Access is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located in Half Moon Bay, California, United States. Offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, this beach access point is the perfect spot for visitors to relax, take a stroll along the sandy shores, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. With its convenient location and beautiful surroundings, Cowell Ranch Beach Access is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the California coast.

Lazy H Ranch is a charming institution nestled in Half Moon Bay, California, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by picturesque views of the countryside, this ranch is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. With a variety of activities such as horseback riding, hiking trails, and fishing, guests can enjoy a truly authentic ranch experience. The cozy accommodations and friendly staff make Lazy H Ranch a welcoming retreat for individuals, families, and groups looking to create lasting memories in a peaceful setting.

McNee Ranch State Park, located in Montara, California, is a popular tourist attraction known for its coastal mountain habitat and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy hiking on winding trails, exploring the beach, and taking in the natural beauty of the area. The park offers a variety of activities, including sunbathing, surfing, and nature study. Although camping is not available at McNee Ranch State Park, visitors can explore nearby state park campgrounds such as Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park. Dogs are permitted on a leash, but beach fires and collecting natural items are prohibited. Additionally, drones are not allowed in the park to protect wildlife and cultural resources.

Redondo Beach is a charming institution located at 699 Thone Avenue in Half Moon Bay, California. This beautiful coastal town offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation and leisure. Redondo Beach is known for its pristine sandy shores, picturesque sunsets, and a variety of outdoor activities such as surfing, beach volleyball, and hiking along the coastal trails. Visitors can also enjoy delicious seafood restaurants, boutique shops, and local art galleries in the nearby downtown area. Whether you're looking for a peaceful beach retreat or an adventurous day by the sea, Redondo Beach is the perfect destination for a memorable experience on the California coast.