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. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View