Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail Reviews

This is a well known secret on the coast. Located between Hwy 1 and Miramar beach, it runs along the coastline bluffs over to Surfers beach. Most of the path is planked, paved or hard packed soil. Bikes ok. Bring doggie baggies. The path is open, but part of it runs through some trees. It is an open area that is well maintained and safe. The Miramar end even has port-a-potties. There is some parking on the side road by Miramar or on the sides of Hwy 1, but please - be aware of crossing the Hwy. or stopping to take pictures. It is a very busy road. All of this path is scenic, so you'll have lots of photo ops.

We loved the trail. Even with some construction causing a slight detour it was a great trail to walk. We chose to veer off and walk along the cliffs being careful to stay behind the signs and at a safe distance from the edge to have a nicer view on the stretch just south of the RV park. We managed to get decent weather on our second day at Half Moon Bay which really made all the difference. The first day was too windy to really enjoy but a sunny & cool day made the alk very enjoyable.

I walked the coastside trail because I was staying at the Ritz Carlton but you can just as easily pick it up from a parking lot just off One Miramontes Point Road. In addition to walking along the bluff you can take a stairway down to the beach. If you get there at low tide, the tide pools will extend right out in front of you.

The trail is a walking trail but there are plenty of joggers, some bikers and the occasional Segway tour from the Ritz Carlton. A fun way to spend a couple hours.

This is a hidden gem. It has many picturesque viewpoints. It is an easy trail that would be fine for most anyone. It is worth a stroll!

Walked all the way to the harbor. Had dinner and then saw a beautiful sunset on the way back. Really nice

Walking along the coastal trail provides an easy walk with beautiful views. Choose your distance because you can take breaks sitting on a nice bench and then turn around to loop back. The trail is open providing amazing views and also making it impossible to get lost. There are bathrooms available at the main parking lot. There is a smaller parking lot about a mile south of the main camping lot where you can park for $2.00. You can also see the Mavericks surf beach...one of the most challenging surfing location in the United States.

Bike riding next to the Ocean, easy ride ( flat ) even though I haven't ride my bike in years....it was a great experience! Lots of eateries to choose from, had lunch at Joann's, they have a great selection of dishes, sandwiches, drinks and great liquors. I asked for a Turkey,avocado, lettuce, bacon and tomato sandwich, it was delicious and super fresh! It's a very nice dive bar and I love their decoration.
They also have tables outside.
The scenery is beautiful, I wish to come back soon!

We parked at the Ritz for free and walked south on the trail. Gorgeous views and nice to see the Ritz. Huge plus were the stairs that led down to a nice beach. Too bad we only had abs hour to walk.

We stay at Pillar Point RV park and this is a beautiful trail to jog on. It runs coastside, through natural habitats, across creeks. Mostly level and straight and I feel safe.

This trail is ideal for the casual biker who wants a quiet, no traffic experience. Generally flat, (the wind can provide some resistance!) the trail has amazing views and passes the cute areas of Princeton (great fish restaurants and cafes) Sam's grill, the Ritz carleton and a few other tiny villages of shops , art galleries and restaurants.

This is a great walkway. It goes through several sections of terrain, little towns and parallels Highway 1. Easy walking and well kept walkways with occasional benches to enjoy the scenery a bit longer.

Well worth the walk. Great to just walk along the path, tho in places it does go along the road. However it is long and in places mostly asphalt with some dirt on the side for more comfortable walking.

Expect amazing ocean views, spring flowers YELLOW mustard fields, and fresh air! Be prepared for sun exposure, wind (picks up in the afternoon and can be chilly)

You can walk for miles along the ocean. Watch beautiful sunsets. Nice level walk. with 1/2 mile of RV Park we stayed in.

It was very pretty. We got to see the golf course. We went down to the beach. It was an easy path to walk on.

Off the highway and just beautiful, safe, and peaceful.

Do not confuse this trail with the one that runs near the highway. The coastal trail is a delight, mostly level, paved, with bridges over creeks, its runs the entire bay on state property along the bluff's, so unobstructed views of the ocean, great place to walk, jog, and ride your bike - dog friendly with leash as there is ample wildlife.

We bike ride this trail from Francis State beach most of the time when we camp.This is a lovely trail, walker's,cyclist, runners many people use this trail. It has many wild flowers, birds, bunny's and small snakes. Every now and then there's a bench if you wish to sit and rest! Its an enjoyable trail with beautiful views!

Awesome views in a wonderful landscape, with fantastic spots of green trees and bushes on the blue ocean.
We took a short hike from the distillery over Moos beach towards the Flitzgerald Marine reserve, where we were able to see several seals on the reef.

We biked the trail from El Granada to the Ritz and back with our 11 and 9 year old kids. About 25 km in total. Such a glorious day, with sunshine, wonderful scenery, easy riding and lots of random birdwatching. Good burgers at the Ritz golf club snack bar for lunch too. Great bike hire from HMB Kayaks in the harbour.

Can’t think of a better activity in this area - do it.

If you are a visitor to the Half Moon Bay coast side it is definitely worth renting a bike and enjoying the ride from Pillar Point Harbor to the bird refuge that is just before the trail ends. Wonderful, scenic places to stop and enjoy the beach and views from the bluffs. I live in this area and whenever I can get guests from out of town out to do this they always thank me. So beautiful.

My wife and I parked at the north end of the trail and hiked some of it, and it was definitely worth the stop. I didn't think it quite worth an Excellent, though I see that others have, and it may be that it is truly spectacular in its southern reaches. We look forward to exploring its other stretches on some future visit.

Highly recommended trail. Very flat and easy. We walked and took our time strolling at sunset. Beautiful!

The scenery is spectacular and there are steps down to a beautiful beach. Kind of cold, so watch the temperature and dress accordingly. We parked at the Ritz-Carlton (just tell them you're going to hike the trail and it's free parking). Then we went south on the trail. We only hiked about a mile down and back. Easy, paved, no problem.

I enjoyed the trail, its a great outing for the day especially if your lucky and dont get to much fog. A lot of birds and other animals, we we're lucky to se a whale 🐳🙏

We saw many whales and sea lions in their natural habitat. It wasn't crowded. There are good restrooms on site. Worth a stop anytime, excellent at low tide I'm told by my local relatives.

Biked on this trail with my 6yo son. Good place to start is Lot C near Pillar Point Harbor. We went to the end of the trail (~5.5 miles one way) and stopped at one of the beaches on the return trip. There are plenty of places for beach access on the trail but many of them can be pretty steep. The trail got busier as the day progressed but it was never excessively busy. My son had no issues negotiating the other walkers and bikers on the trail. All in all, this is a great trail for casual family biking.

Awesome running trail right along the ocean. Flat and paved. You can go for about 7+ miles one way. Scenic, bathrooms along the way. Very cool place to get out and run or walk.

Beautiful place to visit to have a walk along the ocean. It was an easy trail and not difficult at all. Not crowd on a weekday. Bring hat and sunglass. The reflection from the sun was bright. Bring drinking water because there is no fountain along the trail.

We walked this trail for about 7 miles, it has great views of the coastline and easy to walk. Bring water with you as there is nowhere to buy any drinks if it's hot.

Just before the New Year my daughter and I rode the trail from the Ritz Carlton to the beach at Pillar Point. It was a beautiful day and a great ride. I am an avid rider who prefers MTB or fire road riding, my daughter is not a rider. It gave enough taste of trails and plenty of thrills for daughter. Highly recommend this trail. And yes, it is not all paved, there are some single tracks that you need to figure which way to go... But that was part of the fun.

A wonderful bluff-top trail overlooking the Ocean with many places to access the beach...runs from Pillar Point down to the Ritz Carlton property, about 7 miles...passes through the Wave Nature Preserve....if you take Poplar ave. from Rt. 1 there is a parking lot, and you are kind of in the middle of the trail, and a very pretty section of the trail. Get out there!

Nice place to take a stroll along the seashore. Easy flat walk or run. A lot of walkers and runners on the weekend, so not sure biking on the weekend is the best.

My son and I took a walk on Christmas Day and we had such fun! Wonderful weather at the time, and the views were superb - highly recommended. You can catch the trail in many areas in HMB - just look online at the Half Moon Bay Review, and there's an interactive map of the trail.

I've been coming back for several weekends running and other weekends biking the trail. Now that I've done sections of it I'm aiming for the long run in one go. Thank you for keeping this trail. Love it!

Make sure to bundle up as it is cold! There are opportunities to go down to the beach but majority of the trail is alongside the beach.

Biked through this trail with my family and ran through it the following day in Half Moon Bay's Marathon and I have to say this path is great for both biking and running. Biking 10+ miles pulling a child trailer is not exactly the smartest thing to do the day before a marathon but I'm glad I was able to do both in a weekend. Changes in scenery and terrain is neat. Kids loved going over several wooden bridges too. We rented bikes from Bike Works (which I highly recommend) and the hybrid mountain bike/beach cruisers they rent out is perfect here. Some dirt parts might not be best suited for roadbikes but I noticed that some managed.

We did the trail around the water. It was a beautiful day. What great waves and soft sand. The only problem we encountered was when the wind picked up the sand is so fine that it pelts you.

