Half Moon Bay Stroll

   I wanted to meet up with a friend from the South Bay, so I drove from the city and met them at the parking lot at the end of Venice Blvd. off of Highway 1 (bring cash - it's $10! to park!). Once parked, we headed North (so the ocean is to your left) on the Coastside Trail. This makes it a 5 mile round-trip walk, all flat - and a great 'hike' to catch up with a friend without losing your breath!

I mean...hard to beat! Pic from alltrails.com

   I'd say that this would be a great one to do on a nice day...passing all the nice beaches, having runners/hikers/walkers/bikers/skaters pass you who are also enjoying this day.

   We stopped on the way back at Miramar Beach and Restaurant, overlooking the ocean. It's a piece of history, being built as a former Prohibition speakeasy, but now a good place for lunch or a drink indoors. The patio is lovely, but the food is over-priced for what it is. I'd rather have an app and beverage there but grab some quick seafood at the turn-around point on this hike...which is cheaper, has more of a 'local' vibe, and probably better quality. That point would be Pillar Point Harbor...lined with boats but also a fish market!

   Drive back to SF or stop at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay to sit outside for a glass of wine and enjoy the sunset. This is probably my favorite place...didn't have time that day but will MAKE time soon. I can't get enough of this place!