The Coastside is a wonderful place to play. Besides state parks that offer camping, hiking and biking (see pages_____) there are numerous other ways to have fun here.
At Surfers' Beach, located just south of Pillar Point Harbor, waves range from a few inches to several feet for surfing. The beach is also a popular spot for ocean kayaking, boogie boarding, wind surfing and jet skiing. There's also surfing at Montara Beach, and both spots are ideal of picnicking. For the world's best wave riders, there's the notorious Mavericks beyond the Pillar Point tracking station - experienced surfers only.
Half Moon Bay Golf Links is a world class 18-hole course with a pro shop and restaurant at 2000 Fairway Drive in Half Moon Bay. Reservations a week in advance. 726-4438.
Ride horseback along the beach at either Sea Horse or Friendly Acres ranch. Different kinds of trail rides from one to two hours explore trail or beach. All levels of riders. Guides optional. Reservations for groups of 10 or more. Pony rides for kids under 5. On Highway 1 one mile north of Highway 92. 726-2362. Little Profit Pony Farm has a horse care, riding camp and riding school for kids age 5 to 11, as well as party and picnic facilities. At 1600 S. Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay, 726-4250.
Pacific Air Taxi & Charter gives you the Coastside from the sky in a 1937 Stearman open-cockpit biplane. Sightseeing rides north to Sausalito, west to Crystal Springs or south to Ano Nuevo. Individuals or groups. Air taxi or charter. 726-3648.
See the elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Reserve south of Pescadero during their December-to-May breeding season. Guided walks, rain or shine, are the only way to see them. Reservations at (800) 444-7275.
The James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach is a living museum of sea stars, anemone, algae and other marine life in acres of tide pools. Call 728-584 for information.
Area parks offer bicyclists or hikers numerous options. The Coastside Trail stretches some six miles from the end of Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay to near Pillar Point Harbor. Huddart Park in Woodside offers 28 miles of hiking trails, picnic facilities, volleyball courts and a playground. 851-0326. Montara Mountain on Highway 1 just north of Montara offers challenging trails for walking or biking with spectacular ocean views. The Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve has 2,519 acres for hiking, biking off Highway 35 about 4.5 miles south of Highway 92.
Mid-Coast Television is the place for video buffs to hone their filming and editing skills and produce programs for the community's airwaves. 726-1750.
The Half Moon Bay Yacht Club is where yachters socialize with fellow boaters, swap information or take part in excursions from the bay to Santa Cruz. Incorporated in 1979, it boasts over 100 members. Glenn Brandon is the current commodore. Monthly meetings and parties are held at the club at 214 Princeton Avenue in Princeton (728-9921).
Fit Just For You gym offers aerobics, free weights, personal training and the glowing well-being that exercising brings. At 371 Princeton Avenue in Princeton. 728-1031.
The Half Moon Bay Department of Parks and Recreation, in the Ted Adcock Community/Senior Center at 535 Kelly Avenue (726-8297), offers classes for kids, youth and adults including ice skating, yoga, tennis, Jazzercise, tap and ballet dancing, photography, art and floral decoration and more. Gymnastics classes are available for kids preschool age and up. Ten-week sessions from a professional and caring staff. Register at the community Center. 726-8297.
Sports buffs of all ages can play soccer, softball, Pop Warner football and T-ball. See Clubs and Organizations for information.
The Miramar Beach Kayak Club offers learning for beginners and camaraderie for old hands and access to kayaking equipment. Primarily ocean kayaking, but some group trips to rivers. Number One Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay, 726-2748.
The Coastside Tennis Club is where all levels of tennis lovers meet for socializing, clinics and competition. At Half Moon Bay High School. Call Sandy Badillo, 726-6103 for information.