→ See full gallery below
I expected the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail to be great, but it exceeded all expectations. This beautiful, family-friendly bike trail runs along the coast near Half Moon Bay so prepare for gorgeous cliff views as well as coastal "tree tunnels", as my 4-year-old calls them. The wildflowers were absolutely gorgeous, lining the trail in many spots. There are also several secluded beaches along the coastal trail.
The trail is far enough from the cliffs that it is generally safe for little kid riders along this featured segment. There are a couple of spots where you might need to use some caution if your kids are loose on their bikes. For a short time (~0.25 miles), the trail is part of Mirada road, but this road is a quiet, beachfront road with a ton of bikers and it felt very safe, even for this paranoid mom. There is a coffee shop along this road (Ebbtide Espresso Bar), so feel free to take a caffeine pit stop.
For our family adventure, we parked near Francis Beach Campground and rode north up to the trail's northern terminus at Pillar Point Harbor (~8 miles roundtrip). The trail does extend south of HMB State Beach. After your ride, ditch the bikes and head down to the beach to make this a truly awesome outdoor family adventure.
Alert: The parking at Half Moon Bay State Beach seems to fill up quickly on summer weekends. Just wake up early and go.
Bathrooms
Yes. At Half Moon Bay State Beaches, and many others along the trail.
Playground
Yes, the beach.
Kid transportation
Kid bike, bike trailer, stroller, scooter, etc. Trail fairly safe for young kids to ride their own bikes (there are a couple of spots to use caution, mainly beach parking lot crossings and Mirada Rd.)
Suggested Route
Many options here. What we did: Park at Half Moon Bay State Beach/Francis Beach Campground. Go north on the coastal trail. Stop for a coffee while the trail is part of Mirada road. Stop at one of the secluded beaches if you desire! Continue as far north as you'd like then turn around to head back to where you parked. Ditch the bikes, and walk down to the beach. From Francis Campground to Pillar Point is ~8 miles roundtrip.
Difficulty
Easy
Parking Situation
Abundant (but fills up on summer weekends)
Entrance Fee
$10
Bonus
Breathtaking views, amazing flowers, trailside coffee, THE BEACH
Official Park Website
Half Moon Bay State Beach: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531 Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail: https://www.visithalfmoonbay.org/articles/bike-california-coastal-trail-seaside-splendor
Date Updated
June 2019
