Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve: A Coastal Redwood Sanctuary
Discover towering redwoods, lush canyons, and stunning coastal vistas at this tranquil Half Moon Bay preserve. Hike, bike, and explore!
Explore the serene Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Half Moon Bay, California, with its towering second-growth redwood forests, lush canyons, and panoramic coastal views. Established by the Save the Redwoods League, this 5,412-acre preserve offers over 21 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, providing a tranquil escape into nature.
A brief summary to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
- Half Moon Bay, California, 94019, US
- +1650-691-1200
- Visit website
- Monday 6 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 6 am-6 pm
- Saturday 6 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Parking is limited, especially on weekends; arrive early or carpool.
- Bring layers, as weather conditions can change quickly.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid poison oak.
- Check the official website for trail closures before visiting.
- Bring water, as there are limited water sources.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, travel south for approximately 4.3 miles. Turn left onto Verde Road, then continue straight onto Purisima Creek Road (Verde Road splits to the right). Travel about 3.7 miles on Purisima Creek Road to reach the preserve. Parking is free but extremely limited, especially at the Higgins Canyon Road entrance. Be aware that 'No Parking' areas are strictly enforced. Consider alternate parking at the Skyline Boulevard entrances, though these also fill up quickly on weekends. There is no fee for parking.
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Public Transport
Take SamTrans bus 294 to Half Moon Bay. From there, the preserve is several miles away, requiring a taxi or ride-sharing service to complete the journey. Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a ride-share from Half Moon Bay to the Purisima Creek Road trailhead. Be mindful of limited cell service at the preserve when arranging your return trip. SamTrans bus fare is approximately $1-$5.
Discover more about Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Methuselah Tree (Sequoia sempervirens)
5.3 km
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Allen Peak
7.1 km
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Ralph D. Percival Memorial Vista Point
8.3 km
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Skylawn Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory
8.4 km
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Skull of a Blue Whale
8.9 km
Discover the awe-inspiring Skull of a Blue Whale in Half Moon Bay, a historical landmark that celebrates marine life and highlights the critical importance of ocean conservation efforts.
Horse Statue
9.6 km
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Len Turner Memorial Vista Point
10.4 km
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War Memorial
11.1 km
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Ralston Hall Mansion
12.3 km
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Redwood Tattoo Co
13.1 km
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I Dumpling
13.1 km
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Ike's Lair of Redwood City
13.1 km
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Spill the Tea
13.1 km
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Crouching Tiger Restaurant & Bar
13.2 km
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Brookdale Redwood City
13.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
4.9 km
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James Johnston House
6.3 km
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Teague Hill Open Space Preserve
6.3 km
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Huddart Park
6.4 km
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Cowell Ranch Beach Access
6.5 km
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Redwood Picnic Area, Huddart Park
6.6 km
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Filoli Historic House & Garden
6.8 km
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California Coastal Trail
6.8 km
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Woodside Store Park
7.4 km
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Coastside History Museum
7.5 km
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Half Moon Bay
7.5 km
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Pulgas Water Temple
7.7 km
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Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
8.6 km
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Wunderlich County Park
8.8 km
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Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
9.2 km
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Essential places to dine
The Mountain House
3.7 km
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Canyon Inn
10.4 km
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Wakuriya
11.1 km
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Parkside Grille
12.1 km
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Redwood Grill
12.2 km
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CORNER TABLE
12.3 km
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Stacks
12.9 km
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Higuma Japanese Restaurant
13.0 km
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Madera
13.1 km
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Redwood Bistro
13.1 km
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Zadna Grill
13.2 km
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Seoul Kitchen
13.2 km
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City Pub
13.2 km
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Kemuri Japanese Barú
13.2 km
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Little Madfish
13.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rehreh threads & goods
12.3 km
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Shop Cute Buys
12.6 km
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Laurelwood Shopping Center
12.6 km
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Secrets Boutique - Redwood City
13.1 km
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Whole Foods Market
13.1 km
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Pickled
13.2 km
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The BottleShop Wine Bar + Kitchen + Retail
13.2 km
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The Vitamin Shoppe
13.2 km
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Barnes & Noble
13.2 km
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Vibes Smoke Shop & Piercing
13.2 km
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See's Candies
13.3 km
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The Record Man
13.3 km
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Planet Mix
13.3 km
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Bluemercury
13.3 km
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Mademoiselle Colette
13.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Village Pub
9.6 km
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The Field Club
11.0 km
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Saddle Room Bar
12.2 km
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Pool Garden Terrace at Rosewood Sand Hill
13.1 km
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The Library & Bar
13.1 km
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Sodini's
13.1 km
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The Hub RWC
13.2 km
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Villa Roma
13.2 km
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840 Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge
13.3 km
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Gemelos Cantina & Sports Bar
13.4 km
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CRU Wine Bar & Shop
13.4 km
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Bobby D's Cocktail Lounge & Sports Bar
13.4 km
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Hidden Tap And Barrel Redwood City
13.4 km
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Antone's Cocktail Lounge
13.6 km
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Nighthawk
13.7 km
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