Coastside Trail and sunset bagpipes: walking the bluff
Yes — the Coastside Trail runs along the bluff immediately beside The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, making it an easy, scenic walk from the hotel for a sunset stroll. Local tradition is to watch the sun go down from the bluff just south of the resort, where visitors sometimes hear bagpipes played at sunset.
In this guide
Getting there and on-site parking
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is at 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA. The property sits high on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific.
On-site valet parking is available; self-parking is limited to Guest House stays only. The resort provides complimentary Coastal Access parking spaces in its garage for beach and trail access.
- Nearest major airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — about 20 miles, depending on route.
- No complimentary airport shuttle is listed; guests typically arrange car service, taxi, or rental car.
- BookResorts agents (24/7) phone: +1 (888) 605-1350
| Parking option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Available (hotel page) |
| Self-parking | Available for Guest House stays only |
| Coastal Access parking | 25 complimentary garage spaces for public beach/trail access |
Walking the Coastside Trail from the bluff
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail runs along the bluffs past The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay and continues about seven miles into town. The hotel is welcoming to trail walkers and the bluff is an easy starting point for short or longer walks.
From the resort you can step onto the bluff path and walk either north or south; public seating and viewpoints sit just south of the hotel and are where people commonly gather at sunset.
- Trail length near hotel: the Coastside Trail extends roughly 7 miles along the coast into Half Moon Bay town.
- Surface/grade: bluff-top walking with coastal views (specific trail surface details vary along sections).
- Nearby beaches: Pelican Point Beach and small local coves are a short walk from the bluff.
| Direction | Nearby highlights |
|---|---|
| North toward town | Continues into Half Moon Bay (shops, cafes) |
| South along bluff | Public seating; sunset viewpoints and seasonal bagpipe tradition |
| Short out-and-back | Pelican Point Beach and local coves |
Sunset and the bagpipes tradition
Local visitors and guests often gather on the bluff just south of the resort to watch the sunset. At the right times you may hear bagpipes played from that bluff seating area — a noted Half Moon Bay tradition.
There is no official schedule published for bagpipe performances on the bluff; appearances depend on local individuals and timing, so they happen irregularly rather than as a guaranteed daily event.
- Best viewing spot: public seating on the bluff just south of the hotel.
- Arrive early for a good spot at popular sunset times.
- Bring a light jacket; coastal breezes and cooler temperatures are common at sunset.
| What to expect | Notes |
|---|---|
| Crowd size | Can be small to moderate; varies by season and weekend |
| Bagpipes | Occasional/local tradition — not on a published schedule |
| Facilities | Public seating nearby; restroom/amenity access in the hotel |
Practical trail logistics: bikes, dogs, accessibility
The resort offers free bicycles for guests, which are useful for exploring the Coastside Trail and nearby beaches. The trail is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
The trail and bluff areas are public in many sections; specific accessibility and surface conditions vary along the route, so check locally if you need fully paved, level access for a wheelchair or stroller.
- Bicycles: complimentary guest bicycles reported by travel sites; helmet and local regulations apply.
- Dogs: public trail rules vary — the hotel allows dogs in designated Guest House rooms but notes pets must be leashed and are restricted in many indoor hotel areas.
- Accessibility: portions of the trail are bluff-top and can have changing surfaces; contact the hotel for the latest guidance on accessible routes.
| Item | Hotel notes |
|---|---|
| Guest bicycles | Available (reportedly free for guests) |
| Pets | Allowed in designated Guest House rooms; leashed on grounds; restricted in dining/spa |
| Accessible route | Contact hotel for current info on paved/level sections |
Where to stay for the bluff walk and views
Choose a room with ocean-facing windows or a balcony if you want views of the bluff and quick access to the trail. Several room types explicitly list ocean views or ocean-facing features in the resort inventory.
If you want lounge access with culinary presentations, consider upgrading to Coastal Club Access Room or other Club Access room types for private lounge amenities.
- Room names to consider: Ocean Room, Ocean Balcony Room, Coastal Club Access Room, Ocean House Coastal, Guest House rooms (for pet-friendly options).
- Guest House rooms are the designated pet-friendly accommodations at the property.
- Club access rooms include private lounge benefits and culinary presentations throughout the day.
| Room type | Why pick it |
|---|---|
| Ocean Room | Direct ocean views and close to bluff walking access |
| Ocean Balcony Room | Private balcony for sunset viewing |
| Coastal Club Access Room | Club lounge access with food/beverage presentations |
| Guest House rooms | Pet-friendly option and different parking/self-parking arrangements |
Where to eat or warm up after a walk
The resort's dining options are all within a short walk from guest rooms. Navio, The Conservatory, and Ocean Terrace each serve different styles — from fine dining to casual oceanfront meals.
Ocean Terrace offers al fresco seating on the oceanfront lawn with fire pits, which can be a comfortable post-walk spot on cool evenings.
- Navio: signature seafood-centered fine dining; check days/hours before planning (Navio has limited weekly service days).
- The Conservatory: daily oceanview dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Ocean Terrace: casual oceanfront dining and a raw bar with outdoor fire pits (hours vary by day).
| Venue | Best for |
|---|---|
| Navio | Formal seafood dinners and weekend brunch |
| The Conservatory | Breakfast, lunch, and family dining |
| Ocean Terrace | Casual al fresco meals and fire-pit gatherings |