You can walk as much or as little as you choose. Stop for a cocktail, coffee, or a meal, or just keep walking, running, biking.

Using coaster bikes from the Ritz, my daughter and I rode the full length of the trail. This is easy riding as the road is flat, though you have to be careful about walkers, dogs and other bikers. The views are great, and there is at least one bathroom along the route.

If you don't walk the coastal trail in Half Moon Bay you're missing out on some of the most gorgeous ocean views anywhere. I did this both in bright sunshine and in a foggy mist. It's extraordinary whenever you go. If you're lucky you'll see whales, you'll almost certainly see surfers and amazing views.

Based on the reviews, we were expecting something quite different! The free parking at the Ritz Carlton is really nice, but the unpaved part of the dirt trail is really long and hazardous for road bikes, and I'd imagine for runners as well!

The horse there was really nice though!

Much of where we walk on this trail, from the harbor to Poplar Beach is about six miles, and all of it is paved and flat. It runs close to the water, but at some points, as the trail goes a little more inland, the ocean is obscured. The trail, from Miramar Restaurant to Poplar beach is particularly enjoyable because there are bunnies along the way. It passes by Francis Beach campground, and is beautifully maintained. So many parts of the trail are great for whale watching, and we simply can't get enough of this area. If you enjoy walking, the ocean, and friendly people, this is the place to walk. When you've finished your walk, there are a number of nice restaurants in the immediate area at which to eat. After a nice long walk, indulge yourself, you deserve it!

Walking the coastside trail will make you want to move to Half Moon Bay. So we did. Views of the Pacific, the harbor, the town and the mountains.

This is a wonderful, long coastal trail that is a well maintained boardwalk and gives a full view of the ocean (you are on the cliffs just above the ocean). Highly recommended.

easy to find, picturesque benches placed along the trail, path in great condition.

for riding bikes, walking the dog, or just strolling - great views, lots of benches, and fun to do no matter what time of day, or what the weather.

Cool temperature hiking in California without going to the Sierras. The trail is being upgraded regularly and has a wonderful scent of the sea. There are not as many vistas as one would think, and sometimes it is hard to get a view of the beach from the trail, but hikers will love this option. It is especially friendly in spots for limited walkers such as the aged, those with braces, or an actual walker.

Being from Hawaii, the water is freezing cold!!! I did see people surfing in wet suits. But the water is below 50 degrees and very grey, not appealing to me.

We use this trail on road bikes so we can only travel 5.5 miles of it before the road turns into gravel. This 11-mile roundtrip trail beginning at Pillar point offers a great scenic ride on a twisting paved trail that is great for both bikers and walker/joggers alike. The trail passes through various beach parks that provide resting spots as well as restrooms. There is currently a clearly marked detour around a specific bridge repair and riders must take great care when sharing the path with other users. Riders face the challenge when riding against the wind, but it's otherwise an easy level ride.

At about 5 flat miles(?), this is an easy bike ride with lots of beautiful scenery. Bring a windbreaker.

My favorite activity in Half Moon BAy is to walk the many trails, and this is one of my favorites. I usually start and end at the Ritz so I can have a lovely drink afterwards. It might be a cool ice tea during summer or winter. Or it might be a hot drink, again anytime of year due to the winds. Be sure to wear a windbreaker if there is any sign of wind because you go right along the coast.

Again the best way to get away from the car and see what is at the end of the trail. No expectations brought an inner peace that only a place like this can give.

There aren't any dull areas on this trail. Hopefully, one day it'll all connect but as it is now the vistas are great and most of it makes for great bike riding. The views of the bay and surrounding hillsides are what keeps me on it.

The partially paved oceanfront hiking path parallels a State Park and co-joins it in spots for access to restrooms. Hike the entire Half Moon Bay on a level trail.

My granddaughter and I biked this trail and it was just an awesome experience along the ocean on a paved area for walking and biking. It is definitely longer than a mile as one reviewer thought- just keep following the paved trail- we did not go all the way to end. Just a great place to bike or walk.

you can park on the residential street otherwise it's $10. I went to go bird watching and to walk on the beach. Lovely beach.

This is a great trail, although a bridge has been out for many months so one cannot go as long as one might want to walk. Great views and bathrooms along the way. We like to do this before having a good lunch at the beach.

We parked at the Ritz (you don't have to pay for valet if you tell them you want coastal access). The beginning of the trail is along the golf course, and then you he a sign that says end of trail. Continue walking past the sign on the dirt path, and you'll be rewarded with gorgeous views of beaches, oceans, cliffs, etc. We went all the way to the seal preserve before turning back.

My husband and I have been walking this trail many times in many years - this is special, because we are visitors from Europe. The view and all the (wild)flowers, the beach, the ocean, it is all so beautiful. But what we like most is watching at all those people passing by with a dog (or two dogs or more), jogging after a stroller, talking to someone on the phone, just being happy. And having a chat or a few lines with them.

Beautiful paved walk along the ocean with beach access. Part of it goes by one of the Ritz Carlton golf courses. Mildly hilly in parts, but very scenic.

Ran this trail with my husband for our usual Saturday morning run. What a gem! It felt very safe when I was alone as you run through or near many camp grounds and state beaches. This paved trail has very little elevation change. The view of the Pacific ocean is classic Northern California!

I wrote a previous review titled "One of Half Moon Bay's Best Kept Secrets!" which is still true, but with explanations. The long bridge that looks so beautiful in the photos is rusted out and collapsed and unsafe at one end. It will be closed until a new bridge can be planned and funded, which unfortunately will take a long time. In the meantime, one can still enjoy the trail by planning ahead and walking a part of the trail north or south of the bridge, which roughly bisects the trail. That still gives you about three or four miles to hike in each direction. If cycling, you can still bike the entire trail by taking the long non-scenic detour inland to the Highway 1 trail between Kelly and Kehoe Avenues to bypass the bridge. Be advised: reviewers who describe the trail as boring clearly have not hiked very much of it, or don't care about viewing wildlife. Along its entire length there is quite a bit of variety. Normally I would choose the southern half as containing my favorite segments, mostly because of the birds and wildflowers. Although not diehard birdwatchers, we carry binoculars to stop and watch the white-tailed (black-shouldered?) kites flying and hovering in pursuit of their next meal of voles or gophers, or the northern harriers dipping and swooping low over the ground, or strings of pelicans cruising the coastline at eye-level along the blufftop. Extremely rarely, you might even see a bobcat or coyote. If you have difficulty walking on unpaved, irregular trails, be advised that the segment from the western end of Poplar St. to the western end of Redondo Beach Rd. is mostly unpaved. The hilliest portion is the southern-most stretch, from Redondo Beach Rd. through the golf course and the grounds of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and especially south of the Ritz Carlton through the golf course to the southern end of the trail. But the northern half of the trail . . . two days ago we and our greyhounds were hiking the Miramar to Surfer's Beach (just south of the harbor) part of the trail and were treated to the most amazing sight. Thousands of seabirds (gulls, terns, pelicans) were gathered en masse, fishing just offshore due to what must have been huge schools of anchovies or sardines. We are used to seeing pelicans diving for fish in the bay here, or northwest of here in the harbor. But now many of the pelicans were simply floating on the water, dipping their beaks in the water to catch fish among the myriad gulls. But the real treat was to watch a large humpback whale, out beyond the surf break, not only spouting and giving us glimpses of his back as he dove, but coming up head first and showing his head briefly before diving again. We chose a bad day to leave the binoculars and cameras at home! We saw sea lions in the surf as well, and expected to see the dolphins that sometimes show up when there is a seabird feeding frenzy going on, but perhaps they were staying clear of their big cetacean cousin. If you come out to the trail and see two tall humans being walked by four different-colored leashed greyhounds, be sure to say hi!

Beautiful coastal trail. Very very safe with pets and people. Mostly flat and paved with access to the beach in several places. We followed a couple of whales headed south and saw lots of birds. There is parking at the state parks for $10 per day. Camping is also available. Enjoy!

enjoyed this trail along the beach. Weather was beautiful. Great opportunity to take some outdoor scenic pictures

This trail is beautiful. Its paved and flat. You ride along the ocean and beautiful wild flowers everywhere. My boys 9 and 11 years old loved it.

This paved trail stretches from Half Moon Bay to Princeton with two small unpaved sections along the way. Going north the trail can be a trial if the wind is anything but light which makes coming back south twice as fast with the wind at your back. But it's not that far and if you start in Half Moon Bay, you can take a break at one of the Princeton restaurants such as Sam's Chowder House before going to the end and turning around.

The views are breathtaking! Heaven on Earth .I’m so glad we had the chance to experience..A bit of Scotland in California.

We walked 2 miles along the Coastal Trail passing by The Ritz Carlton along the ocean side and golf course. It was an easy paved trail, but of course foggy so we couldn't see as much as we would have liked. We were able to walk down stairs which took us to a nice little beach along the ocean.

Always check weather before going to hmb
When no fog go hiking the coastal trail and do lunch at pasta moon.

It's a nice and peaceful walk along the coast. Didn't see too many people during my 1-2 hour walk. Saw several restrooms along the trail.

