cowell ranch state beach

We went to see the huge redwoods and discovered a working steam engine train that tours one through the forest with options of an hour and a half ride or a 3 hour ride along the ocean.. it is fun and beautiful, I only wished my husband who loves trains could of been with us..

Cowell Ranch State Beach is a pretty beach in Half Moon Bay area., We have enjoyed stopping here and taking a walk to the beach area; it is around a 1/2 mile walk to the beach. As such, it is less populated but beautiful state beach.

Very nice beach that is secluded off of Highway 1; small parking lot and then a 1-10 minute walk on a trail through some farmland to get to the beach. Long stairs to get down to the beach; very private; Nice 1.5 mile coastal trail starts near the beach stairs.

I've probably passed this beach so many times on my way to other state beaches in the Half Moon Bay area. Finally, on Memorial Day this past year, one of friends suggested we try this beach. Needless to say, I was taken back by the view of the beach. As you walk from the parking lot to the beach, which can be a lengthy walk for families of young children, you immediately come upon the cliffs and see the beautiful Pacific Ocean. To one side of the cliffs you will the breeding ground of the seals in the area. To the other side, you will see a staircase leading to the beach area.The best part of the visit: the seclusion. Because the parking lot is small, maybe room for about 15 cars, there was not a lot of people on the actually beach. The views were amazing and the beach area virtually emptyThe down side: There was no bathrooms, the sand was rocky (so do not try and walk without sandals unless you like rough sand), and parking can be hard to get. Overall, if you get there early, and the weather is nice, this beach is definitely worth the trip!

Stopped here by chance on a day's drive from Pacific Grove. It was beautiful and such a great place to walk and hike around the paths. We did not get down to the beach but it looked beautiful, but cold on the day we visited. The sun came out while we were there and gave us a great photo opp. Parking is tricky with so few spots but we were lucky.

What a good find! Beautiful beach surrounded by rocky cliffs. Can get a little breezy, but once you're on the beach with the sun beating down on you - you'll warm right up. We were 1 of maybe 10 people there on a Sunday. TIPS: Get there early; there are only 10-15 parking spaces. I noticed it got fuller after 11:30AM. Surf is rough and cold, don't plan on a dip. Google Maps does not navigate to the right location. Navigate to the Ritz Carlton. Once you pass the Ritz (maybe .25 miles), you'll see a little brown sign for the beach with a parking lot. Bring sturdy shoes - it's about a half mile walk to the beach on a gravel road. Enjoy!

We were excited that we were in the area when the "Mavericks" surfing contest happened this past weekend. Between "all" the people, traffic and trying to find just where the contest was happening. We searched until we could find a "view' and it was awesome. The ocean is beautiful and this just added to it all.

Can be a little crowded at times when sunny . Road can flood in winter at times of high tide. A nice hike inland. Many nice CA beaches, this is one.

Oh I just give up.I came down here to take a healthy hike and generate some good man-sweat and what did I do?I gawked.I pondered.I wondered in awe.I listened.I watched. I took all 2.2 miles in very slowly.So I could hardly call it hiking.This time we turned north at the end of the straightaway that leads to the coast and what a wondrous combination greeted us was we meandered along this well-marked trail. On our left was the gorgeous California coast, replete with harbor seals and flying graceful pelican formations. On our right was a stunning field of yellow spring flowers that were being serenaded with song birds. All this under a perfect April sky.And the wildlife was ahead of us (and over us) and in the fields and in the ocean. We saw: Song Sparrows, White-Crown Sparrows, Black Phobes, Mourning Doves, Red-tail Hawks gliding effortlessly, a Coopers Hawk, Turkey Vultures soaring so close overhead gracefully, a scrambling skink, a singing Wilsons Warbler, a singing California Quail, Western Grebe, a llama, and even a donkey hanging out with the happy California cows!So if you are the type who likes to simply hunker down and get your walk/hike in, then I guess you can do it on the very well maintained, crushed granite, trail, with it's gentle curves and mild slopes.But if you want to get lost in a world of nature and the scenery, this is the place.To savor.To drink in.To relax and leave the hustle and stress of daily life aside for just a bit.

A small well preserved hamlet and former ranch perserved along with long trails leading to cliff side views. A true small gem of long gone history not to be missed as you travel north on Hwy 1.

nice walk thru coastal trails and bluffs to the beach.

This was a nice private location open to the public. You have to really watch for the sign for the area as it is small and we nearly drove by it but there is a small parking lot that is free. You have a small hike which is pleasant and at the end of it you are welcomed by the ocean with a great view of seals to the left. There are many birds nesting and it is a great place for pictures. A spot you don't want to miss if you are in this area.

This is our favorite beach in Half Moon Bay. It does not have a lot of parking spaces, so it can be a challenge to find parking on weekends especially during the summer. The beach is very clean with beautiful sand. There is a ten-minute walk from the parking lot to the scenic overlook, then you can take a set of stairs to go down to the beach.There is a Cowell-Purisima Trail that starts at the scenic overlook. You will enjoy some fantastic views along the way. This beach is normally not very crowded, its limited parking and the 10-minute walk are the two major reasons. We like the way it is though - quiet and pretty. The Cowell-Purisima trail makes this beach even more attractive, because you can either go to the beach or take the costal trail, and you can always do both.

I love this beach. It's a slight hike to it, which makes it a little more quiet. Not a lot of people, and nice quiet little cove to sit and watch the day go by.

I visited Cowell Ranch Beach In Sept.2002.I could not believe the beauty of that place!Very serene and quiet.I was with my Financee'at the time,unfortunately we are no lnger together,but I will never forget the time spent in Half Moon Bay and Cowell Ranch.If yo get a chance to go,DO IT!!! You won't be disappointed.