We went to the northern entrance of Fitzgerald reserve only to find out it was closed due to sea pups. We drove a few minutes south to the other entrance and found street parking. We skipped the tree tunnel this time only because my kid was anxious to tide pool. We walked down the long flight of stairs to the beach to find amazing tide pools and a clean beach. No restrooms on this side, no dogs, no beach toys, no food (though I saw people with it), and no collecting. If you come here be sure to bring a well fitted hat, sunscreen (even on cloudy days), towel, water, and sturdy shoes. The tide pools rocks can be slippery so wearing shoes with grip can help avoid falls. I saw two adults slip in the 90 minutes we were there. I saw anemones, crabs, clams and so much kelp of all colors. read more

Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel - Anemone July 2026 - Hiking Near Me - Moss Beach, California

The Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel is a quick and easy trail to explore, take pictures, and to simply 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! read more

Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel - Hiking Near Me - Moss Beach, California

See all

Easy trail but very limited on where you can hike with your pup. - 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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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

See all

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. read more

See all

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

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! read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

Free but small parking and nice bathrooms. What a great and easy walk around the trees. Plenty of shade and beautiful view. We walked down to the beach that's closest to the parking lot but did not go to the one further away through the trees. Lots of places to sit and rest. We saw people walking their dogs, jogging, and biking. The weather was great for me, on the cooler side. I really had a nice time. read more

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

Says dogs are allowed. However. Dogs are allowed on one 5 minute trail and are prohibited everywhere else around the place. Just state dogs aren't allowed so I don't have to waste my time driving my dog and I to a place that says dogs allowed. Relaxing walk for people though. read more

We parked at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. It was a short walk. The cypress tree tunnel was nice, but isn't as impressive as the one in Point Reyes. I guess the highlight was seeing all the seals sunning down below. read more

This is a super easy and quick walk. Really cool to see the trees touching overtop of the walk way read more

Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel - Cypress tree tunnel - Hiking Near Me - Moss Beach, California

Do you need to stretch your legs? Do you need to post a great photo on instagram? Have you forgotten what fresh air smells like? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel is for you. There are at least two entrances (which means PLENTY of parking). Going from the address listed on yelp (with bathroom access), enter and follow the trail markers for the tree cove. The whole trail is mostly shaded and offers a beautiful immersive feel the entire hike. There is a fallen tree for children to climb on and of course that picturesque tree canopy backdrop for your instagram pictures. The trails are obvious, but there is room for "off trail" roaming which I'm sure aren't great for the trees so stay on the trails! As you venture through the trail, you'll get great ocean views and if you're lucky, the seals will be out relaxing in the tide pools. Great short hike to get away from it all. read more

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

therapeutic! great place to escape the city. its free! i went on saturday during thanksgiving weekend and there were plenty of parking. read more

See all

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

A wonderful stroll for the cypress trees, the stairs to the beach was nice too. Definitely a great place to take children... wide open to run around and take family pictures too. read more

Very serene! A lot of wild ocean creatures such as snails, crabs , seals. They have a stone in the middle of the ocean looks like a light house , Trees are beautiful and lively ! Must see! read more

I almost want to keep it a secret, but this is one of my favorite walks! I live in Seal Cove and enter from the side closer to the Moss Beach Distillery but there is a Parking Lot at California and Nevada fir the visitors! The last tome l checked, the staircase onto the beach was closed due to Covid, but you can still view the Seals from this trail, you just can't go Tide Pool wading at low tide right now to look at the Sea Creatures! Post Covid check back again. read more