Over The Moon

Bike To And Camp At Half Moon Bay

Experience a short but beautiful section of one of the most stunning cycling routes in the world: the California Coast.

Time Required
2 Days

Difficulty
Moderate

Activity Type
Bicycle Camping

Distance
60–90 miles roundtrip

Overview
The perfect destination for an overnight bicycle trip from San Francisco. Half Moon Bay is a lovely seaside community, with cafes, restaurants, shops and all the services you might require. There’s a campground at the State Beach with a bike-in site that costs just $5 and doesn’t require reservations for walk-ins, even during the busy summer season. Pick up groceries at the Safeway nearby for your camp feast. The sunsets are not to be missed.

Getting There And Back Again
The 30 mile signed route stays off busy Highway 1 for the most part, and the hill climbs are moderate, making this a good introduction to cycling the famed California Coast. On your way to Half Moon Bay, you have the option of riding the “Planet of the Apes” trail, an old, overgrown section of an abandoned highway. Just be prepared for broken pavement and off-road conditions.

To get back to San Francisco, either return the way you came, or tackle the Coast Range by riding up Tunitas Creek Rd, which beings about ten miles south of Half Moon Bay.

Why You Should Go
Breathtaking views, a challenging but manageable bike ride, oceanside camping, and gorgeous sunsets. Everybody who lives in SF and enjoys cycling, you should do this ride at some point.