Ah, Half Moon Bay on a sunny September day. Eight miles of beach and that farm-meets-coast atmosphere. It's a classic getaway. The cherry on the top of this sundae is a little-visited slice of sand called Cowell Ranch Beach. To get there, head south of Half Moon Bay. Just past the Ritz Carlton, you'll find a tiny parking lot. Look for the sign that says Cowell Ranch Beach. Follow the flat half-mile trail through an artichoke field—and thank the Peninsula Open Space Trust for preserving this working farm from development. At the end of the trail, descend a wooden stairway about a hundred feet to a crescent-shaped beach that's tucked away from the rest of the world by towering cliffs. Enjoy the ocean breeze, watch the harbor seals play, and relish a different side of Half Moon Bay.

Directions: Head south on Highway 1 through the Half Moon Bay. At three-quarters of a mile past Miramontes Rd. (which goes to the Ritz), look for a small parking lot on the right. If it's full, park one-quarter mile down the road on a turn-out on the right. Dogs not allowed.

Correction: Last week's issue, "Labor Day Escapes," suggested visiting Steep Ravine hot springs at low tide. We regret that over the Labor Day weekend the tides were not low enough to expose the springs, which are usually only accessible at an extreme negative tide of minus 1.0-foot mean tide or lower. Here is the tide chart and the corrected story. Thanks for reading Weekend Sherpa, and enjoy your soaks.