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    Shayla B.

    I wouldn't go out of my way to visit the James Johnston house, but it's worth a trip if you are in the area when it's open. The house is only open every 3rd Saturday of the month from 11am to 3 pm, so visiting options are pretty limited. I dropped by here after eating at Sam's Chowder House and made it right in time for the last tour. I didn't know who James Johnston was, and quite frankly I still don't know too much about him other than the fact that he was a '49er pioneer and that he built this house for his wife, Petra. The Johnston house has been around for over 150 years and has gone through major renovations. I must say that it has been immaculately maintained, and there are original pieces of his furniture that have been donated by his family members that can be found inside of the home. Most of the items are replicas that closely resemble how the Johnston home looked during that time. There are also images and paintings of James Johnston and his family that are set on the walls. In the kitchen area, you will find a book that has images of what the home actually looked like in the 1800's, and what it looked like before it was restored. Tours are conducted every hour and last about 20-30 minutes long. The tour guide was dressed in a large gown that was of popular women's dress during the mid 1800's. The tour guides are very informative and passionate while directing the tour. The home is two stories tall and has several different rooms, each to which served a specific purpose. I personally really enjoyed viewing the kitchen area the most because it really gave me a glimpse into what it was like to live and dine during that time period. The Johnston house can be easily missed as it is hidden off of highway 1 and located about a half mile on an off street. It is set on a hill and overlooks the beautiful city of Half Moon Bay. There is a small parking lot and entry is free. Overall, It's a nice piece of history that is worth a visit if you can make it during the 4 hours that they open during the month.

    Johnston House (from the foundation's flyer)

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    Photo of Heidi W.
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    1 year ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great free tour with staff dressed in period outfits. Beautiful place. Worth a stop.

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    4 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    Photo of K J.
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    9 years ago

    A very enjoyable docent-led tour of the house.

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    9 years ago

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    The Flintstone House

    The Flintstone House

    4.1(12 reviews)
    6.7 mi

    Neat local flavor to take a look out…read more It's actually someone's house that they live in, so make sure to be mindful and polite when visiting (because I can't imagine how annoyed the neighbors would be with randos going in and out as well as just thinking this place is an eyesore with how rich and pretentious the neighborhood already seems). There are statues of the saber tooth there and Fred, some dinos. Lots of purple and orange colors. It's not only just Flintstones theme as there are bunnies, aliens, Terracotta warriors and an eclectic mix of decor. Neat, fun and interesting stop if you're nearby and on the way somewhere else.

    Flintstones House Hillsborough CA Wed 4/12/23 ©…read moreLet me start by saying, this quirky house is not a tourist destination! For decades, this prominent feature in Hillsborough hills just off the scenic route Hwy 280 brought happy feelings to passers by! Of course it's been a curiosity for decades in existence... but wait! All it is, a wonderful single family residence, with a twist in a story full of intrigue & litigation! And it has its own Wikipedia page! I've told myself, Grey, you live close by, you've got to write about the Flintstones House! It's a curiosity worth noted, yet a source of controversy to its neighbors! A colorful authentically looking residence in the affluent Hillsborough community uniquely affected the inner moods within the neighborhood, while much of the story remained hidden from public eye. The listing wasn't on the Yelp maps until recently, a yelper put it on during the pandemic, the house itself has been gracing the hill for decades in existence. The Flintstones house has been renovated & changed hands some years ago... I believe it used to sport an off white stucco, at some point it got repainted bright orange & purple... sold in 2017 & that's when complaints began. As the storytelling goes, the original Flintstones suburban sprawl developed in real life! Much controversy to it in the recent years due to the current owner coloring it even brighter burnt color resembling the cave & decorating the yard even more...beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Neighbors considered yard decorations an eye sore! So they brought forth the law suits. The installations of dinosaurs became a point of contention. Maybe historic inaccuracies were getting on their nerves? :-) After all, all we know is that Fred & Wilma enjoyed the company of their pet dinosaur Dino, but were there many others in the Stone Age? What about a Giraffe, a woolly mammoth, and a Fred Flintstone himself?! I understand neighbors didn't want any attention in the affluent town they reside in. Well, the owner won the law suit! She gets to keep her dinosaurs! Not only that, but also $125K from the city for originating the architectural review in the first place! And we the public got to enjoy this amazing architectural creation for years to come! *Well, he packed his guitar and his bar-room tan, Gotta get some miles behind him as fast as he can, Another destination, some place else to play. *But as the night approaches, a change is in the air His heart is pumping fast, he's got no cares The music befriends him, it can take him anywhere It's a honky-tonk engagement But there's no better place to play His mind feels like crazy pavement He's getting crazed out every day [ Review #766 w 2 pix on May 2, 2023 ] Flintstones House! Hillsborough CA Wed 4/12/23 Yabba Dabba Doo! @Flintstones House Hillsborough CA Wed 4/19/23