This is a nice, flat, coastside trail. The best part of it is the beautiful coastside that you are walking along. Go at sunset time, and take it all in. The smell of the ocean, the quintessential throw back surf shops and restaurants, the sound of crashing waves, the pinkish sky, the dogs that are wet and come running up to you, the broken trail sometime turns to street, the unique plant life, the surfers smoking pot on the side -- take it all in. You can really get the personality of Half Moon Bay, and realize you are somewhere special.

We did the segway tour through The Ritza Carlton. It was alot of fun.

Great trail, but very busy that weekend. Probably too busy for a bike ride and parking at a premium. Luckily we didn't have to park as we strolled there from the Comfort Inn. Beautiful weather. Didn't make it as far as The Ritz Carlton, but the part we took was very nice. Would enjoy starting at the Ritz if we get another opportunity.

Wide and reasonably well kept. Easy to access and right on the beach. We road our bicycles and walked it.

Windy on the day we walked. Have at least a windbreaker and maybe a rain coat if chances are. Trail goes past exclusive Ritz Carlton half moon bay, so you may be able to stop for a drink at this gorgeous hotel. Trail is very exposed so if weather changes you could be in it for some time or distance. Areas I traveled were paved. Overall great walk.

Most of the trail is well paved and plenty wide for pedestrians and cyclists to share. The area south of the harbor near Surfer's Beach has suffered some serious damage from the waves, with whole sections washed out. It's still wide enough to use, but probably won't be for long, so use caution in this area. The rest of the trail is great, and you can't beat the views.

Nice paved mostly, walking or biking trail right along the ocean bluff. Lots of wildflowers in May. Occasional toilets along the way.

Foggy morning or sunny afternoon, the Coastal Trail will reveal spectacular vistas and ample opportunity to explore this part of the California coast. Cliffs look down to breakers or beaches. Tidal pools form with the ebb and flow of the tides. Easily accessible- park at the Ritz and head in either direction. Maps and signs will keep you on the path and protect you from crazy golfers.
Thank you California for keeping these views accessible to the public!

Get out of the traffic on Hwy 1 and head to the coastal trail. You may access it from many of the beach lots on the west side of the highway from Pillar Point Harbor and points south. Paved surface which is good for walking, biking, blading etc. You can even meander on trails that parallel the bluff tops. View amazing seascapes, sea life (whales, dolphins, sea lions) and sea and shore birds. Stop and smell the ocean. 🌊

Loved walking this lovely, paved trail along the coast! You can bike, jog, or walk. People are very friendly. Many areas where you can get onto the beach.

I love the scenery. I'm not sure if we were actually on the right path but it was still beautiful. We walked through a trail full of beautiful houses by the beach. The beach is pet friendly.

Wonderful walk on paved section in any weather.
Little known free parking at Ritz in it's parking structure. Look for coastal access signs and don't go up hill to front entrance valet parking.
After parking walk up hill on left side of hotel.
Walk south on paved section through golf course for outstanding coast views. Goes about 1 1/2 miles to end.
Going north heads through the hotel grounds away from the ocean and paving stops in about 1 mile in parking area. Trail follows ocean coast for another 5-6 miles. Not as nice coast views in this direction but no complaints.
Try some wine tasting with the view at Ritz before heading back to your car.

So much fun, views are awesome, a great bridge to cross, you can walk the coast or stay on the path or head into town

Comming from the UK and having spent a lot of time walking the north devon and Cornwall coastal paths this is OK but lacks the natural 'feel'. Too much concrete.

We stayed in the "Beach house hotel" which is near to this 7 mile trail. It is excellent trail to walking, running and biking. The rental bike and kayaking is next to the Beach house hotel. It is good that all these things are walkable and nearby. You can encounter lots of people surfing along this trail.

This is such a calm and serene walk, just breathtaking! Very romantic. Parking is easy right outside the hotel.

A lovely peaceful walk along the coast with great views. If I would have had my running gear with me I would also have gone for a run...

Love walking my puppies on the trail! Great for running, biking and just sitting and watching the ocean! Can't beat our trail!

A very scenic and well paved path that winds it way along the coast through Half Moon Bay. We cycled it with four children aged from 5 to 15 and it was flat enough that they all managed the 5 miles from Cameron's Pub to the harbor.

The weather was wet so the traffic was pretty light but there will still hardy souls riding, jogging and riding horses (the horse path runs alongside the paved track for most of the route).

There were several places to stop and admire the scenery and a couple of places for refreshments near the harbor.

Beautiful walk along the beach. Well paced, lots of pedestrians, dogs, and bikes the day we went. Dogs are allowed (must be on a leash) on the trails, but not on the beach.

Dragged family to this spot on a recommendation from friends. Pleasantly surprised by the clean, well-marked trails along the waters edge. Saw surfers up close, dog walkers and people of all ages along the way. You can stay on the path or take one of the many places with steps down to the beach.

A couple of stops even had restrooms. Enjoyable walk on a sunny afternoon - recommend!

This is such a nice coastside trail. It never feels overcrowded and is well-maintained with access to restrooms along the trail.

We never come to HMB without at least a couple of runs on the Coastside trail. If you love running near the ocean, it doesn't get any better then this. You can stay on the trail on the bluffs or drop down on the beach if you need a little soft sand workout. Don't mis this trail if you are on the Coastside.

Great trail to take the dog on. Beautiful coastline with flowers blooming and such perfect views of the water. Sunset is amazing here.

You have excellent places to see the ocean, watch the surfers or just relax. You can bring you pooch but please keep them on a leash. This is a great biking path if you want an easy 4 1/2 mile round trip.

We stayed at the Best Western in Half Moon Bay which is an excellent location, super clean and friendly hotel, great breakfast, and comfortable room with great features. Easy to walk the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail from there and it was spectacular! Especially the walk through the Monterey Cypress trees tunnel. It also takes you along the coast at the top of the cliffs. You can get down to the beach when you reach the end of poplar street. We went mid to late afternoon and the bird watching was incredible! Now one of my favorite places to visit!

The coastside trail is beautiful running along the Half Moon bay coastline. Most of it is on the bluff but there are places where you can access the beach. For the most part it is paved but there are a few places that you need to cut across a field (north of the Ritz) where it was really muddy and almost impassible this weekend. I'm sure once the rain stops in CA it will be much better! Walked this trail in Aug of 2016 and saw humpback whales & dolphins right from shore! Love this trail!

I particularly enjoy stumbling upon unexpected jogging locations when traveling. The Coastside Trail is one of those. Great views along the way.

It was very nice. Comfortable pathways. It was pet friendly and people seemed relaxed. Everything was clean along he pathways.

Get here early and get the access code from the Ritz Carlton Gate house and you can park for free in the Garage in marked Coastal Access slots. We walked south by the golf course and the occasional golf balls and near Canada Verde creek dropped down to the ocean. Our dog loved the whole trip.

We went midday on a Friday. The weather was cloudy and 66F with a soft breeze. There were people, but it wasn't crowded. Parking was easy at the Kelly Ave. entrance. It cost $10 to park.

The trail is paved and runs on an elevated stretch of coast parallel to the ocean. I'm not sure of the total length, but I'm guessing it runs at least 4 miles. Beautiful cliff aside views with good birdwatching. The beach is accessible at each of 4 parking lots. The water is cold and the riptides are unpredictable, so no swimming. There's a horse trail that runs parallel to the coastal trail and then open, green fields.

The Coastside trail is the best!! We bike ride the trail at least once a week. It’s good for walking or biking. Scenic ocean views with direct beach access in many spots as well as coffee shops & food.

Easy walk, great place to see beautiful flowers blooming and birds stalking their prey. Watched a heron catch a field mouse 🐭.
Caution on the path - it is a golf course and you are walking along side the fairways.
Beautiful ocean scenery, nature at its finest and golfers at their funniest.
Great place to go biking or running. Ask the concierge for a map of the area.

I find this trail very relaxing and would love to go there again. We have the option of walking on the trail, jump on the beach if you want to and walk there for some time and come back to the trail. We covered end-2-end of the trail, sat on rocks near beach for sometime, walked on beach half of the time and it was great. Its different from the other trails where we go usually, so we enjoyed a lot. Next time i plan to do biking there, its fun too.

So accessible. Beach access along the way is convenient. Some of the best sunsets I've ever seen. I traveled alone to Half Moon Bay alone and was completely comfortable walking along the trails early in the morning and in the evenings around sunset. Enjoy!

This is a beautiful, safe, well-used trail that traverses different terrain, all the while sticking close to the beach. You can go off the trail at many points and head to the beach if you would like. I saw 4 little wild rabbits on my morning walk and the light fog kept me from getting too warm. The walk was invigorating and a treat for all the senses!

We liked the fact that the trail itself was paved. When we had walked too far on the beach and were exhausted, we could hop on the trail for an easier trek back to the hotel. There were plenty of benches, trash cans, and restrooms on the trail.

Long areas of coastal view are lovely and often isolated during the week. Have seen migrating whales here and a large variety of shore birds.

Coastal trail was beautiful, but parts were right along the highway and very noisy. I loved walking on the cliffs and see the wild waves.

We got the mountain bikes from our hotel to ride along the coast. This trail runs thru the hotel so a lots of people are using it. At one point on the trail, the golfers are using it to go from one hole to another. I think it's unsaved if people are not careful and alert of those carts.

