Pillar Point Bluff — Attraction in Half Moon Bay

My friend and I explored these coastal trails with a tour guided by POST (peninsula open space trust). We had a wonderful morning hike! There is a dirt lot that fills up quickly, but street parking is readily available. One restroom is at the start of the trail. There are additional starting points for this area, as marked on the map. We enjoyed refreshing views and ocean breezes. The location of where Mavericks surf competition has been held is visible, as is Frenchman’s Reef. We are reminded also of the original inhabitants of this land, the Ohlone tribe. The trails we hiked are well marked and maintained. Poison oak is abundant in the Bay Area, so be cautious to remain on trail. Also be aware of poison hemlock and ticks. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular Pacific...

Amazing views of El Granada, Princeton, Pillar Point Harbor and the pacific coast! We parked on the north side (Ocean Blvd and Bernal Ave) and tried to make our way to the beach but due to heavy rains the north trail was not safe.

It worked out anyway because the views from the Pillar Point Bluff trail were amazing especially when we went on the smaller trails closer to the ocean.

We found a difficult trail toward Ross Cove beach and headed north to enjoy endless tide pools and even spotted some seals relaxing on the rocks!

If you stayed on Pillar Point Bluff trail anyone could do the trail but if headed to the beach it is a bit more challenging.

No bathrooms on the...

Pretty trail along the coastline. Easy too, not too much incline or uneven terrain. Biking road runs parallel. Trail ends in the beach parking lot (Marsh Parking lot, I think). Its an out and back trail. The beach seemed popular for harvesting mussels and sea urchins. There's a poster with the do's and don'ts wrt harvesting. The state officers posted for regulating it seemed friendly and were patiently answering questions. Best to check and get questions answered before heading in if its your first time. Otherwise pretty and clean beach. Lots of places to sit and stare out into the horizon. Many memorial benches placed in cozy spots...