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    Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel

    4.7 (26 reviews)

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    Kim T.

    The cypress tree tunnel is a truly memorizing especially when there is fog surrounding but also can be a horrible scary movie science if you are by yourself here. Once parked here, there is plenty of parking and restrooms here. The road to the cypress tree was less than 5 minutes walk which can be easily discover. The staircase to the beach was also near by too if you want to see the sea loin. I recommended coming here on a sunny day or when it is sunset as the pictures will turn out to be better than when it is smoky foggy day.

    Walkway by the view
    nowshin n.

    Small easy hike. Perfect combination of beach and the woods. Catch it during the golden hour.

    Joan W.

    This is a nice stopover down the coast on the way to Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay. It's about a mile walk through the forest and you can go longer and take stairs down to Moss Beach. The forest is beautiful and looks very creepy and foreboding when it's foggy, kind of like a setting for a ghost movie. I love how you can always hear the ocean in the near distance. There are 2 Cypress tree tunnels that I know of in the bay area. This one is easier to get to and closer to civilization than the one out in Point Reyes which is about an hour and a half drive from the city.

    Cypress Tree Tunnel in Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
    Teresa G.

    This is a wonderful place to relax, renew, refresh, and recharge! The parking lot was open. The Cypress Tree Tunnel is part of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. There are lots of photo opportunities and the hike is not difficult at all. There is a public restroom and there are benches along the trail where you can rest and take in the breathtaking scenery. You can go down to the beach using the Seal Cove Beach Staircase. The time we went, we did not see any seals, so will definitely have to go back. I would recommend going through the Cypress Forest and following the Bluff Trail which takes you to some awesome cliff views!

    Rickety bridge that leads to seal cove
    Lily S.

    I didn't really explore Seal Cove too much, but I really enjoyed the cypress tree tunnel. This is a short walking distance from the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. You have to cross a rickety bridge that has a sign that says no entry, but everyone still walks across it. You'll soon encounter a forest of cypress trees. They are tall and amazing, and they seem to be planted in rows. The "tunnel" created by the arching branches are instagram-worthy. Walk a little further and there's a flight of stairs that brings you down to seal cove. We didn't explore this part too much, but would love to come back again.

    Trees
    Annabelle R.

    I've only been to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve a couple times, but I absolutely love it! My favorite part is this dream-like forest with tall trees and dirt pathways, surrounded by beautiful scenery and nature, a respite from the imperfections of everyday life. A view of the water can be seen from the edge of the cliff, and the beach is accessible from both ends (stairs leading down to the sandy shore). A few benches within the forest provide an option for sitting while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and views, beneath the shade of the seemingly endless trees. This place is breathtaking, it's hard to describe just how unique it is. It's one of those things you have to experience for yourself to understand and appreciate.

    Diana D.

    Each time I visit Half Moon Bay area, I find a new hidden spot, that's what makes this place so beautiful. This is right by Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. You can park right by the Marine reserve parking lot or by the lot near the Distillery and walk towards the trail. The trail itself is short but breathtaking. The Cypress Tree Tunnel is picturesque. The trail ends by the stairway that takes you to the ocean. I believe during certain season you can sight seals on the beach. This place not your typical beach. Come here to experience peace and serenity. Early morning is best, and you'll have the place to yourself. Dogs allowed on the trail only and not on the beach or stairway due to it's proximity to the Marine Reserve.

    The light at the end of the tunnel.
    John G.

    An escape from an escape. During this Covid-19 pandemic, Wifey and I have been going out in nature almost every weekend to get away from the madness while maintaining social distancing. On one of those weekends, our trip took us down south on Highway 1 and I wanted to check if Fitzgerald Marine Reserve was open. It was not; however, the walking trails were open so we parked the car and enjoyed the stroll with the dog. We've been to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve several times throughout the years, and we'd often come here to check the sea life during low tides. I particularly enjoyed the rows of Cypress Trees inside the park and it reminded me of the Cypress Tree Tunnel at Point Reyes, but only better. I didn't even know there was a name for this place until recently when I was checking Google earth. While the Cypress Tree Tunnel at Point Reyes is one row, the Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel has several rows. One can spend hours in here just enjoying the serenity it provides. The cool breeze from the Pacific; the birds chirping and singing; the canopy that provides shelter from a heatwave; the rays of sunlight penetrating through the leaves and branches; the sound of the waves rhythmically crashing along the shoreline and the healing elements that nature wonderfully provides. You can soak it all in in this stunning place and depending on the time of year, you might hear the songs of the seals barking on the beach down the beach below as they sunbathe and frolic as they joust for the best position. I'm assuming that his place is named after them? Note: Dogs are only allowed on the marked trail should you decide to bring your four-legged family member.

    Cypress Tree Tunnel
    Carly K.

    Breathtaking! One word is all you need to describe this area. We visited this area while in Half Moon Bay for a senior portrait photography session and the Cypress Tree Tunnel was the perfect background! Seal cove was also stunning! We will definitely be back when we are in HMB again.

    Cypress tree tunnel

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    1 year ago

    This is a wonderful place to take a walk.Breath taking.Very beautiful, calming a tranquil.

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    This place was beautiful. I loved the spooky vibes, would definitely enjoy coming at night during Halloween season for pictures.

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Came here with my family. We had a pleasant time strolling through. Strongly recommend it!

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Beautiful spot to visit! Highly recommend!!! What a perfect spot for a walk with the most perfect scenery!!

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    4 years ago

    Very cute and nice place. Weather was perfect. It was a small little walk compared to other trails nearby

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    Pillar Point Bluff

    Pillar Point Bluff

    4.8
    (29 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    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.

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    Late spring flowers
    Late spring flowers
    Wildflowers - practicing my photography skills :)
    Wildflowers - practicing my photography skills :)
    Late spring flowers

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    Late spring flowers

    Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel - hiking - Updated August 2026

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