| The Coastside comfortably takes its place between the dramatic, green Santa Cruz Mountains to the east and the powerful blue-green Pacific Ocean to the west. Because of its geographic isolation, the area has not changed dramatically over the years.
Dating back to 1840, Half Moon Bay is the oldest town in San Mateo County. Traces of its past are visible in the many historic buildings. Abundant open space and native wildlife in this largely rural setting contribute to the area's unique appeal.
Click on one of the specific locations listed below, or
scroll through the entire list on this page. You may also want to view the trail guide.
 McNee Ranch State Park
Point Montara Lighthouse &
Youth Hostel
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Moss Beach Distillery
Princeton Marsh & Seashore
Pillar Point Harbor
Coastside Trails
Burleigh Murray State Park
James Johnston House
Purissima Creek
Trails & Creekside Trails
Pescadero Marsh & Bird
Refuge
Memorial County Park
Rocky Beach & Open Ocean
Butano State Park
Pigeon Point
Lighthouse & AYH Hostel
Ano Nuevo State Reserve &
Interpretive Center
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McNee Ranch State Park
Grey Whale Cove Trail in McNee Ranch State Park. Highway 1, at Montara State
Beach.
Information: Half Moon Bay State Beach: 650-726-8819
Miles of trails with breathtaking views. |
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Point Montara Lighthouse and Youth Hostel
Highway 1, Montara
Information:
650-728-7177
Historic fog station established in 1875. |
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Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Moss Beach, Take California Street off Highway 1.
Information:
650-728-3584
At low tide, see the marvels of Mother Nature in the tide pools. |
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Moss Beach Distillery
140 Beach Way., Moss Beach
Information:
650-728-5595
During Prohibition, the San Mateo Coast was an ideal spot for rum running,
bootleggers and speakeasies
. One of the most successful speakeasies of this era was “Frank’s
Place” on the cliffs at Moss Beach. Built by Frank Torres in 1928,
“Frank’s” became a popular night spot for silent film stars and
politicians from San Francisco. The restaurant, located on the cliffs above a
secluded beach was in the perfect location to benefit from the clandestine
activities of Canadian rum-runners. Under the cover of darkness and fog, illegal
whiskey was landed on the beach, dragged up a steep cliff and loaded into
waiting vehicles for transport to San Francisco. “Frank’s Place” - now
called The Moss Beach Distillery - still retains its look and secluded location
among the ocean coves.
The Distillery retains one of “Franks” former customers, as well.
Resident ghost “The Blue Lady” still haunts the premises trying to recapture
the fun and excitement of “Frank’s” speakeasy years. The story of the
“Blue Lady” was documented by the TV program “Unsolved Mysteries”, and
has been seen by millions of people around the world. |
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Princeton Marsh & Seashore
Pillar Point Marsh and Shoreline in Princeton-by-the-Sea.
Information:
650-728-3584
This area is home for over 20% of all North American bird species. |
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Pillar Point Harbor
Highway 1, Princeton-by-the-Sea
Information:
650-726-5727
Full service marina, stores, boating excursions, and restaurants. |
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Coastside Trails
Ocean Bluff Trail in Half Moon Bay. Park at Beaches: Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice, or Francis.
Information: Half Moon Bay State Beach, 650-726-8297
Take advantage of the Coastside Trail to enjoy marvelous views of the coast at its best. |
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Burleigh Murray State Park
Mills Creek Ranch Road in Burleigh Murray State Park. On Higgins Purissima Road, 1.6 miles east of Highway 1.
Information:
650-726-8820 |
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James Johnston House
Higgins Purissima Road, Half Moon Bay.
Information:
650-726-0329
c. 1853 saltbox design home. National Register for Historical Places. |
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Purissima Creek Trails & Creekside Trails
Higgins Purissima Road, Half Moon Bay.
Information:
650-691-1200
Magnificent views of the Redwoods, accessible by broad scenic trails. |
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Pescadero Marsh Bird Refuge
On Highway 1, 16 miles south of Half Moon Bay.
Information:
650-879-2170
A bird watchers delight with nearly 200 species that rest and feed here every year. |
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Memorial County Park
9500 Pescadero Road, La Honda.
Information:
650-879-0212
Miles of hiking trails, creek and swimming hole, and picnic area. Day use and camping. |
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Rocky Beach & Open Ocean
Bean Hollow Beach Trail between Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Highway 1, 18 miles south of Half Moon Bay.
Information:
650-879-0832
Use Bean Hollow Trail to enjoy views of Bean Hollow State Beach and little known Pebble Beach. |
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Butano State Park
Cloverdale Road, Pescadero. 3.5 miles south of Pescadero Road.
Information:
650-879-2040
Acres of trails and campsites in a lush redwood canyon. |
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Pigeon Point Lighthouse and AYH Hostel
Highway 1, Pescadero
Information:
650-879-0633
One of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. The hostel provides an inexpensive and friendly place to spend the night. |
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Ano Nuevo State Reserve and Interpretive Center
Ano Nuevo State Reserve Trail in Ano Nuevo State Reserve. Highway 1, 27 miles south of Half Moon Bay. From December to March, Elephant Seal guided tours by reservation only. Call: 800-444-4445 or 650-879-0227.
Enjoy the sight of Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, and the different forms of vegetation native to this area. |
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