Half Moon Bay to San Francisco Inn-to-Inn Hiking

6 days / 5 nights

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From Half Moon Bay's tranquil beaches to the vibrant heart of San Francisco, embark on a scenic hike offering cozy stays, coastal beauty, and the city's charm.

Starting point

Half Moon Bay

Finish point

San Francisco

Season

March - November

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

From Half Moon Bay's tranquil beaches to the vibrant heart of San Francisco, embark on a scenic hike offering cozy stays, coastal beauty, and the city's charm.

Choose your style

Self-guided from 1.690 €/person

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From Half Moon Bay's tranquil beaches to the vibrant heart of San Francisco, embark on a scenic hike offering cozy stays, coastal beauty, and the city's charm.

Starting point

Half Moon Bay

Finish point

San Francisco

Season

March - November

Technical level

2/5

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Delve into the serenity of Half Moon Bay, where the waves of Mavericks beckon
Stroll through Montara and embrace the charm of a lighthouse town
Discover Pacifica’s sandy expanses and surfing spots
Experience the unique transition from nature to metropolis as you approach SW San Francisco
Traverse San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods
Relish in luxury with handpicked accommodations

Itinerary of the trip

Begin your journey in the enchanting Half Moon Bay, a coastal gem nestled 45 minutes south of San Francisco. This tranquil beach town, known for its surf culture and majestic waves at Mavericks, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Spend your day marveling at the local marine life at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve or enjoying the culinary delights of local seafood spots.

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Today's journey unfolds along the scenic coastline to Montara, offering mostly flat trails that meander through charming harbor areas, past crab shacks, and expansive beaches. Your path takes you through Moss Beach and Princeton-by-the-Sea. The walk along historic Route 1 leads to an adorable inn in Montara, a town celebrated for its rocky coastline and picturesque lighthouse, encapsulating the quintessential Northern California coastal experience.

Hiking

9.5 miles and 380 feet of elevation gain/loss

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From the doorstep of your Montara hotel, the San Pedro mountain trail beckons. As you ascend, the trail offers a kaleidoscope of flowering plants and wildlife, culminating in breathtaking ocean views and rolling hills. The descent into Pacifica reveals a vibrant surfing scene against the backdrop of a long, sandy beach. Your day ends at a beachfront hotel, where the Pacific's endless waves provide a soothing soundtrack to a restful evening.

Hiking

8.5 miles and 1170 feet of elevation gain/loss

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Embrace the ocean's majesty at Ocean Beach, a haven for world-class surfers and a popular spot for San Francisco's morning crowd. Your coastal walk brings the city's urban edge closer with each step, transitioning from natural landscapes to the bustling life of San Francisco. The interaction with city dwellers and the cosmopolitan vibes enrich your journey as you approach the heart of the city.

Hiking

10.5 miles and 670 feet of elevation gain/loss

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Your final walking day immerses you in the urban fabric of San Francisco, with flat routes offering glimpses into neighborhood life and the Pacific Ocean. The city's diverse neighborhoods, rich in culture and history, provide endless opportunities for exploration, from boutique shopping to museum visits and culinary adventures.

Hiking

10.3 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain/loss

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As your journey concludes, take a moment to reflect on the experiences that have woven together to form your unique San Francisco story. From the tranquil shores of Half Moon Bay to the pulsating heart of the city, you've traversed landscapes both natural and urban, discovering the soul of Northern California along the way. Depart from San Francisco carrying memories of breathtaking vistas, cultural encounters, and the serene beauty that defines this iconic region.

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

5 nights in local 3-star boutique hotels or B&Bs with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Dinners in restaurants

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Luggage transfer

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 35-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings

Shade hat/cap
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Toiletries

This unique journey takes you on a cultural, outdoor, and urban exploration wrapped up in an easy-paced hiking adventure that starts just south of San Francisco and leads you through some of Northern California's most picturesque locales before ending in the heart of one of the USA's most iconic cities.

As you progress from Half Moon Bay through Montara, Pacifica, and into southwestern San Francisco, the trail offers a diverse array of sights, from expansive sandy beaches where surfers dot the horizon to scenic views atop San Pedro mountain that stretch as far as the eye can see.

As you conclude your hike in the cosmopolitan embrace of San Francisco, you'll find yourself traversing neighborhoods rich in history and bursting with life. The city's mix of natural beauty, architectural marvels, and cultural diversity offers an exhilarating finale to this adventure.

Our carefully selected accommodations ensure comfort and relaxation at the end of each day's hike. From charming inns to elegant hotels, each stop is chosen for its proximity to the coast and the quality of its dining options, ensuring every meal is an opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine.

Understanding the importance of a seamless experience, we manage the luggage transfer between towns, allowing you to hike with just the essentials.

Additionally, we equip you with GPS navigation and a personalized travel booklet, ensuring you're well-guided through each step of your journey. Should you need assistance, our customer support team is just a call away, ready to help make your hiking adventure worry-free and enjoyable.

Let the beauty of Northern California captivate your heart and enrich your spirit!

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Hut-to-hut hiking allows you to trek from one fully serviced hut to another, traversing wilderness areas without the burden of heavy camping gear. Each hut provides a warm meal and a bed, ensuring comfort amidst the adventure.

Inn-to-inn hiking connects more populated areas, featuring stays in hotels or B&Bs for a less physically demanding journey. It’s ideal for those who prefer scenic walks with the comfort of modern amenities at day’s end.

Our Northern California treks are beginner-friendly, offering comfortable inn-to-inn hikes through scenic landscapes. However, hikes in the White Mountains, Rogue River Canyon, and Yosemite involve more challenging wilderness trails suited for experienced hikers due to their rugged and remote nature.

All our hikes include meals at the start and end of each day, whether you’re staying in huts or hotels/B&Bs. This ensures you start your day energized and end it with a satisfying meal without needing to carry food supplies.

We equip you with a detailed, personalized travel booklet containing all the necessary information for a safe journey, alongside recommendations to enhance your experience. GPS navigation and a user-friendly navigation app are also provided to guide you along your chosen route.

Yes, our self-guided tours are designed for solo adventurers and groups. Enjoy the freedom of hiking at your own pace, supported by our comprehensive guidance and 24/7 assistance.

Luggage transfers are available on our inn-to-inn hikes, where your belongings are transported by vehicle to your next accommodation. However, due to the remote locations of the huts, accessible only by foot, luggage transfer is not feasible for hut-to-hut hikes.

Most huts operate seasonally, typically open during the summer, the ideal time for high mountain hikes. Our Northern California hikes, however, are accessible in spring and fall, offering a wider window for your adventures.