Top Adventures in Half Moon Bay
Camp at Francis Beach Campground
If you love to log as much water time as possible, this little gem is the campsite for you. Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually four smaller beaches, with a total of two miles of sandy shore, but you'll be camping right at Kelly Ave., one of Hal...
Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Start at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2016 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as...
5 miles
104 ft gain
Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The...
Hike the Purisima Creek Trail and Craig Britton Trail Loop
This hike is perfect for any time of year, always staying cool because it is near the coast, and there are multiple creeks that flow year-round. Even on foggy days, the fog condenses on trees to make it seem like it is "raining."
Be warned that th...
7 miles
1100 ft gain
Kayak in the Pillar Point Harbor
Pillar Point Harbor is located in El Granada, about 5 miles north of Half Moon Bay and 20 miles south of San Francisco. Access to the harbor is easy via Highway 1, and there is adequate parking for even the busiest weekends.If you have your own ka...
Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach
Maverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs to...
1 miles
Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods OSP
There are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Op...
7 miles
Mountain Bike at Purisima Creek
This beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend...
Purdy Pharis Run
My run starts high up on Skyline at the main parking lot that leads to the North Ridge Trail head. It starts out with a steep downhill path that joins Harkins Ridge to the left. I follow Harkins and marvel at the sweeping views of Half Moon Bay, t...
Hike Pillar Point Bluff
Sitting 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...
1.5 miles
50 ft gain
Run Sawyer Camp Trail
The Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular paved trail that stretches alongside the Crystal Springs Reservoir all the way to Hillcrest Blvd. The sixth mile crosses over the San Andreas Dam with nice views of San Andreas Lake.There are markers every half m...
12 miles
300 ft gain
Explore the Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach
The 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 ...
0.5 miles
1 ft gain
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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San Francisco, California
Aquatic Park Cove San Francisco Maritime Nhp
Overview Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities. San Francisco Maritime Natio...From $10/night
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Sausalito, California
Bicentennial Campground
Overview Bicentennial Campground is in an ideal location in the Marin Headlands surrounded by a grove of cypress trees. The campground is a great location for those wanting to camp near the city. T...From $20/night
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Los Gatos, California
Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point is a micro climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains with an elevation of 2,000 feet about sea level. Sometimes above the fog and clouds and some times in the thick of it! You will be surro...From $125/night
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Santa Cruz, California
Artemis
This campsite is steps away from stunningly beautiful hiking, bicycling and horse trails in the redwoods that open up to the ocean and Santa Cruz mountain views to the west; to the east is a worki...From $100/night
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Santa Cruz, California
Outsite // Santa Cruz
You'll be living in a beach house just 100 paces from the water. Make the most of the open plan kitchen and living space when you're working from home, making dinner or hanging out with friends. Yo...From $60/night
