Coastside Trail - South Access

Coastside Trail - South Access

Half Moon Bay, California 94019
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The six-mile Coastside Trail follows the scenic ocean bluffs between Pillar Point Harbor and Poplar Avenue in Half Moon Bay. From the trail, paths lead to four sandy state beaches.

Dogs are allowed only at Blufftop (Poplar Beach). Frenchman's Creek Bridge and the John Hernandez Bridge over Pilarcitos Creek offer the best bird watching. The Coastside Trail is popular with dog-walkers, cyclists and families.

Coastside Trail - South Access: Parking is available off Miramontes Point Rd.

Help us keep this beach beautiful and dog-friendly:
• Always follow the posted rules
• Respect natural marine life and habitats
• Be aware of tides and currents
• Pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints

Take a Walk on the Wave Side
Blufftop Beach, Half Moon Bay. Photo Credit: Janet Fullwood
Blufftop Beach, Half Moon Bay. Photo Credit: Janet Fullwood
DogTrekkers who live inland know they’re never far from Sweatshirt Land. So when the mercury climbs, those in the know leash up their pups and head for the coast, making base camp in unhurried towns like Benicia, Pacifica, Point Reyes Station (gateway to the national seashore) or Half Moon Bay, all of which are well appointed with hiking trails. Our most recent weekend away was to Half Moon Bay, where early-morning fog gave way to blue-sky days and the shooshing sea was a soothing backdrop for long walks along the gorgeous Coastside Trail. more »
Half Moon Bay
This dog-friendly coastal community in San Mateo County is part resort, part classic California surf town. Visitors with dogs can access the ocean at several points, including Blufftop Beach at the end of Poplar Street; Surfer’s Beach at Highway 1 and Coronado; and Montara State Beach eight miles north of town.  more »
Half It Your Way
It's hard to know what to do first in Half Moon Bay: Explore miles and miles of pristine beaches, scarf up some seafood at a seaside café, ogle the surfers or window shop in the picturesque downtown district.

If your main goal is a sandy stroll, try chasing some waves with Rover at dog-friendly Montara or Bean Hollow state beaches, both within 20 minutes of town. more »
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