San Francisco: Family hike on Devil’s Slide Trail
Did you know you can walk on a portion of California’s famous Highway 1?
It’s true! Devil’s Slide Trail is a 1.3-mile stretch of road converted from a decommissioned segment of Highway 1. It gives unprecedented access to the rocky heights above the Pacific Ocean, and more importantly, the views!
I’ve wanted to try out the trail since it opened in 2014, and finally made it on this trip to California.
The trail is very gentle and perfect for kids. It’s paved with separate lanes for walkers and bikes. There’s limited parking, toilets (though a bit primitive), pet waste stations, bike racks, and drinking fountains.
It took us about an hour to walk the trail and back. I suggest parking in the southern car park and walking northbound (uphill) so you end the trail walking downhill. But that’s just my preference.
How to get there and where to park for Devil’s Slide Trail
There’s very limited parking off Highway 1 on either side of the Tom Lantos Tunnels. The south lot is accessible from both north and southbound Highway 1, but the north lot is only accessible from southbound Highway 1. On weekends try public transportation as lots fill quickly.
Where to eat after hiking at Devil’s Slide Trail
After the hike we drove down to Half Moon Bay and had lunch alfresco at The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Barbara’s Fishtrap is also a good option. Another good place to eat is Moss Beach Distillery, a historic eatery where you can hangout on the cliff outside with ghosts and blankets!
IF YOU GO:
Devils Slide, California 94044 (located off of Highway 1 between Pacifica and Montana.) Visit the Devils Slide website.
Moss Beach Distillery 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA 94038 +1 (650) 728-5595 mossbeachdistillery.com Historic ocean view dining. Dog friendly, and you can sit outside with blankets.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company 390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 +1 (650) 728-2739 hmbbrewingco.com Brewpub overlooking the bay.
Barbara’s Fishtrap 281 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 +1 (650) 728-7049 barbarasfishtrap.com No frill fish overlooking Half Moon Bay
Mavericks Surf Company 25 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 +1 (650) 560-8088 jeffclarkmavericks.com Authentic surf shop run
April Yap | 2nd Mar 17
Nice Post Susanna! This is one of my most favorite trail! Been there with my husband and kids and they really loved it! The scene is very beautiful with the spectacular mountain dropping into the ocean also you will get to enjoy the ocean views of Northern California. It’s a must visit destination for everyone.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) | 15th Apr 16
I had no idea this existed – what a great hike to do (especially with children). The views are incredible…I’d also be constantly stopping to take photos! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Ruth | 15th Apr 16
I haven’t had the opportunity to visit this part of CA-1. I am visiting in pieces. I have made it to Santa Cruz (in different trips, exploring little by little). My next leg has to be from Santa Cruz to San Francisco and then north of San Francisco. Hope I can walk this path one day. The view are great!
Cathy (MummyTravels) | 13th Apr 16
This is wonderful – I had no idea you could go this. I’m hopefully going to be in California later this year so this is going on the list! Thanks for joining up with #citytripping
dralindchecker | 9th Apr 16
Amazing pictures.Its a perfect destination for holiday.
Emma Raphael | 7th Apr 16
That looks so beautiful. What a fantastic place for a walk. My family would despair of me though as I would be constantly stopping to take pictures! 😀
Susanna | 7th Apr 16
It’s the perfect place to take pics! x