01
Best overall hike
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Foothills East Of Half Moon Bay • Shaded Redwood Canyon Preserve • Redwood Escape Close To Town
A lush network of canyon and ridge trails through towering redwoods and ferns, with cool air even on warm coast days.
Locals head to Purisima when the coast is fogged in but they still want a memorable hike. You can choose mellow out-and-backs along the creek or link steeper loops like Whittemore Gulch and Harkins Ridge for a serious workout. Parking fills fast on weekends, so arrive early or aim for a late-afternoon start.
02
Best summit workout
Montara Mountain via McNee Ranch
North Of Town Above Montara • Steep Coastal Mountain Climb • Challenging Climb With Sweeping Views
A sustained uphill hike that trades effort for panoramic views of the Pacific, coastal towns, and inland ridges.
This is the spot when you want your legs to feel it and your photos to look like a postcard. The wide fire road and singletrack switchbacks wind through coastal scrub and wildflowers before breaking out into open views near the summit. On clear days you can see far down the San Mateo coast, but bring layers because wind and fog can roll in quickly.
03
Classic coastal stroll
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Along The Main Half Moon Bay Shoreline • Paved Beachfront Multi-Use Path • Go-To Route For Relaxed Walkers And Cyclists
A mostly flat, sea-level path that strings together beaches, bluffs, and picnic spots right on the edge of town.
If you only have time for one easy walk, make it this one. The trail is friendly to strollers, bikes, and casual walkers, with frequent access points to the sand and wide-open ocean views. Start from Francis Beach for a quieter feel or near the harbor if you want to add coffee, chowder, or a harbor loop to your outing.
04
Best for wild coastline
Pillar Point Bluff
Above Princeton Harbor And Mavericks • Blufftop Coastal Preserve • Great For Surf Watching And Sunsets
Short, mostly level trails weave along the edge of the bluffs, overlooking tidepools, harbor activity, and the famous Mavericks surf break.
Pillar Point Bluff feels surprisingly wild despite sitting just above the working harbor. The dirt paths loop through coastal scrub and out to viewpoints where you can watch winter swells hammer the reefs below or spot harbor seals hauled out on the rocks. It is an easy, rewarding choice for golden-hour walks and quick nature breaks between errands or meals.
05
Short but dramatic
Devil's Slide Trail
Cliffs North Of Half Moon Bay On Highway 1 • Paved Cliffside Ocean Trail • Ideal For A Quick Scenic Stop
A retired stretch of Highway 1 turned into a wide, car-free path along sheer cliffs with nonstop ocean views.
This is an easy way to get big scenery without committing to a long hike. Interpretive signs along the route call out the area’s history and wildlife, while overlooks give you front-row views of seabirds, rock formations, and passing whales in season. It can be windy and exposed, so pack a windbreaker even on sunny days.