Half Moon Bay State Parks, Open Spaces and Preserves
Being outdoors and truly enjoying nature is one of the best things about Half Moon Bay. State parks abound in this natural wonderland and there’s an abundance of beauty that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you are seeking the solitude of a meandering stream, or the challenge of a strenuous hike through the redwoods, you’ll find it all in the state parks around Half Moon Bay.
We’ve collected a few of our favorites here but if you’re looking for a specific outdoor activity, check with us at the front desk of the Half Moon Bay Lodge, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
This magnificent 3,120 acre nature preserve on the western Santa Cruz Mountains offers 21 miles of developed trails and logging roads for easy walks or strenuous hikes. You can even see Half Moon Bay and the coast from the northern part of the preserve.
Año Nuevo State Reserve
Año Nuevo State Reserve is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal and during the breeding season, December through March, daily access to the reserve is available via guided walks only. A Visitor Center features natural history exhibits and a bookstore offering educational items such as books, postcards and posters.
Bean Hollow State Beach
This beach is popular with fishermen, shell-hunting beachcombers, and picnickers. Enjoy the self-guided nature trail, but swimming is dangerous because of rip currents and heavy surf. Bean Hollow is 17.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay and three miles south of Pescadero on Highway One.
Butano State Park
Guided nature walk and weekend campfire programs are offered during the summer in this state park that's situated in a secluded canyon filled with Redwoods. The park offers miles of hiking trails, 21 drive-in campsites and 18 walk-in campsites.
Pescadero State Beach
The Reserve is a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks, and just across the highway is the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. This mile-long beach is popular for picnics, fishing, and poking around tide pools. Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features.
For more information on these and other parks and preserves, visit the website of the State of California State Parks.