    Photos
    The Flintstone House - Another drive by

    Another drive by

    The Flintstone House
    The Flintstone House

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    Pacific Coast Highway 1 - Hwy 1 South,  Pacifica

    Pacific Coast Highway 1

    4.9(28 reviews)
    4.2 mi

    Pacific Coast Highway 1 is a beautiful highway in terms of views! It overlooks the Pacific, with…read morebreathtaking scenery, vistas, and beaches! Highway 1 is a lovely coast-hugger! I never made the complete trip of the entire (over) 656 miles of Pacific Coast Highway 1, but I've been on it to get to cities like Santa Monica and to Venice Beach with its famous Muscle Beach outdoor weight lifting, skateboarding park, and the fun boardwalk brimming with shops and performers, fortune-tellers and boutiques! Thank you Pacific Coast Highway 1 for taking us to some of the loveliest, most memorable places in California!

    I have been on every mile of the PCH as a kid throwing up in the back seat of a white convertible…read morecaddie with the top down north of San Simeon where the road twist and turns like a corkscrew to later in life jamming gears in a 6 speed tricked out Miata around this same curves and others and barely holding onto the road.  Also road trips from where it hooks in at 5 in the south all the way to Legget at the 101.  As a California boy I lived for the coast so was on some part of the PCH all the time. I use to think of PCH just as in the south state since it's referred as that more down there. Not as much in NorCal. Usually just the 1 but still it is the Pacific Coast Highway. The south state it passes through most all the beach towns until south of San Simeon til you hit Carmel. There are a few more here but different vibe than the ones further south. Continuing north through San Francisco across the Golden Gate bridge into hipster old school hippie rich Marin and on to the north coast. This is probably the stretch I love the most. Insane views and great towns with some of the best unknown bars, beer halls and restaurants in the state. Traveling the PCH is not a destination it is a journey along the California coast and all it has to offer and you should take your time to enjoy and soak in the history. As a invertebrate biologist student and mycologist back in the day I have spent an insane amount of time on the coast at all hours of the night and day chasing low tides and camping along the way in designated campsites and usually some hideaway of the road so I know it well. Take your time and enjoy the beach towns and beaches in the south and the rugged coastline and establishments along the way.

    Photos
    Pacific Coast Highway 1 - Hwy 1 South,  Pacifica

    Hwy 1 South, Pacifica

    Pacific Coast Highway 1 - Beach

    Beach

    Pacific Coast Highway 1

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    Point Montara Light Station - Ice Plant (Carpobrotus dimidiatus)...

    Point Montara Light Station

    4.7(12 reviews)
    7.9 mi

    This lighthouse is significantly smaller than the ones along the PCH as you head south of HMB…read morehowever none the less it is packed with beautiful views. There is a couple benches you can quietly sit and take in all the glory of cliffside ocean views. Note: this is a Hostel... so be mindful that you are sharing a view and overlook with those that pay into the experiences vs just driving by.

