The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in San Mateo County

Hike the 11.7-mile San Francisco Bay Trail from Burlingame to Redwood Shores for bay views, birdwatching, and diverse shoreline scenery.

The Mori Point Loop Trail offers a captivating journey through Pacifica's diverse coastal landscape, blending restored wetlands with dramatic ocean bluffs. You'll traverse a mix of paved paths, boardwalks, and unpaved trails, with highlights like the historic Bootlegger Steps leading to panoramic views from The Point. In spring, the headlands burst with wildflowers, and you might even spot migrating whales or other marine wildlife along the way. It's an easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) hike with 319 feet (97 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking just under two hours.

Planning your visit to Mori Point is straightforward, with parking available near the trailhead, though it's wise to arrive early on busy days. No permits are needed for this easy route, which is suitable for most hikers. Dressing in layers is recommended due to the coastal weather, which can shift quickly from sunny to foggy. The best time to experience the trail's natural features is often during spring for wildflowers or during migration seasons for wildlife viewing.

Mori Point is more than just a scenic hike; it's a site rich in history and ecological significance. Beyond its past as a bootleggers' haunt, the area features 33 acres of restored wetland habitat crucial for endangered species like the California red-legged frog. You can also explore the unique black sands of Sharp Park Beach, whose dark color comes from iron oxide magnetite. This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, making it a standout among Mori Point hiking routes.

The Pacifica Pier & Mori Point via Sharp Park Beach Promenade offers a delightful coastal hike, blending accessible paved paths with natural dirt trails and an elevated boardwalk through wetlands. You'll start at the bustling Pacifica Municipal Pier, known for fishing and whale watching, before strolling along the distinctive black sands of Sharp Park Beach. As you progress, the scenery shifts to marshlands, where interpretive signs highlight efforts to protect endangered species, and eventually to the dramatic bluffs of Mori Point, providing expansive ocean views.

This easy 2.8-mile (4.6 km) route, with a gentle 145 feet (44 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete, making it a perfect choice for a leisurely outing. Parking is readily available near the pier and beach, and the trail is generally well-maintained, though some sections can be muddy after rain. For the best experience, consider visiting in spring for wildflowers or during fall and winter for prime whale watching opportunities.

Mori Point, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is not just a scenic viewpoint but also a site with historical significance, once housing an anti-aircraft missile site and famously featured in the film "Harold and Maude." The unique black sand of Sharp Park Beach, rich in iron oxide magnetite, adds to the trail's distinct character, offering a glimpse into the region's geological makeup and providing habitat for diverse coastal wildlife.

The Redwood Shores Loop offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and urban vistas, making it a unique hiking experience along the San Francisco Bay Trail. You'll wander along groomed paths, boardwalks, and levees, with the serene Redwood Shores Lagoon and Belmont Slough often in view, alongside the striking Oracle campus. This moderate 7.1-mile (11.4 km) route, with a mere 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, is a flat and easy walk that typically takes just under three hours, perfect for a leisurely outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is largely accessible year-round. While there's minimal shade, making sun protection a must, the well-maintained paths are suitable for a wide range of users, including those with dogs on leash. Look out for picnic spots and observation platforms along the way, enhancing your experience of this popular trail.

This segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail is particularly notable for its exceptional wildlife habitat, running alongside significant ecological reserves like the Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching, offering frequent sightings of egrets and herons, and provides a distinct perspective on the Bay Area by combining natural marshland environments with modern corporate and residential views.