This trail takes you out to an iconic spot in Half Moon Bay, the Mavericks cliffs on Pillar Point Bluff. You'll be able to see the famous big wave surf spot from the cliffs. Expect to hike in winter during a big swell to see the surfers. Bring your binoculars because the wave breaks far out from shore. The trail begins with an uphill climb and then winds along the cliffs. Be sure not to pass the caution signs near the cliff’s edge as the ground is soft and can give way.

The Fitzgerald Marine Bluff Trail in the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve takes you through a cypress grove that leads to a bluff with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. If you hike the trail during low tide, you and the family can explore the famous tide pools with their many inhabitants. If you’d like to continue hiking after exploring the tide pools, you can continue south through Seal Cove until you reach Pillar Point Bluff Trail.

The Coastside Trail along Half Moon Bay State Beach is part of a statewide project that hopes to span over 1,200 miles of California Coastline. This Half Moon Bay section of the trail is full of birds, sea life, and wildlife. The most popular stretch of the trail is from Pillar Point Harbor to the Ritz Carlton. The partially-paved path is friendly to cyclists, hikers, and runners. Keep an eye out for the Golden California poppy and brush rabbits.

This trail follows the southern part of Half Moon Bay State Beach. It's great for hiking and cycling along the bluffs. Enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and keep an eye out for the sea life. From the trail you will have glimpses of the agricultural surroundings including fields of pumpkin, artichoke, and Brussels sprouts. There's a wooden staircase down to Cowell Beach if you've energy for beach time after the hike.

The Purisima Creek Trail to the Whitemore Trail Gulch Loop in the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has beautiful second growth redwood trees, gentle creeks, and great views of Half Moon Bay. The trailhead is inland of Half Moon Bay and offers access to many trails that take you through the Purisima Creek Redwoods. The original redwoods in the forest were used to construct Half Moon Bay and San Francisco in the 1800s. Today, second growth redwoods have taken their place.

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse trail in Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park takes you to an iconic location south of Half Moon Bay along the San Mateo coast. This is a short trail with amazing views. The lighthouse dates back to 1872 and is one of the tallest lighthouses in America at 115 feet. Today, the US Coast Guard uses the lighthouse with an updated LED beacon. Enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean and keep an eye out for grey whales and other sea life.

A short distance down the coast from the city of San Francisco, Pacifica is where the concrete ends and gives way to green hills and dramatic coastal scenery. The Mori Point Loop Trail, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a great place to enjoy a sunset, do a bit of whale watching or simply enjoy the waves of the Pacific Coast washing up onto the shores. Remember to check out the nearby Sweeney Ridge trail, where you can see all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day.

If you're looking for sun along the fog-bound San Francisco peninsula coastline, then Montara Mountain is the place to head to. Rising above the beaches of Pacifica and Montara, here's where the sun often breaks through the clouds. The Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail is a climb up to one of the highest points in the area. At 1,900 feet you will see south towards Half Moon Bay and north with glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day.

The Devil’s Slide Trail at Pedro Point is a paved trail with incredible views of the ocean. This is a great place to bring your family to hike, bike, and enjoy the views. People local to the area will remember the trail as a treacherous part of Highway 1, but after construction of the Devil’s Slide Tunnel, the highway was turned into a hiking path. Although this is a newly constructed trail it's already one of the most popular hikes in the area because of the expansive views of the ocean.