    Driving down Highway 1 after you past Devil's Slide and La Costanera, you could easily pass by this…read morelighthouse without knowing it exist. Unless you're looking for it, you'll catch a glimpse of it when you're driving southbound. The place is currently closed to the public (for obvious reasons) but prior to Covid-19, anyone can visit the compound and it provides free parking. There are also benches to have a quick picnic and you'll have a great view of the Pacific. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a trail that will lead you down a hidden beach below. Prior to a storm, I can find myself just watching the powerful waves crash against the rocks along the shoreline and the sound and site is just mesmerizing. It's one of the best therapies you could ever have and it's a stress-reliever. Best part of all, this whole experience is free. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but you can roam around and enjoy the grounds and scenery. There's a house that was built in 1863 that provided additional 2 bedrooms for the quarters, and it is very well-maintained. In 1961, an additional duplex structure was added with a 3 bedroom unit. These buildings are now a hostel next to the lighthouse, so please be mindful of their guests and just respect their rules. In 1991, the place was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The original lighthouse was built in 1875 to guide the boats along the coast, and it originally used kerosene lantern. In 1912, it was converted into a fourth order Fresnel lens. In 1881, the current tower was built and upgraded in 1928 with parts from the discontinued Mayo Beach Lighthouse from Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The lighthouse has been standing here since, perched along the rocky coast. Not bad for a lighthouse that's 145 years old. Wish I'll look this good at that age. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 18

    Photos
    Point Montara Light Station - Great view !!

    Great view !!

    Point Montara Light Station - Winter

    Winter

    Point Montara Light Station

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    Methuselah Tree - Methuselah Tree Signage

    Methuselah Tree

    5.0(9 reviews)
    9.1 mi

    Another place checked off in my peninsula sightseeing spots. Been wanting to come here for a while…read moreand last week I was able to come out here on a Saturday morning around 8 AM and was able to enjoy this place all to myself. I've been in this area along Skegss point and have never seen it but after hearing about it and do some research it's literally just right off the road. I was actually disappointed I didn't have to walk or hike, but in the end it was a quick simple skip Across the highway and maybe 50 steps and you're there. You have to step down a few stairs but overall that's all it is. This tree is really huge and tall with a beautiful base and a few burls. Some healthy branches and greenery as you look up towards the sky underneath the canopy of other pines. I was able to adore and admire this tree for a good 15-20 minutes without any other people around took a few nice pictures proceeded on my way out to hike the local Corte Madera hike just a mile down the street. Now, many of you have may know there is another Methusalah tree in eastern Sierras at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White mountains of Inyo County. That one is still on my list to go find which I hope will be one day soon. Whether you're a local or tourist and in the area, this place is recommended to come or a pitstop along your way down towards Santa Cruz on Highway 35.

    You have got to see the methuselah tree which is over 1800 years old! I'm in awe of gigantic…read moretrees! It is only 45 to 60 minutes south of San Francisco, right above the skyline just west of Woodside, CA. Methuselah is conveniently located just a short walk off of Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) 3.3 miles north of Sky Londa and Alice's Restaurant and 0.5 miles south of the Caltrans' Skeggs Vista Point. The closest parking is across the road at El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. Be careful crossing the road as cars can come around the corner quickly. Methuselah will be visible from the road. Pass through the gate and follow the trail to the base of the tree. Methuselah is a massive old-growth redwood and it is the oldest and largest living tree in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Take a trip to see the methuselah. You won't be disappointed!

    Photos
    Methuselah Tree - Me admiring the beauty of her

    Me admiring the beauty of her

    Methuselah Tree - Methuselah Tree

    Methuselah Tree

    Methuselah Tree - Methuselah Tree Signage

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    Methuselah Tree Signage

    Pulgas Water Temple

    Pulgas Water Temple

    4.2(174 reviews)
    6.4 mi

    Pulgas Water Temple is definitely a unique little spot and the fact that it's completely free to…read morevisit is a huge plus. I can absolutely see why people stop here for photos and the dome and pool make for a very pretty setting. That being said, I spent maybe 10 minutes here before feeling like I had seen it all. There's not a lot to explore and my visit was made particularly less enjoyable by how crowded it was. There were at least three people doing elaborate professional photo shoots and dozens of what I can only describe as full-on Instagram productions happening around the area. It was noisy and there wasn't much room to move around and it really took away from what I imagine is a normally peaceful experience. I was here on a weekday afternoon as well so I'm not sure when a slower time might be to visit. I feel like I should preface this review with the fact that I stopped here immediately after spending the morning and early afternoon at Filoli, so in comparison it probably isn't helping me have a hugely favorable opinion of my experience here. There are also signs advising that no dogs are allowed, which I think is pretty ridiculous. This is definitely worth a quick stop if you're in the area, especially because parking is free and there's no admission fee. However, unless you are one of the people who are spread out on a blanket or carrying boxes of props for a full-on production, this is definitely not a place that you would spend very much time. For me it was an interesting, very quick, one time stop.