My parents, daughter and I started out our daytrip at the bike rental on Johnson Pier (decorated with kayaks) and had a great time! After returning the bike we had coffee (and link ice cream for my daughter) at a cute cafe nearby (started with an M). Watch out for strong sunlight. Because of the chilly weather, you might not notice that you are getting a sunburn.

Gorgeous views, lovely easy walk from Princeton to the Ritz and back. Great way to enjoy a bit of nature, take in the natural sights and slow your roll!

Hiked from Francis Beach to the Ritz Carlton. It was absolutely beautiful. A little chilly and windy, so dress for the weather. We walked on down to the little town of Half Moon Bay and had lunch. We ate at San Benito Deli. Perfect day. Probably walked around 12 miles.

Flat trail for pedestrians and bikes is a great way to get some exercise while your ride along half moon bay and through the communities and beaches along the trail.

We took this trail at the recommendation of TripAdvisor reviewers! It's an extremely flat and easy paved trail that meanders alongside the coast. There are tons of signs warning people not to get close enough to see the beach, but it looks like plenty of people do. (Just don't fall off the cliff!) Dog-friendly and horse-friendly, so there are abandoned poops everywhere-- watch out! There are several parking lots along the way, so Google it before you go. We were going to park at Poplar Beach (free parking) but then realized that Half Moon Bay State Beach has bathrooms instead of port-o-potties (but you have to pay $10 to park there).

The trail weaved through neighborhoods. Loved the beach access every now and then. And the constant surf was just delightful.

Nice walk on the beach before a long flight home. Half Moon Bay serves as a great alternative to airport hotels. only 35 mintues to airport when there is no traffic.

Take the time to walk the trail instead of letting it zip by your car window. You cannot replace the sensations of the sea air, the sun on your face and the smell of the surrounding foliage.

I take my dogs for a 3 mile walk every day. It's a great view of both the ocean and the foothills, with lots of native plants, fresh air and a chance to spot marine mammals in the summer time. All that, plus it's free -- you do have to pay to park. If you're riding bikes, please be sure to warn walkers that you're coming up on the left.

this walkway parallels the ocean and is several miles long if you have the time and enjoy a great nature walk by all means make time to enjoy

Great trail, very beautiful scenery and lovely trail with great views. Enjoy the trail then go enjoy a coffee or drink in downtown HMB.

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the beach and coastside just outside of Half Moon Bay. The morning was cool and a bit overcast but still very comfortable with the light ocean breeze. The trail adjacent to the Ritz Hotel golf course provided a beautiful view of the ocean breakers beneath and away from the cliffs. The tide was out and we were able to find numerous seashells to collect and beach "critters" to observe including a couple of playful seals frolicking in the waters near the beach. The seals appeared to be as curious about us as we were about them. The trail along the golf course also afforded some beautiful and many colored flora. This is a nice place to spend some time for those who are looking for a quiet and peaceful area to remove oneself from the rat race.

Sadly, an unthinking State Parks employee drove a tractor over the John Hernandez Bridge, leading to a small section of the bridge collapsing. As a result, our (almost) daily bike rides have been reduced from 8 miles to 4. Since Cal State Parks has no money allocated for repairs, it seems like it will be many months before the bridge is fixed.

We walked on this paved trail for a couple of miles, but it extends for a long way. It's wide enough to be easily used by walkers, runners, and bikers without any problems. There is constant presence of beautiful sand and ocean immediately to one's west: birds, dolphins, sometimes even whales. Great for exercise, relaxation and gorgeous views!

I rode yesterday morning at 7:30 AM. It was cold, foggy, and wet which was a wonderful change from the heat of Cupertino this week. I started at the visitor center at Kelly Ave and changed to warmer clothes in the restroom there. There is a parking fee (I think $10) that I paid the ranger later since it wasn't open when I first arrived shortly after 7 AM.

The trail was quiet with amazing views. It's true there are sections of the trail that don't have the great ocean view but I think there are many that do that make it worth it, especially if you go south from the visitor's center. I went all the way down past the Ritz Carlton, much of which was dirt paths which was interesting but I have more of a mountain bike (Trek 4 Comfort Series) and it was great. In the morning the trails were not crowded at all. On the north end I went a little further than the airport. One of my now favorite coastal trails!

beautiful views and nicely restored pathways,, very friendly walkers, joggers and bicyclists

Stayed at the Ritz Carlton , and walked the trail daily , absolutely breathtaking , nice wide trail , very comfortable for running , biking , walking , you can walk down the steps to the beach as well !

We love to walk around the places that we visit, and this walk, or jog, will not let you down. Lot's of beauty here.

Worn Out! Smelly horses. Worn Out! Smelly horses. Not all that interesting. Better for biking then walking. Horses erode the cliff. Horse manure.

Nice walk. Very enjoyable.Did this some time ago, so do not rmember all the details. Just a nice place to be...very nice walk

Wonderful views, great paved trail, easy for everyone and views that are amazing. Great for a nice walk or bike ride. Wouldn't miss it.

Beautiful and stunning views of the ocean. The trail is mostly paved, easy to walk or great for a bike ride.

We walked this very early in the morning. It was not crowded and we were really able to take in the working harbor attributes. Most fishermen were returning with their catches. There were synchronized trucks coming to pick up the cargo. Loved that aspect of the harbor. Finally hit a place for breakfast and it was an ideal morning.

Rent mountain bikes pick a sunny day and go! Great trails well marked lots of picture perfect spots.

Love to take my grandson and doggies on it! So much fun and adventure. Not overly managed by rangers which I like. Smells fresh.

It's a bit bumpy and needs some more work in places and it really ought be extended on both ends but it's beautiful and scenic and refreshing along the sea shore. We've biked it many times over the years. The 'bridges' inplaces need to be redone or resurfaced, there are places along the way that the trail gets super narrow and hinky, but all in all, it's really worth it.

Did an early morning brisk walk along the coastline during the long weekend. It was quiet and awesome. Did trail walking for a while and switched to sand walking close to the water. Walked all the way to Pillar point harbor. Will do it again

This is nice walk to enjoy the wild Californian Coast line typical for this region ... Recommended if you are there

great views...and a paved flat path. It would be terrific to bike or roller blade. And it was a good place to walk with someone with a recent injury. The beach is beautiful!

The Cowell-Purissima portion of the trail is a great 6-7 mile walk (round trip). We walk it every weekend when it's open. We tend to park one car in the Cowell parking lot and the other in the Purissima and go only one way with the kids. You can see so much wild life - seals, birds, whales. It's so quiet and relaxing. Bring a lunch and water. The only bad thing is that there are no porto-potties or benches on the trail. So, it may be hard for those who can't walk for long distances.

This place has GREAT views of both the beach, hills, and greenery with wild rabbits that run around. Would definitely come back here again for a 1-2 hour hike.

What a great place, especially during early evening, walk through the fields to the pavements and onto the beach for a perfect sunset. Amazing people and atmosphere, super friendly and welcoming, don't miss it if you're in the neighborhood.

We recently road our bikes along the coastside trail from half Moon Bay to Princeton By The Sea and really enjoyed it. The views are stunning.

Walk, run or bike this gem. The views are amazing on any section of the trail. If you can, use it during the week, when it's less busy. Make sure you bike has a bell.

The California coastal trail is very nice. It is a level paved trail that runs next to the shore giving a good view of the ocean.

Hiking Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail is definitely one of the highlights of our trip to California this time.

The trail is mostly flat and the views spectacular! Exactly what I envisioned the pacific coast to be like.

We started at the Moss Beach Distillery after a hefty lunch, walked north and then looped back towards the south. It was such a lovely, serene, leisurely hike. I would do it again!

Nice walking trail with a variety of landscapes along the way. Well kept asphalt walkway with many benches along the way. Great for biking. Horse trail alongside.

The coastal path is beautiful. Much of it is maintained and great for kids and even strollers. There are parts that are rugged and fun to explore for older kids and adults.

The trail runs from a little past the Ritz Carlton to Sam's Chowder House which I think was Pillar Point. Great trail that is an easy ride or walk. Enjoy the cool ocean breeze and sceneryalong the way. It's about 10 miles one way.

It was a dreary day, misty, cool, and very windy to walk the coast but we went anyway and had a great time. Beach was not crowded. During the walk we notices a crowd and walked up to find the whales were feeding just off the shore. Was so impressive to watch those beautiful animals popping out of the water. There must have been 5 to 7 whales feeding. Loved it.

The coastside trail is a treat whether you walk or ride a bike. Bluffs and beach, the smell of the ocean...breaking waves. It goes on for miles and so can you.

We enjoyed this trail along the beach and into the wooded areas. Lots of lovely flowers to see and if you walk slowly and are observant plenty of animal life as well. We spent some time watching a vole in his den.

The views are great. Different segments to trail. Walking trails are level. Not overly crowded, weekends more so. Wish there were more vegetation pamphlets. Not wheel chair accessible. Trails in general narrow.

Great trail for hiking, running or biking. One section over a bridge has been in disrepair for a couple of years, necessitating a detour through town (which was not bad). Very scenic and a great bike ride on a day when it is not too crowded.

