Hiking Trails Near Our Inn

Hiking on trail

Burleigh-Murray Ranch State Park

“Rolling grassland, eucalyptus grove windbreaks, an old barn and a bunkhouse—this is ranch country, not the redwood country more typically associated with the Santa Cruz Mountains. For the hiker, Burleigh-Murray State Park offers a distinct change of pace from the trail systems of other nearby parks, most of which travel to, or within, stands of first- and second-generation redwoods.”

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25160

McNee Ranch State Park

“McNee Ranch State Park is a beautiful, scenic, and surprising park. Comprised almost entirely of wide, multi-use fire roads, McNee Ranch lacks the facilities we expect from most state parks. No visitor center, signposts, or restrooms (although there is one portable toilet). It’s even tough to park here! Instead of these niceties you will find steep, tough fire roads winding through a spectacular assortment of bay area plants, leading to a nearly 1900 foot peak with wonderful views.”

http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/mcneeranch.html

Coastside Trail

“Three miles of shoreline and four beaches—Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice and Francis—comprise Half Moon Bay State Park. Extending north of the park is more accessible—and walkable—shoreline.
Coastside Trail, extending along the park’s eastern boundary, is a multiuse pathway open to cyclists and walkers. Depending on the tide, you can return via the beach. Coastside Trail is a better bike ride than walk; its function is to link the various state beaches and it does that quite well but it isn’t all that interesting of a saunter. It does, however, bring some marvelous beaches within reach, and for that reason is worth the walk.”

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531

Purisima Creek Trails

“The centerpiece of this 3,360-acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, rushing creek, and understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal scrub and hardwood forests of tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir border the cool moist canyon. Magnificent views of the coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve. Twenty-one miles of developed trails and historical logging roads provide opportunities for easy walks or long, strenuous hikes or rides. Remember to carry water on your hike, since the trails out of the canyon climb up to 1,600 feet and can be quite strenuous! The specially surfaced Redwood Trail, which is suitable for visitors of all physical abilities, winds through tall redwoods just off Skyline Boulevard. Visitors will find wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and a restroom along this flat easy route. The Redwood Trail was built through a grant from Peninsula Open Space Trust.”

http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_purisima.asp

Quarry Park

“Quarry Park is a 40 acre community park in beautiful El Granada.  The park features a large family picnic meadow with tables and barbecue pits, next to a play area for toddlers (the “Tot Lot”). The Treehouse, built in 2008, functions as a play structure, conversation area, or stage. Beyond the Meadow, a dirt road leads to the quarry floor and up to a view site overlooking Princeton Harbor. A network of trails winds through Quarry Park and the adjoining Wicklow open space area. Quarry Park is open from sunrise to sunset.  There is no charge for parking or for park entrance. Park maintenance activities are performed by volunteers and by the County. Special projects at the Park are supported by private donations and by grants from organizations such as the Half Moon Bay Lions Club.”

http://www.mpl.sanmateo.org/parks.html

Activities Near Our Inn

Coastal Elegance Tours

  • · Nature Hikes

The Coastal/Beach Hike on rural bluffs highlight marine animals, birds, wildflowers and seals, and possibly a few star fish and sea anemones if the surf is low enough. The Giant Redwood Hike includes a picture of your family inside an old growth redwood. Special lilies and iris bloom in the forest each Spring. Both hikes are 2-3 hours. $75 per person.

Redwood tree

  • · Half Moon Bay Coastal Eco-Cycling Group Events

Guests experience the areas rich ecological diversity while cycling along the Pacific Ocean. The trained naturalist guides inform participants about the native people, coastal and inter-tidal habitats. Cycle on trails along a secluded beach and rural Pacific Ocean bluffs. Curious seals, brown pelicans and shore birds are often seen and photos are shown of marine life animals that live in the inter-tidal zone. $120 per person, age 12 and older.

  • · Ultimate California Cycling Adventure

A three day/two night package begins with a 4:00 p.m. lodging check-in. On Day Two, the guided eco-culture cycling tour begins at 10:00 a.m. Enjoy the panoramic scenic 20-mile drive, visit ancient redwoods, secluded coastal beaches on rural country roads and stop for lunch in historic Pescadero. Day Three will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. The terrain includes country lanes, bike paths and some dirt trials with spectacular views from the scenic Pacific Coast bluffs. Visit Pillar Point Lighthouse, the harbor, Mavericks, and enjoy lunch at the base of Montara Mountain. Rates and lodging options are available on the website.

Tours by reservation only: 650-712-8456

Farmers Markets

  • · Coastside Farmers’ Market ~  May – December

Farm fresh produce, fresh fish, local art and live music. Shoreline Station, Half Moon Bay ~ Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 650-726-4895 ~ www.coastsidefarmersmarket.org

Half Moon Bay Golf Links

The golf course will host the U.S. Open Qualifier on May 17, 2010. Learn more and sign up by visiting http://halfmoonbaygolflinksblog.com. Two Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay ~ 650-726-1800

Pescadero

“Capradero – A Lot of Goats” ~ through May 27, 2010

An outdoor exhibit of goat sculptures in the grass lot next to Country Roads Antiques is a celebration of rural beauty. On Fridays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. the “goat meadow” is open to the public. Children can make their own goat masks, and families may picnic on the grass (blankets provided by the artists). Local musicians Suzana Gulmert & Abalone Dreams and Andy Markham & The Polyglot Quartet will play at 2 p.m. on May 8 and May 15, respectively. 320 Stage Road, Pescadero.