    Directions here were very easy to find, parking was very open with handicap spaces on an early…read moreMonday afternoon! I noticed they had outhouse style restrooms which were cleaned, stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The path down is slightly downhill, and is dirt paved. Wear shoes you definitely do not mind being covered in dirt. Maybe a three minute walk. There were people picnicking quietly for an afternoon date on the lawn with a blanket, that's a great idea. There is a large grass area for many families to enjoy together. Seeing it in person was really nice. Brought some teenage girls here who really enjoyed it. We enjoyed taking some pictures together. I definitely see why this area is used as a professional photography spot!! Will I come here again: if in the area and cooler weather absolutely for a gorgeous family style picnic!!

    Photos
    Pulgas Water Temple - Long view of the reflecting pool. No swimming but you can enjoy the ambience

    Long view of the reflecting pool. No swimming but you can enjoy the ambience

    Pulgas Water Temple
    Pulgas Water Temple

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    HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - Dorm Bedroom

    HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel

    4.3(87 reviews)
    7.9 mi

    Great non-profit hostel. The grounds are so beautiful, and the scenery is sublime. The staff was…read morehelpful, and love the kitchen (bring your own food) and common areas with games. A few small complaints - the bathroom sink required holding the lever down (annoying - had to turn on the shower to wash my face), and no USB port or power outlet near each bed like some other hostels, although they do have a power outlet in the room, and wifi. While you're in the area, check out Fitzgerald Marine Reserve during low tide to see the sea critters, and walk the Devil's Slide Trail. If you're new to hostels, google "tips for staying in a hostel". It's not a hotel.

    I was going to chalk my experience up to just a grumpy old lady but after chatting with another…read moregroup who went in after us I'm going to change that to grumpy old racist lady I proposed to my girlfriend down the street from here and we came here to take some pictures with the lighthouse, upon passing the gate we were almost immediately approached by this grumpy old lady. Huffing and puffing yelling at us that this is a private property. I (VERY NICELY) told her that we were under the impression that there was an easement to the beach (which is true), she then goes to say that we didn't sign the digital waiver at the door, ok fair enough, I immediately tell her that we will go right away back up to the gate and sign the waiver. She then proceeds to yell at us about how we are not allowed to do professional photoshoots, okay lady I get that maybe I do look like a model (especially compared to her) but some friends with a camera isn't a professional photoshoot. I once again, nicely explain to her that I just proposed and we're just trying to get a few pics of the location and we will go sign the waiver right away. She proceeds once again to repeat herself about the waivers which I don't understand because I already said we would go sign it right away and her talking is actually what is preventing from us from going to sign the waivers. She then ironically says "it's unfortunate that this is what you will remember from your engagement day" like what?! LADY if you know you're ruining our day why are you doing this? but fear not it did not ruin our day because I will not let some old hag ruin my day so I once again tell her we will go sign the waivers, she then has the balls to tell me that "this is a non-profit, there is a donation box at the door" ok PAUSE I would be MORE than happy to donate $50, even $100 to your location but not after the way you just treated us. We end up walking back up to the gate to sign the waivers and run into another couple making their way down the hill. I jokingly told them to make sure they signed the waiver or they would get yelled at to which they told me they didn't and proceeded down the hill. We ended up running into them at the parking lot again and they told us that they lady gave them no trouble even though they didn't sign the waiver. I jokingly said to them it's probably because of race (we are asian, they were Caucasian) to which they replied that they really may have been the case because they had no trouble at all. It's unfortunate such a beautiful location is run by such an old grumpy lady. I 100% own it that we should have signed the waiver upon entry but if rules exist they should apply to everyone regardless or age/race/gender/etc.. and on top of that once I already told her we would go sign the waivers she could have easily sent us about our way but I can't imagine why she felt the need to continuously lecture and yell at us.

    Photos
    HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - The Surfside House Kitchen

    The Surfside House Kitchen

    HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - The Surfside House Living Dining Room

    The Surfside House Living Dining Room

    HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel - The Surfside House Stove

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    The Surfside House Stove

    The James Johnston House - landmarks - Updated September 2026

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