The Coastside

The 15-mile stretch from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay is primarily known as the Coastside. This area extending along Highway 1 is characterized by rugged shoreline, small communities, beaches, and farmlands. In the past couple of years, we find ourselves coming here more often when we needed some Vitamin Sea. It is after all a convenient 37 miles away from home. It wasn't always the first place we think of some years ago despite it's proximity. The horrible traffic snarls that haunt our highways even on weekends scared us off. However, lately since the pandemic, we found that either the traffic jams have lessened or our patience had grown leaps and bound. Whatever it is, I'm glad we're visiting this part of the region again.

This last visit we came for the baked goodies. We heard about this bakery that people were praising for their yummy treats. So we went and waited in line. Well, the goodies were good, but nothing to crow about if I'm being honest. So after the little bite we were excited to take a little walk hoping to burn off the butter-laden treats we just had.

Pacifica is 15 minutes away from the bustle of San Francisco. The laidback small town vibe and its dramatic cliffs and hiking paths and beaches keep me coming back for more.

We opted to do the hike somewhere else and so we drove and stopped in Moss Beach.

My husband was way ahead of me in the path because I was busy soaking up the sun, smelling the salty air, and taking loads of photos instead of actually walking.

Waiting for me to catch up.

The ice plant will be in bloom next month.

A little rest after the hike.

A little video of this part of Moss Beach.

Back on Highway 1, I captured these photos.

Just drove through Half Moon Bay and went back home. My husband and I have agreed that with all the chaos in the world right now, our usual traveling may be a little bit modified this year with more local getaways as opposed to international travel. Our travel buddy also voiced the same concern fearing a fuel shortage might strand us in Europe. I hope it doesn't come to that. I'm happy to visit and revisit places here in my state or nearby states. I do have a weekend trip booked for South Carolina in a couple of months that I'm excited about.