Wonderful paved trail. Beautiful area. Several approaches to walk down to beach. Ample rest rooms along the way. Good for walking or biking. Wonderful views of the bay as well as varied flora. Great fir photography! Enjoy!

My wife and I walk on the pacific coast trail every day. If you’re looking for some exercise, amazing views and some quiet time to chat then I would suggest you check out the trail.

it is around 5 mile trail
some part is boring, other part is fantastic with ocean view
there are many interesting shops and building along the path
the sculpture garden is very interesting architecture

Unless you live in Montara or Moss Beach. But, it's a great path and it's so very scenic.
We love parking at the Harbor, running to Half Moon Bay. Stopping at EbbTide Cafe for a coffee, and then ending up at Catch Joanne's for some delicious fish and a beer.

My wife and I spent a day in half moon bay on the coastal trail. This is a relaxing walk with beautiful coastline views. This is a must do when visiting the area.

We needed a little day escape from the bustle and HMB is a close jaunt for us. We walked on the coastal path and ot was stunning. The bluff was beautiful and the white sand and blue water was inviting. The flora and fauna is spectacular and so diverse. The air just smells wonderful! Battery charged!

We love to see and walk on the beach. We went to pebble beach which is not sand beach but rocky beach and it was pretty to see ocean.

A wonderful experience in a beautiful place. I highly recommend it, especially on sunny days.
A walk that isn't too difficult, suitable for (almost) everyone.

We came here on a Monday and enjoyed a stroll on the beach and a portion of the paved walkway. It was lovely, cool and foggy as expected (do still wear sunscreen). We parked at one of the lots at the state park for $10 (cash). Right now there are whales very close to shore and was fun to sit and watch them. There are picnic tables and public toilets (dirty and some without toilet paper😕). I live an hour away and very glad I came to visit. I would love to go the length of the coast walk someday.

Foot problems have made walking on sand painful. But I love the beach. A beautifl alternative that puts you at many points right next to the ocean, if a little higher than the eaves. Shaded places, benches, some spots with side trails, made this a daily walk when we stayed at The Cypress Inn on Miramar.

The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail is a wonderful place to hike for all skill-levels. The trail runs along the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay. Some portions are paved, and some are regular gravel/dirt trail. The views are spectacular, and there are many places to get down and walk on the beach.

Everything in Half Moon Bay is pretty Awesome. Its hard to write about a place you love because I am kind of torn. I love it and don't want it to get much more crowded. This trail is just another free activity that lets you take in the awesomeness of the Pacific Ocean and the wonders of the Central Coast.

Best to access this walk from the State Beach and work south. At the south end are cemented stairs down to the beach, but you have to haul things a long way to get there. Access from the Ritz Carlton will cost $35 per day for parking. Public, free parking at the south end is VERY limited. Only the south end is really bike friendly, but you also have to share it with golf carts.

We had walked Pescadero beach and met someone who recommended this Half Moon Bay coastal trail. We can now certainly recommend it. We parked in the Ritz Carlton hotel car park where they have designated "Coastal Access" parking in their garage. You just need to explain at the security gate that you are just walking the trail and not visiting the hotel (otherwise you will be charged $15 for valet parking).

The trail runs out past the golf course to the left of the hotel and beyond. You pass a set of metal steps which takes you down to the beach for some amazing views (when it is not foggy!) or you can just continue along the trail. It is an easy, level walk with some fabulous views of the ocean. We loved it and it is well worth a visit!

A beautiful way to enjoy the coastline. From Miramar beach it's at least 6 miles to the Ritz Carlton, quite a long walk!

A short nice trail. Lovely walk from the RC hotel to this cozy trail. Beautiful view. We did morning and evening walk to this trail. Very peaceful

Beautiful walk if you're in the area--good for short day hikes and picnics--can be windy so bring jackets

Beautiful scenery, an easy walk. There seemed to be access to the beach below but we didn't get far enough to see the steps.

I spent most of the day sampling parts of this trail. The best by far was the parking lot before you get to the Ritz Carlton. Go right, past thr Ritz until you get to the unpaved part but well marked trail through a glorious field alongside the bluffs. If you arent up to the whole stretch, which seems longer than 6 miles, backtrack and then drive down by grey seal beach walk right again until you reach the astonishing Ocean Studio .. Amazing architecture.

This flat paved trail runs among the dunes along the beach at Half Moon Bay. I think it's about 5 miles total with the State Park Campground about in the middle. Plenty of seashore wildlife. There are flush bathrooms along the way too. Be sure to stop in at Miramar Restaurant at the north end of the trail.

A great walking trail near the beach. There are several spots you can safely descend to the beach ... some trickier than others. Parking is limited and need to be careful not to park in restricted areas or blocking residential driveways. We have been here several times and had no problems with parking or getting on the beach.

Kids, dogs, elders, runners, hikers - everyone enjoys this trail. Views are spectacular in any weather. The San Mateo coast is among the prettiest in the US, and this trail makes miles of it easily accessible. You can stop along the way for food, too.

Definitely take the time to visit if you have the chance. There is cheap metered parking, picnic tables and benches to enjoy the scenery. The coastal views are stunning and there is plenty of flora to enjoy. Loved seeing the sea twisted cypress and cliffs. Lovely spot for hiking, biking, or running your dog. The beach below is pretty, but too cold for this Florida girl!

This is a walk up the coast from the Ritz Carlton. The hike is mild, but follows along the golf course, so beware. Views are incredible of the ocean and the beach from a cliff view.

Every time I wind up in Half Moon Bay on business, one of the things I look forward to the most is being able to run along this trail.

As a trail, it is diverse. Cutting along roads, through neighborhoods, amongst dunes, and along beautiful cliffs, the trail offers spectacular views and varied scenery.

One of my top 10 favorite running spots around the world. Seriously. I love this trail.

Saw Seals , Whales and Red tail Hawks, the trail goes about .80 of a mile from the Ritz Carlton. They have a sign at the end, do not pass but another trail goes about .30 of a mile and down to the beach.

Nice and flat and unbeatable views. This six mile course takes you from Half Moon Bay out to Princeton by the Sea. Plenty of places to grab coffee or a treat at either end of the run.

Just returned from Half Moon Bay and the Coastside Trail was awesome! We started at The Beach House Hotel and walked all the way into the town of Half Moon Bay( about 4 miles). The trail was very flat, easy to walk, and mostly within sight of the ocean. Beautiful!

Sadly the bridge is out on one end of the trail, and reconnecting is challenging, but running early in the morning, or walking late in the evening was one of the pleasures of our trip.

This trail is mostly paved and is used by bikes, dog walkers and anyone wanting to get out into the fresh air. A lot of the trail is set near the ocean.

It was peaceful and a beautiful walk, great little coves and met some really nice people on the trail

Good walk near coastal area.
But nothing special.

I visited this place after couple of beaches so haven't found excited.

We took a two hour bike ride - great trail, paved and spacious with great views of the ocean and access to numerous towns along the way!

Half Moon Bay Coast Side Trail is an idyllic enclave, and a lovely destination trail that offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean. It is a Nature lover’s paradise, and a perfect place to spend some quiet time enjoying the outdoors. It was very windy and cloudy on the day that we came here, but with a light jacket, it was well worth our time to get our steps in while enjoying the stunning views.

This trail is high on a cliff covered in colorful vegetation. We not only saw tons of flowers, but were also able to see large birds taking off from a very large rock. The view of the imposing coastline with the waves thundering on the sand and the shore below was amazing. The trail was very easy to walk on. The paths were nicely maintained, and in many spots, we had to share those paths with the friendly golfers, who are also fully aware that there are people, kids and dogs on that path.

We came on a week day – a luxury for tourists like us, -- so it was not crowded. We were able to get a nice spot to park in the Coastal Access Parking Lot at the Miramontes Point next to the Ritz Carlton. There are only 20 or 25 spots here.

A “Must Visit” if you are in this part of the State.

This is a great easy walk along the beach -- you can walk the paved path or go down to the beach itself. Lovely.

I hate hiking but I love walking so this trail was ideal for me as it was gorgeous and easy effort-wise. There's a staircase down to the beach that had nice wide steps which made it easy to go down to the beach and back up. The view is breathtaking and very peaceful.

Highly recommend this for people who want a very easy hike along an ocean trail. You can navigate your maps to Ritz Carlton- Half Moon Bay. At the entrance, tell the staff that you are here to see the Coastside Trail. The staff gave me a detailed map (see attached), along with the access code of FREE parking. (Only 25 public parking spaces per day between sunrise and sunset) Signage pointing to coastside trail is very clear. They even have two public restrooms at the spot! The Ritz-Carlton is a very beautiful colonial style building, non hotel guests can walk outside the parameters and take pictures with the garden and lounges outside, it’s such a nice photo spot :)

Limited parking. Only one portable washroom without hand sanitizer. However, we loved this walk along Pillar Point Bluffs. Great views. Once you are up the ridge, the walk is very easy and accessible. This is a very beautiful area on the backside of Maverick's beach. Very scenic. Wear good running shoes and watch out for cracks in the mud along the cliff edges (soft edges). But I would say this walk is a must-do!

