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. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

    View
  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

    View
  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

    View
  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

    View
  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

    View
  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

    View