Lands End and Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA

I started my afternoon of hiking by parking at Ocean Beach near the Cliff house, as the Lands End parking lot was full when I got there at around 3pm on a Sunday. You can access the trail head from the beach though it is a somewhat steep walk.

Go about 1.5 miles along the Coastal trail, taking in views of the ocean, rock formations, cypress trees, and the Golden Gate bridge. For a 3-mile round-trip you can turn around at Eagles point (at the end of Lands End), or continue on El Camino Del Mar/Sea Cliff Ave for a bit more mileage if you are feeling adventurous and can safely find your way around. I ended up at Baker Beach before turning around and finishing my hike back at Ocean Beach. There is also a jogging trail parallel to Highway 35 and Ocean Beach.

View from Lands End


Ocean Beach

Difficulty: Moderate, >Moderate (if connecting to Baker Beach)

Pescadero State Beach & Marsh, CA

Situated along Highway 1 somewhere between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, Pescadero State Beach is good for short hikes along the beach and adjoining marsh. To get there take Highway 92 west, then head south on Highway 1 for about 15 miles.


The park also provides many opportunities for viewing wildlife. I was lucky enough to spot a group of napping seals.


Slightly inland, the North Pond Trail is a short < 1-mile loop located near the marshlands. Deer, ducks and other wildlife can be seen there.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (unshaded, thick vegetation in some areas)

Henry W. Coe State Park, Morgan Hill, CA

If you like rugged, beautiful day-hikes and have 4 or 5 hours to spare, then Henry W. Coe State park is a great hiking opportunity. To get there, take the Dunne Avenue exit off highway 101 in Morgan Hill and head east on Dunne Ave. The last 10 miles of this road narrows and steepens as it winds its way up Pine ridge. Water and sunblock are a good idea.

I started my 5-mile journey at the Coe Ranch Headquarters. You can purchase a parking pass for $8 and get a free trail map at the visitor center. Go 0.5 miles on Monument trail before turning left on Hobbs Road. Note that if you detour along the 1.1-mile Ponderosa trail loop before hitting Hobbs Road, it can be difficult to follow due to the trail's narrowness and the overgrown plant life.


Follow Hobbs Road downhill for 0.8 miles before turning left on Flat Frog Trail and following the signs to Frog Lake. You'll be rewarded for your persistence with great views of the lake!


Retrace your steps for 0.2 miles, then continue left on Flat Frog Trail towards headquarters for 2.3 miles. Continue westwards on Coral Trail for 0.6 miles towards the park headquarters and the hike is complete.

Trail: Frog Lake Loop, with Ponderosa Trail extension, 5.3 miles
Difficulty: >Moderate (unshaded, thick vegetation in certain areas)

Thanks to Emilia for suggesting this hike!