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Half Moon Bay
4.8 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Running trail in Half Moon Bay, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Half Moon Bay yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with picnic tables and a beach offering sunset views, plus opportunities for wildlife spotting.
What runners say about Half Moon Bay
“The beach is beautiful and clean, and the drive to get there allows a stop a the many plant nurseries and Christmas Tree farms where you can cut your own tree free from the ground.”
“The beach is beautiful and clean, and the drive to get there allows a stop a the many plant nurseries and Christmas Tree farms where you can cut your own tree free from the ground.”
“Half Moon Bay State Beach is a calm and pleasant coastal spot that’s great for a short escape from the Bay Area.”
Half Moon Bay State Beach is a calm and pleasant coastal spot that’s great for a short escape from the Bay Area. It’s clean, peaceful, and offers long stretches of sand with enough space to walk or just sit quietly by the ocean.
Half Moon Bay coastal trail was an amazing experience. It has its unique character. I also found some gold powder in the water, I was not sure where it was coming from. Great place to visit!
Trail conditions & character
“The beach is beautiful and clean, and the drive to get there allows a stop a the many plant nurseries and Christmas Tree farms where you can cut your own tree free from the ground.”
“It’s clean, peaceful, and offers long stretches of sand with enough space to walk or just sit quietly by the ocean.”
“The restrooms and picnic tables are well-maintained, and the walking paths along the shore are perfect for a slow stroll or some quiet reflection.”
Plan your run at Half Moon Bay
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
Running trails near Half Moon Bay
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
California Coastal Trail
5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 348 reviews
Scenic coastline featuring beaches and trail-laced bluffs for hiking and biking.
El Granada Coast Trail
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
California Coastal Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 860 reviews
Popular scenic coastal trail with ocean views running through a golf course, with limited parking.
Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Wooded seaside route featuring vistas of the Pacific, cliffs and whales.