We got to see seals swim and birds float in the wind and gorgeous very views this place is a beautiful nature lovers dream

Easy path nice and wide. Facilities around when you need them. Benches for sitting and good access to the water.

If you want a long walk --or skateboard, or ride bikes along some of the most beautiful scenery in California!!!

It was the best weather around 9:00 am to walk and enjoy the surrounding. It was not hot or cold; just the right temperature and not much people around.

This trail boasts some of the most sunning reviews. It's mild-to-moderate effort and well worth an afternoon stroll!

We rented bikes and road the whole coastal trail. It was really beautiful. The only negative was when we came to the wildlife preserve. The paved path of disappeared and became a guessing game which path to choose. The trail was very bumpy which was a little painful when biking :). After circling for a couple time, we figured how to get out of there and finish the trail. We chose to ride on 1 from the Ritz to Main Street (ride through historic Main Street) and picked up the trail at the end of Kelly Ave rather than go through the preserve on the way back. It was a much more enjoyable ride back!

There is a good marine reserve here with easy walking and great views of the ocean. You can sit and watch the surfers too.

I would tend to agree with most all of the comments in the reviews regarding the Coastal Trail. They have done quite a bit of work on it and it is very nice. But as with anything near the ocean it requires fastidious maintenance -especially the bridges with the salt air. It is true quite a bit if it is paved now with more benches and information kiosks but there are still sections that are not updated and for the more adventurous, especially north of Pillar Point, a mountain bike versus a road bike is the call to make.

side note trivia: 2 films of recent memory had scenes made on the bluffs overlooking Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and at the Moss Beach Montara lighthouse. They are "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Bandits" with Bruce Willis. Also the movie "House of Sand and Fog" used Devils Slide highway 1 as a segway between scenes.

Upon completion of the devils slide tunnel near the end of this year the old highway 1 road way will be converted to coastal trail use with all associated appurtenances. This will be very cool indeed.

We love to visit this place in the summer, or let's say our coastal winter.
Very peaceful, preferible early morning or late afternoon. Nearby you find restaurants and coffee shops to warm up when and if the fog is too dense.

The scenery here is simply gorgeous! These pictures don't do any justice at all...wish we had more time to hang this wonderful place. And thankful we were able to see this. So lovely!!

Wildlife in abundance if you stop and look. Ocean views and back towards the mountains. lots of beach access.
Winter time fantastic seas. Bird life and seals plus various mammals tried to walk most days when local

My wife and I have done it both ways, we have biked up the coast on this trail which links to many towns and beaches. We also like to stroll along this mainly flat trail holding hands. There is some great restaurants, tide pools and seals nearby which makes every trip memorable.

A long meandering cliffside path that allows you to take diversions to the sand below or you can take a diversion over to the town. We walked from the Ritz for about 6 miles and back. A great way to spend the day.

whether your out for a casual stroll. Whale watching or looking at birds or wild flowers the costal trails have somethingfor everyone. Most of the trails are black top so its pretty easy to walk.
You can go as far as you want! surfers beach.Stop for a drink lunch, dinner watch the sunset.Picnics on the beach.

Just went for along stroll along the beach on Friday midday. A bit windy but absolutely gorgeous.
After a long walk we went to lunch at Miramar Restaurant. Terriphic mojitos and the best crab-Louis salad I had in a very long time

Have rode this trail a few times. Easy for ages of all. Takes about 45 minutes to get to the end. The end there is a small, old fashioned house coffee shop. Nice outdoor seating and very casual. Just nice to sit and relax and watch people. Next to this is a restaurant that if very fancy shmancy with valet parking. Didn't feel comfortable eating here since we rode up on our bikes. Basically at the end of the trail you just turn around and go back. On this trip the bridge at Half Moon Bay was closed down due to a partial bridge collapse. Very beautiful ocean scenery the entire route.

This is the definition of california with the ocean view, the lovely sand and the beautiful skies. Relaxing!

This was just ok. It was not a comfy bed. I woke very sore. It was nothing fancy. Over priced for how old it is.
Would try another place next time.

The trail is very easy and accessible. We used it basically for out morning running sessions and it is amazing. Running with the view of the Pacific Ocean is gorgeous. A part a small part very close to Hy 1, the rest is far away from the traffic. On one side the ocean, on the other very nice houses or green fields and parks.

We had a great trail ride to the very end of the trail at the point. the trail along the bluffs was spectacular and then moving down through the harbor area was very nice. We stopped for a bite and drink at one of the local places right along the ocean and this capped off a awesome experience. The trail was very easy to navigate on the bikes from the Ritz Carlton and not too strenuous except the portion up a up into the wind. We look forward to coming back again

Love walking these trails. Beautiful views, well maintained all around great experience. Our dogs love it too!

This is a great trail for the middle of the road kind of hiker. It's not overly difficult but if you choose to scamper down one of the sides of the 'cliffs' (there are some areas that you can because they gradually get to the beach) it is a bit of a work out getting back up. The coastal views are amazing and you can get very close to the edges, so be careful and watch your kids! I would not recommend bringing small children.
Bring water and snacks and if you do choose to scamper down to the beach, REMEMBER WHERE YOUR EXIT POINT WAS! We went down one 'path' way (and path is a very loose description) but went back up another 'path' which looked easier to navigate only to find out that there was a huge cravas separating where we emerged from to where we needed to get to, so we had to go back down and find our original entry point. Thankfully, my husband had the foresight to put a big rock at the exit point and drew an arrow in the sand.

The path part on the Ritz property is paved and then beyond that is dirt pathways. All very lovely and well worth the hike!

From the end of the road by the Burger Barn we strolled a long way along the beach, seeing horses and bicyclists enjoying their rides. It was jacket weather until you got moving and we went down to the beach and half of us used the trail and the other half of us walked the beach on the way back. Our appetites got us to the Burger Barn.

Beautiful views of the ocean and the harbor. Paved the entire way. Plenty of trash cans along the way, and also benches to enjoy the scenery.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walks along the coast. The weather was gorgeous and we look forward to returning.

From our hotel at the south end, we walked to Princeton, about 11 mi round trip. We took our time, stopped for bites along the way, and enjoyed the spectacular views. Whether on foot or bicycle, this is a great way to spend a day!

We were in Half Moon Bay on a wonderful warm sunny August day. We enjoyed taking a walk. Views of the Pacific Ocean were awesome. Many were there playing in the water, taking a walk, surfing, and more.

It used to be much nicer. The environmental weenies have Laid down gravel on one of the major trails and it's quite uncomfortable to walk on now, unless you have on a rather sturdy shoe. Once you make it pass the trees the dirt trail picks up again very comfortable and lots of nice trails to walk on. Great views of the ocean, ok for bird watching and from time to time you can even see the whales. But you must like dogs it's one of the few areas that dogs can still walk out on the trails.

This is a great family outing. Many options as you hit this trail. We brought the scooter and bikes. The younger one scootered along and then took us down to the beach to play on the sand and water.

There are many different points where you can walk down to the beach. No need to go down where the main crowds are!

The older ones biked the trail. It’s a easy ride and quite scenic.

The HMB coastside can be breezy and is typically 10-20 (or more) degrees cooler than inland. Bring a light hoody if you tend to get cold. On a hot hot hot inland day, this would be the perfect trail to get away from the heat.

This trail is varied and is peppered with several beaches along the way, so you can take detours if you like. It extends from near the Mavericks south to and through the Ritz property, but don't let the pretentiousness of the place intimidate you.

This walk is a coastside treasure. You can walk for miles on a well paved trail, or drift on and off it on the beach. There are ample opportunities to use clean and well patroled bathroom areas as well, so go ahead and stay hydrated. Enjoy the native flowers, birds, rabbits and happy Californians!

Enjoy the hike of a lifetime along this cliff side trail. Mind the warnings since you are on unstable ground above the Pacific. Plenty of beach access stairs. Look for whales and seals.

I'm always surprised to run into people who love to visit Half Moon Bay but who have never heard of the Coastside Trail. It runs from a little south of the Ritz Carlton south of town north to Pillar Point Harbor a few miles north of town. From there, you can wend your way through Princeton-by-the-Sea and pick up the trail that takes you around the marsh to Pillar Point, and the beach north of the point that faces Maverick's, the famous big-wave surf spot a mile offshore. When the tide is very low there is great tidepooling here; when the tide is very high there are powerful waves and almost no beach. Most of the trail is paved, but there is a long unpaved (e.g. dirt, rough in some places) section between south of the western end of Poplar Street to the west end of Redondo Beach Road. From there, the trail is paved again and passes through the golf course and around the coast side of the Ritz Carlton Hotel until the trail ends at a farmer's field at the southern edge of the Half Moon Bay Golf Links. The coastside trail is open to pedestrians, bicyclists, and leashed dogs. No motorized vehicles. For the southern unpaved portion, mountain bikes are fine but I wouldn't take a road bike there, nor a pedestrian who requires smooth, level surfaces. In spring and early summer you will see a variety of wildflowers and birds along various parts of the trail. There is beautiful, changing coastal scenery along most sections. We live in Half Moon Bay, and walk our three greyhounds on one part of the trail or other several times every week. Say "hi" if you see us!

