We drove to the Purisima Creek Road Parking Area, arriving at 9:50 on Friday as the 5th car in the…read more7 spaces lot. Toilet at trailhead; out of TP by afternoon so BYOpaper just in case. Walking next to the creek was easy and tranquil. Looped up Craig Britton Trail for vista views. Had a trail lunch at a u turn. Later at Harkins Ridge Trail, we were treated to see and hear a beautiful bird pecking on a tree trunk. I think the best part of hiking this trail is the lack of people; we had the forest to ourselves. We finished this 7.4 miles loop in 4 hrs, including a lunch stop.

Did the Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Loop trail a few weeks back and boy oh boy, the the hike was…read moreamazing. Route was strenuous, as advertised but awesome. The hike was about 80% shaded in some of the most gorgeous redwood forests, with crisp woodsy air, and lots of flora and wildlife. Wooded trails were nice and cool, which afforded a welcome respite from the warmer ambient temperature (non forested). Saw a lot of banana slugs, some dear, and a bunch of flowers of different types-some endemic and sadly some invasive to the bay. The hike offered views of the bay (at the expense of no shade) on top of the ridge, which was neat. Elevation gain of the hike was approximately 1500 feet, which was gradual in some parts but more steep on others. Didn't use a hiking pole, but wish I did because my legs felt like jello afterwards! The hike which was advertised as around 7 miles took my friend and me about 3h45m (advertised recommended time as 4h-4h30m) with a bunch of rest breaks. Definitely would be back to explore the other trails and get a good dose of trees and nature.

Cowell-Purisima Trail -- where the Pacific Coast puts on a show!…read more Just south of Half Moon Bay, the Cowell-Purisima Trail unfolds like a love letter to the California coast. This 3-mile, one-way ribbon of well-maintained path (easy to moderate, with just a few short, steep bites) hugs dramatic bluffs as part of the legendary Coastal Trail -- and the views are nonstop. Walk it and you'll feel the ocean wind on your face, watch waves explode against cliffs below, and scan a panorama of green headlands that roll into blue forever. Wildlife is part of the cast: harbor seals bobbing in coves, pelicans gliding in formation, hawks circling overhead, rabbits darting through brush, lizards sunning on rocks, and wildflowers painting the trail in season. It's a living field guide out there. Parking is easy at both the north and south trailheads. From the northern lot, a half mile in you'll find a stunning wooden stairway that drops you down to Cowell Ranch Beach -- a secluded cove that feels like a secret reward. Heads up: poison oak and ticks like the off-trail areas, so stay on the path and you'll stay happy. This trail isn't just gorgeous -- it's rejuvenating. Go early, go slow, and let the coast do the talking.

Nice easy hike along the coast. In spring time the best views are at the beginning of trail. The…read morerest of the trail looks kind of the same.

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.

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.

This is a nice, quiet family beach. We didn't actually go to the beach this time, but instead took…read morea leisurely hike along the coastal trail. The hike is so beautiful anytime of the year. At the beginning of summer, there are plenty of wildflowers, and you can't beat the cliff views. You'll probably run into a few rabbits and little critters, and the hike is calming and relaxing. This is a great place to enjoy some chill time.

I was searching and never been here so I tried it out. I would recommend if there is parking. The…read morewalk is a bit longer than I would prefer but very worth it. The way down is not easy but not difficult. Soo be prepared. There is a lotnof beach space and because od the limited parking I would think it does not get to packed. The best part is free parking unlike some other beaches that I belive is 8 dollars. But once you reach the end. You will have to stay and enjoy because the walk back will take a bit of energy. Nice quiet large beach. Reccomend.

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

Beautiful scenery Montare is. And it's & great for fishing and surfing from dusk til dawnread more

It's a great way to walk to the bluff, or the beach. Easy access to the coast from the neighborhood.read more

Nice Trail to walk my pitbull Zero, your dogs have to be on leash at all times. Parking is $10 all…read moreday or park on the street and walk. It's busy on the weekends so make sure to come early. Most dogs are friendly here, but like most places there are always a few overly protective dog parents. Enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the trial or walk down and walk on the beach. We absolutely love it.