Belmont, California
Belmont, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, offering some of the best trails and outdoor activities. One must-visit trail is the Water Dog Lake Park Trail, a moderate difficulty trail that spans 3.8 miles. Along this scenic route, hikers can enjoy views of the beautiful Water Dog Lake and encounter unique rock formations. If you're up for a challenge, the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is a 2.8-mile trail that boasts panoramic views from the summit. For those interested in bird watching, the Crystal Springs Reservoir offers a rich array of bird species. Near Belmont, the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is another great spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. These outdoor attractions in and near Belmont are sure to satisfy anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Top Spots in and near Belmont
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Moss Beach, California
Pillar Point Bluff Loop
4.71.84 mi / 154 ft gainSitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...Read more -
Moss Beach, California
Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach
4.50.79 mi / 105 ft gainThe Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes
4.88 mi / 1427 ft gainMcNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy. You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds. This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...Read more -
Moss Beach, California
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
5.00.89 mi / 46 ft gainLocated beside a residential neighborhood, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a rare glimpse of life in the northern California intertidal zones. There are parking spaces and restrooms available, as well as ranger-led guided tours. Be sure to check the tide charts and go during low tide (preferab...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Loop
5.01.22 mi / 518 ft gainStarting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Mori Point Loop
4.82.54 mi / 276 ft gainStart at the parking lots close to the pier, where bathrooms are also available. Walk along the pier to watch the sunset as it begins. Next, walk along Sharp Park Beach to discover the plethora of wild flowers and friendly locals always ready to guide you on your walk. Take the stairs up to the...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Gray Whale Cove Trail
4.52.23 mi / 367 ft gainGray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop
4.37.22 mi / 1929 ft gainNOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...Read more -
Pacifica, CaliforniaSurf at Pacifica State Beach
4.5If you're looking for a place to surf and Ocean Beach isn't quite your speed or Santa Cruz is too far, head to Pacifica, specifically Linda Mar. Linda Mar is usually more wind protected and user-friendly than ocean beach. Break out your longboard or hybrid board and head to this beach. There is e...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Milagra Overlook Trail
5.02.51 mi / 558 ft gainFound this hike with some friends after spending some time googling in my car when we were in the area looking for a quick hike with a view! Dog friendly Free parking (but quite limited) Ocean views Known to have gorgeous wildflower blooms (we were not there during this)Porta-potty type toilet...Read more -
Half Moon Bay, California
Devil's Slide Bunker
4.3The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Rockaway Beach
5.0Rockaway is a dark sandy beach located in the south of Pacifica, CA. It has numerous hiking trails around it, most notably Mori Point. The Mori Point trail will take you through the hills and overlooks Rockaway Beach. There are paths to come down to the beach. There are biking paths and park...Read more -
Santa Clara County, California
Black Mountain via Rhus Ridge Trail
9.75 mi / 2992 ft gainJust outside of Los Altos is a very long ridge of mountains, one of which is Black Mountain. This is a very dry hike, with no tree canopy, so it can get very hot! Be aware that this can make the hike feel a lot more difficult with the sun beating down on you. Follow Rhus Ridge Trail to Black Mo...Read more -
San Francisco, California
San Francisco Crosstown Trail
5.016.71 mi / 1975 ft gainThe San Francisco Crosstown Trail runs point-to-point from Candlestick Point to Land End. The SF Crosstown Trail officially opened in 2014. It connects park trails to neighborhoods and communities. In it's in entirety it's almost 17 miles long with 5 Sections available for those looking to bre...Read more -
Pacifica, California
Picnic at Sharp Park Beach
4.0A medium size beach with darker sand with big rocks and a paved path for walkers and joggers. The beach is a great place to bring a picnic and watch the sunset. It is located next to Pacifica Pier, which is popular for fishing.Read more -
Pacifica, California
Fish at Pacifica Pier
5.0This is a great place for fishing or just taking a walk to watch the sunset. It's a great place to walk or jog, or even bring a pup! There are lot of people fishing throughout the pier. A short walk away is Sharp Park Beach, where you can relax and bring a picnic to watch the sunset.Read more