This is a really nice bike trail for all ages of people. The trail is almost flat. The view is fantastic.
Some tips below.
Parking: If you are okay to pay the parking fee, there are plenty of public parking along the trail. However, if you would like to save some parking fee, I would suggest you set your destination to “Poplar beach”. Once you turn into the Poplar St. from Rt. 1, there are plenty of street parking place nearby. The end of the street is the public parking for Poplar beach. So even if you cannot find any free spot, you can always park there.
Biking trail: Poplar beach to northbound is a well paved bike trail. Very easy to ride and almost right next to the beach. Poplar beach to southbound(Ritz Carlton) is some dirt road without any pavement. It is fun but might not be that friendly to beginners or kids.

This beach has two sides to it.One side has cliffs with trails to the beach.Waves,surfing,and swimming.Lots of fishing.The other side you can have no waves,but calm water for children to swim and quick access to bbq area,or create your own..

Pleasant walk with coastal views and access to the beach. Can walk to the working seaport at Pillar Point.

The Coastside trail offers incredible views that are virtually unobstructed from development. Whether going for a walk or riding your bike this is a must do when visiting Half Moon Bay.

We hired bikes from Bike Works, just west of State Highway 1. We rode south to see The Ritz Carlton then north. Varied terrain but very doable and a great way to enjoy the coastal environment.

I walked the trail with friends to take in the beautiful scenery. The trail is mostly flat with a few minor hills and valleys. We caught the trail behind the Ritz Carlton golf course and took it about 3 miles north. We took a few dirt spurs along the way to get a little closer to some of the bluffs. The views from the vantage point of this trail are simply spectacular! As a bonus we witnessed a majestic red tailed hawk hunt for prey. We were able to get quite close to the hawk. Awesome. We caught nice weather, but it's always a good idea to take a wrap as it can get windy on top of the bluffs. There is a place at the southernmost part of the trail (behind the new golf course at the Ritz) with easy steps that take you to the beach. We spend time looking for interesting shells and enjoying the nice white sand beach. Its a great trail for bike riding as well. You can't miss with this one.

The coastal trail at Half Moon Bay is absolutely breathtaking! We were fortunate enough to stay very close to the trail at the Ritz Hotel and I spendt at least a day walking this trail because of its ocean views and beauty of the trail itself.

Must see place. The golf course on one side and the pacific ocean on the other....beautiful sight. The walk from Ritz Carlton up and down in close to 3 miles. The trail is safe and easy for children as well. Very very enjoyable. As you walk away from the hotel look back at the hotel back drop which looks absolutely like a fairy tale building. Not advisable late evening.

A perfect place to get your bikes out and have fun. Very nicely paved surface for walking/biking/horse back riding.. Vivid and scenic trail !!

I did the 6.7mile hike between Pillar Point to Ritz Carlton using the coastal trail in about 2.5hours, stopping to enjoy the picturesque views of the cliffs and seacapes along the way. It’s an easy trail mostly on asphalt. The trail is clearly marked except for the last 1mile approach to the Ritz Carlton where it goes a little inland through the bushes. Great way to spend a couple of hours.

It does not matter where you pick up the trail, it is all beautiful & easy. Do park for free in the Ritz Carlton's garage. They are required by the CA. Coastal Commission to provide free spaces.

My husband and I rode our bikes on the trail from the Beach House Hotel to the Ritz Carlton. Its a flat trail shared with other bikers and walkers. The trail is flat and you pass several beautiful beaches. I will be back!!!

Nice biking trail along Bluff and golf course. The tricky part was the parking . I parked at Redondo Beach and biked on the trail .

There is supposed to be parking for public at Ritz.

The local path, frequented by walkers with dogs in large hats and bikers of every age, is an ideal way to familiarize yourself with charming and restorative Half Moon Bay. Our walk extended from downtown via Kelly Street to the Princeton Harbor, passing favorite haunts like Sam’s and Miramar Restaurants and a glorious view of surfers riding waves in the colony that hosts the Mavericks big wave contests. The path is especially inviting during the week when it’s quiet or at sunset. It’s not unusual to be treated to whales and seals swimming along as you follow the path. The downside is the popular path has become extremely crowded on weekends and because there are no speed restrictions, bikers are becoming increasingly reckless, going too past past young and elderly pedestrians and ignoring biker etiquette such as announcing “on your left” while racing past. It would be helpful if the city took an interest in protecting pedestrians by monitoring and restricting bike speeds at certain busy hours of the day. When walking dogs, it is advisable to keep them on leash in the section where cars are allowed from the bridge to Miramar restaurant and the entrance to the beach. Our dog, Kimo, adores walks on the beach path but his favorite part is sprinting down to the beach where he can engage with other small dogs chasing balls and leaping with joy on the sand. From the beach there are various stairways and makeshift rocky access ways to return to the paved path leading to cafes or other destinations along Cabrillo Highway.

An amazing trail to see the westside of the Golden Gate Bridge and ocean. The history of the Sutro Baths was very intersting and fun to explore.

This is an easy trail that's paved and slopes gently to the cliffs where you can easily view the beach and coastal area.

Though we didn’t go on the entire trail, this path was very nice, well paved and accessible, with beautiful views of the ocean!

The coastal trail is a gem in Half Moon Bay. We have biked here in every season, every month and in all types of weather conditions. It is a pleasure to see folks, young and old enjoy it.

Really had no complaints on the coastside trail...we enjoyed it both walking and on our bikes. Can't wait to go back.

If you are in Half Moon Bay, this walk is not to be missed. We parked by the Ritz, went to the end there, and then doubled back to Redondo beach and then back to the car. Part of it had great ocean views, others views of the coastal prairie (and of the Ritz.) you can also drive in on other streets and take other parts.

Whether bicycling in dense fog or breezy sunshine, the coastal trail is refreshing, beautiful and a perfect way to enjoy our wonderful San Mateo County coastline.

perfect for a bike; the wind was a problem this day--but we'd try again!

The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail offers a pleasant Oceanside walk spanning along much of Half Moon Bay’s coastline. The mostly paved, well traveled and easy terrain make it a perfect family walk that can be travelled by foot, bike or stroller without difficulty. There are also plenty of well tended bathrooms to be found along the route. I would definitely classify it as more of a walking path than a hiking trail, but it’s a perfect way to work up an appetite before heading to lunch at Sam’s Chowder House.

Some local tips:

- The popular Sam’s Chowder restaurant reservations disappear quickly, but if you time your hike to end at the restaurant before it opens, your chances of snagging one of the available walk-in tables are pretty good.

There is also an adorable little coffee place - The Ebb Tide Cafe - just off the trail south of the Miramar Restaurant.

- Half Moon Bay weather varies widely, so you’re best served by wearing layers, including a waterproof windbreaker in wetter months (especially morning hours). Sun protection is also a must as there is little shade on the trail

My spouse and I love to hike and love to walk cities. This walk would be a five if it weren't shared with bikers who are sometimes rude (thankyou to the majority of kind and polite bicyclists!) it can make for an unrelaxed walk when sharing a sometimes narrow path with two wheeled vehicles! Also was followed by a drone. Very annoying. Aside from the annoyances there are wonderful parts to the walk! Good coffee, cool house gardens, the ocean, snakes, lizards and birds. Good food too! I would walk it again prepared for small annoyances!

THis might have been a bit much if the sun was out in full force, but on a slighly over cast day it is an amazingly enjoyable stroll to take in sea life.

we started from the beach house .....take the time - it is easy and flat, plenty of path room for pedestrians and bicylists. It is a picturesque 6 miles !

Great trail for bikes and walking. Goes along the coast and thru some foresty land. Restrooms and picnic tables available. Good surface. Lots of benches for meditation. Usually not too crowded. Lots of entry points but the easiest is thru the state park. Cand be windy at times.

We stayed in a the Comfort Inn at Half Moon Bay and used this trail for our morning run each day. It's well-maintained and paved with wonderful views. We really enjoyed using it. There are also some informational signs about the landscape and wildlife you may see.

We started out "trek" at the Ritz Carlton and walked along the golf course. When we got to the end of the paved section, we saw that there was a little dirt path, so we decided to follow it. It took us right along the side of the cliffs. What a view.

The coastal trail is wonderful. All paved and perfect for dogs. We enjoyed it for four days of beautiful sunny weather!

The trail is back far enough that the ocean is usually out-of-site. There are access routes to the ocean, but many are undeveloped. We enjoyed the little pathways off the trail. Spring flowers were stunning. Trail is okay for exercise and getting from one point to another, but not very scenic.

The walk is along the shore on a cliff part way and meanders inland enough to see rented horse riders next to the 8 foot wide paved path

This is a perfect place for a family or couples hike. Clean restrooms at the start. Clear marking along the trial. Gets steep at some point. So many birds and creatures along the way. Bike friendly.

This trail is very pretty and provides some great views. It's nice for walking or biking. Just beware of the bikers who are a little crazy and seem to be training on this well-travelled trail.

This trail is close to the beach and is nice south of the Ritz but to the north it moves away from the ocean and is not marked well. Still nice to take a morning jog

Nice trail that winds along the coast with stunning views of the ocean, cliffs, beaches and the golf course. My favorite part was to the north of the Ritz Carlton, where you get to walk in more raw nature and not on paved paths.

