The Pelican Walk

Pelican Walk

This is our flattest walking tour. It skirts the coast along mostly flat beach towns (one small mountain with gorgeous coastal views). You will walk through historic fishing and crabbing towns of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, through Princeton-by-the-sea, and moss beach stops along the historic Ocean Shore Railroad. The area is steeped in history and biodiversity. Along the Fitzgerald Marine reserve, you can spot elephant seals, harbor seals, sea lions. Watch for the spots of the migratory whales that move up and down the coast. Visit a beach-side tidepool to find anemones, crabs and sea stars. You’ll discover old artsy quaint places along the way. We’ll tell you the best place to stop for crab. Our Trip Packet includes everything you need to know to get from point to point on this coast-side self-guided adventure.

Trip Schedule

pelican_4995 Day 1
Arrive in Half Moon Bay

Day beach walks, stay and dine downtown.

Day 2
Half Moon Bay to Montara
12 miles ( km)

Day 3
Montara to Pacifica
7 miles (km)

Day 4
Pacifica to SW San Francisco
9 Miles (km)

Our Inns on this short, easy walk are very eclectic and fun. Check out our accommodations page.  This is our least expensive walk if you include the cost of accommodations.

 

 

ELEVATION PROFILE.
Note: Maximum elevation is only 350ft…

elevation profile

Walking Itinerary Descriptions

Arrive in Half Moon Bay – Day 1

Relax into this interesting town on historic route Highway 1 – filled with the riches from San Francisco – Luxury resorts, World class Golfing, home of Mavericks big wave surf spot. Don’t miss the cute town center where you’ll be staying and a healthy, active, outdoorsy population of SF commuters, surfers, farmers and fisherwomen (and men). Best places to go provided in the Trip Packet (no commission, just locals tips).

Half Moon Bay  to Montara – Day 2

Mostly flat walking today along the beach and public trails. Interesting sights and sounds as you meander up through the harbor along crab shacks & expansive beaches. This small one lighthouse seaside town follows a jagged rocky coastline and runs through towns Moss beach & Princeton-by-the-sea. We recommend you lunch at a certain haunted ocean view brewery. You will walk along this and old historic route 1 before reaching your adorable Inn, tucked in a quiet neighborhood Inn – enthusiastically owned and operated by former pilots and current aspiring chefs. Read more about this in our accommodations page.

Montara to Pacifica – Day 3

Only steps from your inn begins the San Pedro mountain trail. Depending on the season, you are sure to see various flowering plants – like Indian Paintbrush, Sticky Monkey Flower and animals such as red-tailed hawks, shorebirds, Deer, squirrels, bobcats and the like. At the top of the mountain is gorgeous views of the ocean and rolling coastal mountains. It’s a gorgeous hike up and over, descending into the town of Pacifica. You’ll walk along a long, expansive sandy beach watching surfers galore, arriving at your Hotel on the beach. Take a Jacuzzi or swim in the heated pool, or have a drink in the bar and watch the spectacular sunset show.

Pacifica to South West San Francisco (Ocean Beach)  – Day 4

Wake up next to famous Ocean Beach – with impressive wave action, very strong currents and thus world-class surfing happening pretty much everyday. Meet the city’s morning joggers, dog walkers at this popular place. Today’s walk takes you along stretches of the coastline. By now you’ve gotten your stride int he daily walking routine. You’ll see more humans as you get closer to the cosmopolitan city of San Francisco. Stay at San Francisco’s first ever motel. It has been restored to a very impressive Art Deco classic.  Every detail reminds you of the Mad Men Era.

South West San Francisco (Ocean Beach) to onward Travel – Day 5

Walk to take the trolly style MUNI to San Francisco’s many wonders – pier 39, Telegraph Hill, Golden Gate Park, Dolores Park, Mission District, Chinatown, MOMA, Academy of Sciences, Historic Presidio and the list goes on. We will suggest day hikes with a free (and excellent) tour provider in San Francisco. We include suggestions for the best eating for all budgets – from a locals perspective (no commission for our recommendations 😉 Warning: we are foodies. Allow us to help you with the best way to get to your next destination, whether it be SFO airport or your accommodations in the Bay Area.