Top 10 Hiking Trails in the San Francisco Peninsula Area

I consider the area between San Francisco and Palo Alto as the Peninsula area. Peninsula never dries out and thus is great for hiking year round. In the summer, it’s much cooler than the South Bay thanks to the ocean breeze – you don’t even need AC at home. In the winter, it’s sunny and never feels freezing, like everywhere in California. Here in Peninsula, you don’t have to choose between the ocean and the mountain. You get gorgeous views of both. It’s hard to pick out top 10 trails for this area. The following are my favorites in the order of preference based on the criteria discussed in my blog about South Bay hikes.

1. Sweeney Ridge

Sweeney Ridge is my all time favorite of the entire Bay Area. It’s a very popular trail because of the amazing views it offers. You will not only get the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean but also overlook the San Andreas Lake as well as the evergreen mountains in between. This trail is 4.8 miles long with 744 feet elevation, a decent workout. It’s also partially paved, so a great option for rainy weathers. Even though this trail is popular, I didn’t see many people when I was there and thus never felt crowded even on weekends.

2. Montara Mountain Loop

Montara Beach and the McNee Ranch State Park across the street have a lot to offer. I’m never tired of this area. If I don’t know where to go for outdoor activities, they are my first choice. You will get the perfect combination of sunshine, ocean breeze, coastline views, and green mountains here. One of the best hikes in my opinion is the Montara Mountain Loop. It’s 3.3 miles long with 734 feet elevation located right next to the famous Pacific Coast Highway. You will get excellent views of the Pacific Ocean at all times on this trail. Although not shaded, it’s pretty windy there, so won’t be too hot for dogs even in the summer.

There are also many other great trails in the area such as Gray Whale Cove Trail and Old Colma Road Loop.

3. Pedro Point Headlands

Pedro Point Headlands Trail is an underrated gem. The trailhead is hard to find, hidden without any signs behind the Pacific Coast Highway. But once you get onto it, you have the entire trail by yourself. The first half of the trail is in the woods, shaded and surrounded by various types of evergreens. It then opens up to mountain and ocean views. Once you reach the Pedro Point Overlook, you will enjoy the 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean.

Another great option is the Devil’s Slide Trail. It sits halfway of a cliff above the Pacific Ocean between Montara and Pedro Point. It got its name from the cliffs prone to landslides. It’s a flat and paved trail of 2.8 miles. Great for a casual stroll with amazing coastline views.

4. Mori Point Loop

Mori Point Loop Trail is stunning in all seasons but particularly beautiful in the springtime thanks to the bloom of wildflowers. It’s an easy trail of only 2.5 miles with about 400 feet elevation. Typically, easy trails like this one won’t make it to my top list. But Mori Point is too beautiful to be missed. Nothing feels better than standing among the growing flowers, watching the Pacific waves wash up to the rugged shores, and letting the cool breeze blow away your worries.

5. Mavericks Cliffs

Mavericks Cliffs Trail takes you from the Pillar Point, where you can spot surfers on the ocean, to the Pillar Point Bluff, where you climb to a mountain overlooking the coastline. It’s an easy trail of 3.7 miles and only 259 feet elevation. In springtime, the trail is decorated by beautiful coastal wildflowers. On clear days, you will be overwhelmed by the crystal blue of the sky and the ocean.

6. Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

A review of the Peninsula area is incomplete without mentioning Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is on the top of my list. It is partially paved and goes through a golf course, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, and Manhattan Beach. It offers great views in addition to a peek of rich people’s life. The only downside of this trail is the crowdedness due to its popularity.

7. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

To be honest, this open space preserve is not the prettiest and doesn’t have special views. But I ended up going here a lot because 1) it’s always green and beautiful to visit year round and 2) its trails provide good workouts for me. My favorite is the Dusky-Footed Woodcat and Cordilleras Trails. This trail is 3.6 miles long and about 700 feet elevated. You will get to enjoy views of green canyons, mountains, and ridges. It’s not crowded and has an off-leash area for dogs. Although mostly not shaded, the Peninsula weather is never scorching hot.

8. Thornewood Open Space Preserve

If you are looking for a shaded peaceful hike, Thornewood Open Space Preserve is your place. It’s not crowded at all. In fact, you will probably end up having the entire space to yourself. Trails here are generally easy too, ideal for a quiet morning meditation. I enjoyed the Schilling Lake Trail very much. The tall coast redwoods along the trail provided lots of shade to block the summer heat. The Schilling Lake was not that impressive, but I still had a good solitude time.

9. Water Dog Lake Open Space

Don’t be fooled by the name of this open space. Neither human nor dogs can swim in the Water Dog Lake. However, there are many hiking trails around the lake. John S Brooks Memorial Trail loops around the open space as well as the adjacent Hidden Canyon Park. It’s a sweet 5.4-mile and 1,000-foot trail that offers great views of Belmont, the Water Dog Lake, and green mountains.

10. Coyote Point to San Mateo Bridge

Coyote Point to San Mateo Bridge Trail starts at the Coyote Point Recreation Area and goes 10.4 miles to the San Mateo Bridge. The trail lies right next to the bay. As a result, you will walk by the waterfront and get to enjoy the peaceful bay. However, there’s no shade on the trail and it can get a bit boring given the lack of variety in views.