This trail is quiet, paved, flat, accessible. We spent two hours early morning just leisurely walking. You can skate, jog, bike, etc. dog friendly trail for locals and tourists. Beautiful views of the Pacific and gorgeous wildflowers in bloom in July.

Rent a bike from inside The Shops at Harbor Village and make sure to bike the Coastal Trail. It can take you from pillar point harbor down the beach road made for walking, dogs, biking, running, Horse Back Riding etc. A MUST DO when in HMB.

A little boring to do it round-trip. This is, no doubt, a great afternoon walk. The northbound four miles or so is great. The trail is paved and there's plenty of room for bikes and walkers. Dogs and kids everywhere. Great family outing.

Take a few diversions and walk down the beach.

If you time it just right, you can get dinner at Sams near Half Moon Bay.

WARNING: There's a bridge out that requires a detour through a residential area. The detour is well marked and very safe, despite part of it being on HWY 1.

The walk back is a little boring.

We bike ride from the Campground to the Harbor. It's about 4 or 5 miles. It is a fabulous ride! Even the little ones can do it!

Paved walking trail between a golf course and hotel and the cliffs and the beach and ocean. We had breakfast in Half Moon Bay and drove over to the trail head for a stroll along part of the trail. Short flight of steps down to the beach. You could walk on the beach if you wanted also.

I really enjoyed the trail, has several spots with gorgeous view of the ocean. Also , a little bit off the trail there is an area of pine trees, like a mini forest, which you can walk under the trees. It is magical!

We stayed at the Seacove Inn and they had a ciuple of bikes we could use. We had a lovely day cycling through the little villages from Moss Beach right through to this trail and into Half Moon Bay for a coffee. Great day out!

We rented bikes and rode down the coast on the bike trail. It was hard to find a place to rent the bikes--the first one we called (from the Internet--"Bikerec.com" is out of business), the second one (Bike Works) was closed on Mondays, the third one (from a surf shop) was out of bikes but recommended the fourth one (another surf shop inside the Harbor Village) , which had bikes. At least they had bikes to rent ($25/all day) but the bikes were old and not well maintained. You might be better off bringing your own if you can.

The bike ride itself was gorgeous. We started at Harbor Village and round tripped it--about 11 miles. I'd highly recommend this activity. If you can't ride bikes, you could walk it and see some beautiful ocean.

In search for a running track from the Half Moon Bay Lodge we found this trail. Leave the lodge and make two right turns. There is no shoulder at first, but the street has little traffic. Then you arrive at a small parking lot, where the trail starts. Make sure you follow it to the right and do not take the "exits" onto the various parts of the golf course. At some point you will cross the property of the Ritz hotel, but the trail is shared there. The following part can be muddy after rain, and you need to watch out since the cliffs sometimes range into the land. In total, it is about 10k one way if you take the full trail. Since you can start from Poplar Beach into both directions, you can also have it up to 5k one direction.

We enjoyed the run very much.

This was an easy to hike trail. Nice and wide, mostly paved (although when you go far enough, you will have groomed unpaved trails). This is mostly an unshaded trail but with the cool breezes off the Pacific, it was not overwhelmingly hot. The fog lifted in Half Moon Bay and the views were stunning. Instead of parking at the park where they charged for parking, we pulled into a side street and took a pathway to the trail.

Loved the half day we spent walking on the beach and trail at Half Moon Bay. Was cloudy so sunset was muted, but the trail is very pleasant and the beach beautiful. Highly recommend. Only an hour from SF. Other viewpoints, lighthouses etc. on the way.

So beautiful! Such great trails. You can take beach or higher trails to see the ocean. Simply breathtaking.

The trail through Half Moon Bay is a great way to spend time relaxing. There are plenty of bathrooms along the trail. The trail is wide and you will see people, but it's never busy. There is also a horse place near it, so you will sometimes see people on horseback rides/tours. There are beach access points along the way as well. You can go as far as you want with this out and back trail.

First, I'm not sure where the name "Coastside Trail" is coming from. Everything we saw on signs and Google maps used "Coastal Trail", so don't be confused / alarmed! Second, the trail was quite beautiful and very relaxing and peaceful and absolutely worth a visit. We started at The Ritz and walked south along the golf course. After a while (about a mile) you get to the end of the Ritz property, and it switches to a dirt trail after that. Definitely keep going! Further on, there are stairs leading down to a wonderful, isolated beach with steep cliffs all around. While it was a busy Saturday at The Ritz, the trail was nice and quiet.

We have ridden our bikes on this for years and love doing it. It is mostly very flat and safe. Once you get a bit to the south end it becomes rougher -- but nothing a mountain bike can't handle. Loads of fun!

This is one of my favorite hiking trails. It's not super crowded on the weekends. Also, for those who are casual hikers, this is a great trail. It's well maintained and goes right along the coast.

We were so excited to be staying near this trail. Even reading other reviews, we had planned runs and a bike ride. That is until we went on it. The part near the Ritz veers off inland on rutted trails. Eventually it comes back NEAR the coast. Most of the time you cannot even see the beach. This is simply a trail connecting parking lots.

This trail goes for a few miles, but my dog was only able to do about half the way. It is flat and easy to walk with the ocean in front of you.

Very nice walk along the bay & beach. A lot of dogs running around but most owners where friendly.

This is a well designed and mostly well maintained bike trail. Thankful the community has invested in this infrastructure.

A refreshing and rejuvenating walk along a beautiful coast side trail after a full-day business meeting. Excellent view of the ocean from the cliff, with accessible beach area. Fresh air and breezy at times. Lots of sun exposure on a beautiful day so bring and use your sunblock.

The reason you go to Half Moon Bay is to get away from the city, enjoy some ocean views, and get outside to be healthy. The Coast Side Trail offers a variety of soft sand, wooded, or asphalt paths to run and take in fresh ocean air. I recommend starting at the Ritz, running about 4 miles towards San Francisco, and then looping back. If you take the interior land trail first you will get some shade, but take the ocean side path on the return leg to cool down.

We visited the trail based on it's TripAdvisor rating. Sadly, We were a little let down. I actually questioned whether we were in the right spot until we found the closed bridge others have talked about. Having spent the prior day in a park in Carmel we may have had our expectations sat too high. This trail seemed mostly flat and less scenic than we had believed. If you're spending a lot of time in Half Moon Bay or maybe want to spend some time on the beach then give this a stop. If you're looking for larger parks then you might be best served elsewhere.

Hotel room was small with double beds. It was clean and had refrigerator, microwave, and large tv. We stayed 3 nights. Long walk to beach. A couple restaurants close to walk. Saturday night lots of sirens and highway was noisy. Air conditioning blew right on one person on bed, had to cover part of it with pillow. Affordable.

This trail is used by walkers and bikers, so stay alert and give enough room for bikes if you are walking. The trail is enjoyable - right along the ocean. You can get off and walk along the beach and get back on the trail for easier walking. Riding a bike along here is great - just remember you have to have enough energy to get back to your starting point!

Our hotel was right on the Trail which made it our primary route to breakfast and lunch each day. The horizon watching, surfer watching, and people watching were well worth the time. The path is paved making it easy to walk and I'd recommend bike rentals for those who like to bike.

This is a wonderfully well manicured,wide paved trail winding through and around the Ritz Carlton golf course with beach access and gorgeous flora and scenery at each turn. The majestic Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa has a number of bars, restaurants and patios for when you want to take a break. It can be windy at times so bring a light jacket and don't forget your camera! Comfortable walking shoes a must!

Perfect place to learn how to operate one of these because you are not in a lot of traffic. Great views...and we also walked a lot of it. Beautiful cliffs and a nice beach.

We rode bikes from the Marina in El Granada to downtown Half Moon Bay. Great views of the beaches, the hills and interesting back streets and picnic spots. While there are many other walkers and bikers, it is quiet and leisurely.

We walked from Princeton over the coastal route to moss bay and we were blessed with amazing scenery over the cliff tops, as we approached moss beach the road was closed due to landslide however we managed to spot basking deals down on the beach! There is a lot of steps down but worth it .

I tooke the beach coastal trail from Kelly street in Half Moon Bay all the way to the Ritz-Carlton hotel. It starts with an easy ride on paved surface and gradually increases in difficulty with a medium difficulty unpaved trail that meanders through the marshes. In some places the trail is eroded severely so be on the lookout for treacherous cuts from the erosion. As you approach Ritz-Carlton there are two short steeper hills to climb.

I love the Coastal Trail. I rode my bike for 14 years on the trail to my office from MonTARA to Half Moon Bay. It is scenic and fairly level. I would count the white tailed rabbits on the trail. The trail is level and occasionally filled with people and bikes. Sometimes one might see a wild animal or a bunch of horses on the trail too. You ride or walk by the sea and the view is spectacular. Highly recommend this activity. It brings one peace of mind and great satisfaction.

perfect morning run. just fantastic the trail towards town was a bit more like a hiking trail in places. but that was nice because it made you work harder if you were running it, and i think fit the atmosphere perfectly. definitely, fantastic. i wish i had trails like that around my house!