Pacific Views & Brews

Bike or Stroll Half Moon Bay Trail

How do you make a beach-hopping coastal bike ride even more refreshing? Just add beer! This 8-mile out-and-back ride starting at Half Moon Bay State Beach rolls 4 miles up the coast to the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Start on the paved trail at the east side of the Half Moon Bay State Beach entrance and continue north towards Pillar Point Harbor.

You’ll cross a few footbridges and roads, but the trail is paved and flat and continues straight through each junction, making for an easy ride and full enjoyment of the coastal views and wildflowers, including poppies and orange aloe flowers.The path parallels Highway 1, and you’ll pedal through four beach communities: Venice, Dunes, Roosevelt, and Surfer’s Beach. At 3.6 miles, you’ll be at Pillar Point Harbor.

Continue north for 0.2 mile to Capistrano Road, then take a left and another 0.2 mile to Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., a tried and true good bet for good beer. Their award-winning Mavericks Amber Ale is best enjoyed on the patio, by the fire pit. Order a burger to pair with your pint. Return the way you came … goes down smooth.

TIP: Surfer’s Beach (aka El Granada Beach) is dog-friendly.

From Half Moon Bay at CA-1 and CA-92, drive 0.3 mile south, then take a right onto Kelly Ave. At the end of the street, turn right into the Half Moon Bay State Beach parking lot. Parking at Half Moon Bay State Beach is $10.00. Some parking can be found in the nearby neighborhood, but be wary of streets that require permits.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

    View
  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View
  2. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

    View
  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View