Outbound Collective logo

El Granada, California

El Granada, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Quarry Park Trail is a must-visit, featuring 40 acres of scenic beauty. This moderate difficulty trail winds through lush forests and rocky landscapes, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is dotted with unique features such as a labyrinth and a stone circle. For water-based activities, the Pillar Point Harbor is ideal. Here, you can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Not far from El Granada, the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail offers a blend of beach views and bird-watching opportunities. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk or an active hike, El Granada's outdoor attractions cater to all.

Top Spots in and near El Granada

  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty

    The Half Moon Bay Jetty is a calm place to paddle as it is covered on all sides. There is an opening into the ocean on the far side, but is mostly calm with plenty of beach area to launch. Keep in mind, there are boats in the harbor so keep an eye out. There is also a scenic hike nearby the West ...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach

    5.0
    1 mi
    Maverick's beach is most well-known for the Maverick surf competition and the gnarly waves which surface here in the winter months. For the rest of the year, the beach is still a site to see. With huge waves crashing ¼ mile off shore and bluffs towering 100 feet above you, it’s a picturesque plac...
    Read more
  • Moss Beach, California

    Pillar Point Bluff Loop

    4.7
    1.84 mi / 154 ft gain
    Sitting on a 140 acre bluff top, the Pillar Point Bluffs are a simple, easy hike with breathtaking views throughout. The bluffs are 22 miles from San Francisco – a 30 minute drive depending on the traffic. There is a small 10 car or so parking lot off of Airport Blvd, but there are two additional...
    Read more
  • Moss Beach, California

    Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach

    4.5
    0.79 mi / 105 ft gain
    The Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entr...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Camp at Francis Beach Campground

    4.0
    If you love to log as much water time as possible, this little gem is the campsite for you. Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually four smaller beaches, with a total of two miles of sandy shore, but you'll be camping right at Kelly Ave., one of Half Moon Bay's most consistent surf spots. Keep in m...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Hike Along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

    4.6
    5 mi / 104 ft gain
    Start at the visitor center along Kelly Avenue. Take note that the day parking fee is $10 in 2016 for each vehicle. You will then be able to enjoy both the Coastside Trail and Francis Beach (plus other beaches) with access to the amenities such as coin-operated showers and a semi-private beach.Th...
    Read more
  • Moss Beach, California

    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    5.0
    0.89 mi / 46 ft gain
    Located beside a residential neighborhood, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a rare glimpse of life in the northern California intertidal zones. There are parking spaces and restrooms available, as well as ranger-led guided tours. Be sure to check the tide charts and go during low tide (preferab...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm

    5.0
    This is a great way to destress and have fun!  Goat yoga is like normal yoga, but with goats.  Goats tend to like higher ground and flat surfaces.  So, when you are in table top position, they are highly likely to jump onto your back!  These goats are still young, and so do not weigh as much as f...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes

    4.88 mi / 1427 ft gain
    McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes is a 4.8 mile trail located near Montara State Beach that offers ocean views when it is not too cloudy.  You can get amazing views when you hike up above the clouds.  This hike follows one of the main trails up the mountain, but there are many smaller trails to e...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

    3.64 mi / 322 ft gain
    Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see local wildlife located near Half Moon Bay, California.
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Loop

    5.0
    1.22 mi / 518 ft gain
    Starting at the parking lot adjacent to Gray Whale Cove State Beach, proceed to the start sign indicating "Grey Whale Cove Trail". GWCT is a fun brisk hike with slight elevation gain that should be easy enough to take a small group or even children to. Take note of the tight spaces you may encou...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Gray Whale Cove Trail

    4.5
    2.23 mi / 367 ft gain
    Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop

    4.3
    7.22 mi / 1929 ft gain
    NOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes s...
    Read more
  • Half Moon Bay, California

    Devil's Slide Bunker

    4.3
    The Devil's Slide Bunker is perched out on a point the defiantly juts out into the ocean. The Bunker is covered in constantly changing graffiti, which provides a stunning contrast to the gorgeous seaside. Hop on Highway 1 South. Just south of Pacifica there is a tunnel. Once you go through the t...
    Read more
  • Pacifica, California

    Montara Mountain Trail

    5.0
    6.77 mi / 1900 ft gain
    Montara Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you through a forest out to ocean views at the top of Montara Mountain. This hike located near Pacifica, California. and can be accessed from Highway 1 as well. If you're looking to do a similar loop hike from the coast, consider Montara Mountain ...
    Read more
  • Cowell Ranch Beach Access, California

    Picnic at Cowell Ranch Beach

    5.0
    Hike half a mile to this beautiful, secluded beach.  There are high cliffs with a steep staircase down to the beach.  The beach has wonderful rock formations on one side.  It is a great place to watch the sunset or bring a picnic.  A great place for a beach day if you are looking for something le...
    Read more

Camping and Lodging in El Granada

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA
Pescadero, California

Santa Cruz North / Costanoa KOA

Guides, Insights and Stories from El Granada

10 Must-Do Adventures In The San Francisco Bay Area

10 Must-Do Adventures In The San Francisco Bay Area

Josiah Roe

The 10 Best Campsites near San Francisco

The 10 Best Campsites near San Francisco

The Outbound Collective

Weekend Excursion: 72 Hours in San Francisco

Weekend Excursion: 72 Hours in San Francisco

Josiah Roe

5 Calf-Crushing Trail Runs in the San Francisco Bay Area

5 Calf-Crushing Trail Runs in the San Francisco Bay Area

The Outbound Collective

Using Lightroom to Perfect Your Outdoor Photos

Using Lightroom to Perfect Your Outdoor Photos

Kyle Reader