Life with Ariel“The west coast is the best coast.” It is true in every way. When it comes to sightseeing the Pacific Ocean coastline, what’s better than hiking right next to the Golden Coast?! Nothing is more healing than watching the waves splash the rocks, walking in the salty ocean breeze, and bathing in the golden sunshine. The North California section of the coast is colder and wilder than the south with amazing and unique views of wildflowers and cliffs. Everywhere along the coastline is worth a visit. Here are my top 10 coastal trails in North California.
1. Asilomar State Beach and Coast Trail
I can never get tired of the Asilomar State Beach and Coast Trail. It is my go-to in Pacific Grove. The trail is in great approximate to the ocean with nothing in between. It’s 3.6 miles long and almost flat, made of wood panels and natural soft sand. You will have it all here: fierce waves, rocky cliffs, as well as peaceful beaches with white sands. Given its popularity, I’m pleasantly surprised that it’s never crowded when I was there, leaving me alone with the ocean in peace. The ocean wind is pretty strong here, but it hardly affects the attractiveness of this trail. In fact, it reminds me of the power of nature and how trivial we humans are in front of the ocean.
2. Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
Monterey Bay Coastal Trail is an iconic scenery trail of the Pacific coastline. It’s a 13-mile paved and flat trail offering easy access for both pedestrians and bikes. It goes from Monterey State Beach to the famous Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. You can not only enjoy the spectacular ocean views of Monterey Bay but also take a detour to the close-by Monterey downtown, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. In the spring and summer, wildflowers on this trail thrive under the Golden State sunshine and blue sky. In particular, you can’t miss the carpet of pink flowers at Lovers Point. Such a romantic spot for wedding photo shoot!
3. Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur
In my opinion, the section of the Pacific Coast Highway that goes from Carmel to Big Sur is one of the best drives and can’t be missed. It feels like you are driving above the vast, peaceful, and endless ocean. If you want to enjoy the views on your legs with your fur-iends, there are a couple short hikes.
The Carmel Beach Trail takes you to the Carmel Beach which is dog-friendly and gorgeous in sunset. It’s also super close to the cute town enter of Carmel. The Garrapata Beach (Calla Lily Valley) Trail is known for calla lilies that bloom from late spring through summer.
4. Lands End
The Lands End Trail is one of the most famous and popular trails in the Bay Area. It’s also one of the best spots to enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite only 3.4-mile long and 538 feet in elevation, it offers a wide variety of beauty. You can climb up the cliff through cypress trees and get a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge hanging over the ocean. Or you can stay low to the Mile Rock Beach and look up the bridge from a different angel. Then take a casual stroll on the rocky beach, look for starfish, and find the Lands End Labyrinth. The only downside of this trail is that it can be crowded given its popularity.
5. Marin Headlands
Marin Headlands are popular for many reasons: the north side of Golden Gate Bridge, sunrise viewing spots, and beaches. In terms of hiking, my favorite is the Rodeo Beach, Miwok Trail, and Coastal Trail. It’s 5.3 miles with a little over 1,000 feet elevation, the perfect difficulty for me. The trail travels from the Rodeo Beach, through the coast bluffs, to the historic site of Battery Townsley. It’s a beautiful combination of workout, coast views, and historic scenes.
6. Mori Point
Pacifica is said to be the most panoramic coastal town in the Bay Area. I have ranked some of the trails in this area as my favorites. The Mori Point Loop Trail is a stunning coastal trail that is good to visit in all seasons. It’s particularly beautiful in the springtime thanks to the bloom of wildflowers. Unlike Lovers Point, Mori Point boasts many types of flowers in various colors. As an easy trail of only 2.5 miles with about 400 feet elevation, it’s great for a casual walk while enjoying the California coast.
7. Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Half Moon Bay has a lot to offer, from outdoor activities, dining options, to coast and mountain views. The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is on the top of my hiking list for this area (see my top 10 for the Peninsular area). It goes through a golf course, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and Manhattan Beach, offering great views in addition to a peek of rich people’s life. The section that is next to the Ritz Carlton Hotel is paved but can be crowded and loud. However, it becomes more peaceful once you elevate to the cliff and immerse yourself in the expansive ocean views.
8. Devil’s Slide Trail
The Devil’s Slide Trail sits halfway of a cliff above the Pacific Ocean between Montara and Pedro Point. It was originally a part of the Pacific Coast Highway. But due to the high risk of landslide in this section, it’s turned into a hiking trail. And that’s also how it got its name. The trail is flat and paved of 2.8 miles out-and-back. There’s no other distraction on this trail. You will fully focus on the incredible ocean views.
9. West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive, as discussed in my blog about Santa Cruz hiking trails, is a must-go in Santa Cruz no matter whether you are driving, biking, or walking. It’s an out-and-back trail from the famous lighthouse. You can access many beaches along the way. Every single spot on the trail offers stunning ocean views that vary every hour during a day. Santa Cruz is one of the few places in North California where the water is warm enough to do water sports. You will see many brave surfers adventure out into the sea.
10. Lost Coast Trail
The Lost Coast Trail is the last one because I haven’t tried it by the time I’m writing this blog. This 25-mile long, 1,578 feet elevated trail for backpack trips is on my bucket list. I have heard nothing but positive about it. As the name indicates, this trail is the most undeveloped section of the California coast. It offers an unforgettable experience of exploring the rough coastline and its wilderness. This trail goes from Mattole, through Kings Range Wilderness (for which you need a permit), to Black Sands Beach. Since it’s point-to-point, you will need to book a shuttle to pick you up at the end of the trail and drop you off to your car.
