From Romance Without Reservations

Half Moon Bay can't help it: it's romantic pretty much any way you slice it. The small coastal town known for pumpkin festivals and big-wave surfing is also a casual biker's coastal playground. So throw on a fleece and let the fun begin by cruising 5 miles of oceanfront trail. If you don't have a bike of your own, rent one from Bike Rec—they'll deliver a beach cruiser to you anywhere on the trail. Start your ride from Magellan Road (follow the signs to Miramar Beach Restaurant). Roll south along the paved trail, across old wooden bridges; along the way you'll pass frisky jack rabbits—those Casanovas of the brush—and several picnic-worthy beaches. Spread a quilt on the sands, or if you prefer, just south of Francis Beach you'll find lots of bluff-side benches for wave watching.

TIP: For a romantic splurge, top off your Half Moon day-trip with a "Chocolate Tasting Trio" at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay's Conservatory Lounge. It includes fancy chocolate, a glass of rose champagne, and generous ocean views. No reservations necessary, and no jack rabbits allowed.

The trail is a part of Half Moon Bay State Beach. If you'd rather walk than bike it, we recommend starting at Francis Beach rather than Magellan Rd. These beaches are dog-friendly.

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, One Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay; 650-712-7000. The Chocolate Tasting Trio goes from Feb. 8 to Feb. 17, no reservations required. It costs $34 per person.