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7 Scenic Coastal Sights Around the Bay Area

The Bay Area region offers numerous coastal spots to discover, and additional options are located beyond the Bay. Here are 7 Scenic Coastal Sights Around the Bay Area you can check out year-round and on your next adventure.

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Half Moon Bay

7 Scenic Coastal Sights Around the Bay Area

Many of these 7 Scenic Coastal Sights are close to each other, so if you are feeling spontaneous to visit all of them or you are on a road trip in Northern California these are great destinations to visit.

1. Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Ranch State Park is located along the central coast near Santa Cruz. The park offers about 35 miles of trails for hiking and biking. One of the best trails in this region is the Old Cove Landing Trail, which is a relatively easy hike. The trail offers views of cliffs and coves, and the scenery includes bluffs, fields of wildflowers, especially during the Spring season, and panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean. This is a great spot for you to experience the California coast.

Dogs are not allowed at Wilder Ranch State Park.

Old Cove Landing Trail

  • Distance: 2.5 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 101 ft.
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Guide: Map

2. Pillar Point Bluff

Pillar Point Bluff is near Moss Beach, just north of Half Moon Bay. This trail is easy to access because it is located off Highway 1. Once you arrive, the Pillar Point Bluff Trail offers a flat path, making it a straightforward hike to enjoy. This location is known for hosting some of the biggest surf on the West Coast, also known as “Mavericks.” If you’re lucky, you may witness this annual surfing phenomenon on the Pacific Coast.

This location is dog-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash.

Pillar Point Bluff Trail

  • Distance: 2.0 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 173  ft.
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Guide: Map

3. Montara State Beach

Montara Mountain, accessible via the McNee Ranch trail, is a popular hiking destination near Montara State Beach. What makes this location unique is the surrounding lush landscape with views of the coast. During early mornings, when the fog is rolling near the mountain, you get some of the most stunning views of this area. The trail can be steep and rocky in sections. This hike is a challenging yet rewarding experience with amazing views and diverse scenery. There are several paths you can add to make this hike longer.

Parking near the McNee Ranch Trail is limited, but there is additional parking at Montara State Beach. Be cautious when crossing the road to reach the trailhead. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Montara Mountain via McNee Ranch

  • Distance: 3-7 miles, depending on the path you take
  • Elevation Gain: 544  ft.
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Guide: Map

4. Pescadero State Beach

The Pescadero North Pond and Beach Trail is a beautiful, simple trail near Pescadero State Beach. It is between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz along the Highway 1. This trail offers a mix of coastal beauty and wildlife viewing. A freshwater pond is located inland from the beach, making it great for bird watching, photography, and beachcombing. The end of this trail isn’t maintained well. Once you reach the point where you can no longer pass, I would go back near the pond and head to Pescadero State Beach to see the natural arch. This rock formation is a breathtaking sight, especially during sunset; on low-tide days, you can walk to the other side of the arch, but be cautious and practice safety.

Dogs aren’t permitted at this state beach or nearby trails.

Pescadero North Pond and Beach Trail

  • Distance: 2 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 95 ft.
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Guide: Map

5. Cowell-Purisima, Half Moon Bay State Park

The Cowell-Purisima Trail is located near Half Moon Bay, and the trailhead is accessible from Highway 1. Limited parking is available, so the best times to visit are early or later in the day! This trail is easy and provides views of coastal bluffs and agricultural fields. You’ll often see cattle at the beginning of the hike, but don’t worry; they are fenced in! The trail is well-maintained, with a combination of dirt paths and gravel.

Dogs aren’t allowed at Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail or the beachside.

Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

  • Distance: 7.1 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 400  ft.
  • Route Type: Out & Back
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Guide: Map

6. Moss Beach, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach is a marine protected area that offers diverse tide pools where you can observe a wide variety of marine life. This location offers an easy scenic trail where you will walk through a path of beautiful cypress and eucalyptus trees. Once you reach the end of the trail, you can take the stairs down the beach or continue back to view from the top, where you will see panoramic views of the shoreline and the marine reserve below. Each year, you can observe harbor seal pups at this location; you can learn more about them here.

Dogs aren’t allowed at this location.

Fitzgerald Marine Bluff, Dardanelle Trail

  • Distance: 0.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 52  ft.
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Guide: Map

7. California Coastal Trail

The California Coastal Trail, located near the Ritz-Carlton, is located in the northern part of Half Moon Bay. You can easily access the trail from the hotel grounds or near this parking area. This trail provides nice views for several miles, providing access to beaches and coastal points. The path is mostly flat making it suitable for people of all fitness levels.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

California Coastal Trail

  • Distance: 3.0 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 239  ft.
  • Route Type: Out & Back
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Trail Guide: Map

In Summary

This post was about 7 Scenic Coastal Sights Around the Bay Area. Have you visited these locations yet? In the comments section, let me know if you found this post valuable. Remember to Leave No Trace when visiting these beautiful coastal sights!

Half Moon Bay Beaches

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