Coastal Walk & History Day Trip

Date and Time: Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 7:45 AM (departure) to 4:45 PM (return)
Meeting Location: Cupertino CA 95014
Fee: $140 per person for Premium Members, $150 per person for Basic Members and $160 per person for non–members. Fee includes transportation, lunch, activities, gratuities and two tour leaders.

How to Register: Space is limited so reserve your spot early! Please register using the REGISTER button at the bottom of the page.
If you have any questions, please email us at share@bayareaolderadults.org

ITINERARY

One-way Educational Cowell-Purisima Trail Walk

This morning, we will walk along the four-mile picturesque Cowell-Purisima trail near Half Moon Bay stopping first at the Vista Point for views of the ocean and rocky islands. This trail has minor elevation gains and declines. On the west side of the trail are shoreline and rocky ridges with the ocean below. Along the walk, we will learn about the history of the Ohlone village located along the trail, the Ocean Shore Railroad, Henry Cowell, the coastal town of Purisima and some of the wildlife that live along the coast. Bluffs and Ocean Views, photo by Anne Ferguson

Walking across three bridges and past coastal scrubland with sages, grasses, yarrow and coyote brush, as well as flowers and birds such as swallows, sparrows and pelicans, we will be serenaded by songbirds. Cowell-Purisima Trail Wildlife, photos by Anne Ferguson

One of the Three Bridges on the Trail, photo by Anne Ferguson

To the east, we pass farmland rich in artichokes, Brussel sprouts, peas and pumpkins, and may even see tractors and workers out among the crops. Agricultural Land along Cowell-Purisima Trail, photo by Anne Ferguson

At the beach access, you have the option to walk down and explore the Cowell Ranch State Beach and/or look below at the Harbor Seal Preserve area, where a colony of Pacific harbor seals spend time on the sand, rocks and water. Cowell Ranch State Beach, photo by Anne Ferguson

Fresh Cooked Lunch

For lunch, we enjoy the complex, nuanced flavors of a local Indian restaurant. There will be vegetarian and gluten free options. Flavorful Indian Food, photo by Anne Ferguson

Expert-led Johnstone House History Tour

Next, we break into two groups for a docent-led tour of the Colonial New England style Johnston House. Our expert guides will be dressed in period costume as we tour the home that is decorated with 1800’s furniture and accessories. We will learn tales of James Johnston, one of the first Americans to wander into a Mexican village that Americans named Spanish town, which later became Half Moon Bay. Johnston House, photos by Garrick Ramirez

Downtown Half Moon Bay

We will stop at a local sweet shop that has homemade cupcakes, cookies and more. You can also visit other shops in downtown Half Moon Bay before we return. Half Moon Bay Sweet Shop

Please click the registration button below to register for the day trip.