Coastal Trails & Cocktails: A South Bay Spring Fling
Looking for a breezy, bloom-filled weekend in the South Bay? Start things off with fresh pastries at Moonside Bakery & Cafe, then soak up sweeping coastal views along Devil’s Slide Trail. Next, sip craft spirits at Jettywave Distillery before exploring the tranquil scenery of Crystal Springs Regional Trail. Dress up for a world-class meal at Nobu Palo Alto, then wander among the spring blossoms at Filoli Gardens. Finally, wrap it all up with a down-home bite at the legendary Alice’s Restaurant. Get ready for an unforgettable spring escape!
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Looking for a breezy, bloom-filled weekend in the South Bay? Start things off with fresh pastries at Moonside Bakery & Cafe, then soak up sweeping coastal views along Devil’s Slide Trail. Next, sip craft spirits at Jettywave Distillery before exploring the tranquil scenery of Crystal Springs Regional Trail. Dress up for a world-class meal at Nobu Palo Alto, then wander among the spring blossoms at Filoli Gardens. Finally, wrap it all up with a down-home bite at the legendary Alice’s Restaurant. Get ready for an unforgettable spring escape!
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Day 1
Start with a Wake-me-up at Moonside Bakery
Moonside Bakery & Cafe
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Much like eggs shouldn't be relegated to breakfast, pizza shouldn't be excluded from it, and the folks here have gone big with this concept. While the menu features European-style staples like danishes, tarts, cakes and pies, you'll also find an assortment of breakfast pizzas calling your name. The pizzas are prepared in a hardwood-fired pizza oven with freshly made pizza dough and are available after 9am. The mushroom comes with spinach and caramelized onions and should be honored with a trophy. Hours are 7am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday, 8am to 3pm Monday through Wednesday and Sunday. Closed Tuesday. moonsidebakery.com
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604 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
https://moonsidebakery.com/
(650) 726-9070
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Half Moon Bay
Bakery,Cafe
Much like eggs shouldn't be relegated to breakfast, pizza shouldn't be excluded from it, and the folks here have gone big with this concept. While the menu features European-style staples like danishes, tarts, cakes and pies, you'll also find an assortment of breakfast pizzas calling your name. The pizzas are prepared in a hardwood-fired pizza oven with freshly made pizza dough and are available after 9am. The mushroom comes with spinach and caramelized onions and should be honored with a trophy. Hours are 7am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday, 8am to 3pm Monday through Wednesday and Sunday. Closed Tuesday. moonsidebakery.com
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Take to the Trails
Devil’s Slide Trail
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Since the Tom Lantos Tunnels opened in 2013, circumventing the treacherous Devil’s Slide portion of Highway 1 between Pacifica and Montara, the former roadway has been open for public access. The 1.3-mile multiuse trail — part of the California Coastal Trail — offers hikers, runners, bicyclists and equestrians jaw-dropping views of the coast, with rest stops along the way outfitted with observation scopes and informational signage. January to March, you might spot migrating gray whales spouting as they make their way from the arctic to Baja California, and near the southern entrance to the trail, you can see the ruins of a WWII observation bunker perched precariously on the bluff. There is limited parking available at both trailheads.
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Off Highway 1, between Pacifica & Montara, Pacifica, CA 94044
https://www.smcgov.org/parks/devils-slide-trail
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Pacifica
Since the Tom Lantos Tunnels opened in 2013, circumventing the treacherous Devil’s Slide portion of Highway 1 between Pacifica and Montara, the former roadway has been open for public access. The 1.3-mile multiuse trail — part of the California Coastal Trail — offers hikers, runners, bicyclists and equestrians jaw-dropping views of the coast, with rest stops along the way outfitted with observation scopes and informational signage. January to March, you might spot migrating gray whales spouting as they make their way from the arctic to Baja California, and near the southern entrance to the trail, you can see the ruins of a WWII observation bunker perched precariously on the bluff. There is limited parking available at both trailheads.
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Stop for a Drink
Jettywave Distillery
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Tucked into a quiet residential block about 200 yards from the beach in Princeton Harbor, women-owned and operated Jetty Wave Distillery crafts a stellar lineup of small batch, artisanal spirits onsite, including gin, bourbon, absinthe and a handful of liqueurs — many of which include botanicals grown in their own garden. When they’re open to the public, Friday through Sunday as well as monthly locals’ nights, post up at the Slab Bar indoors to enjoy a flight and selection of cocktails made with Jetty Wave spirits, or enjoy a wider selection of creative cocktails, along with local beers, wine, and Latin and Mediterranean fare by one of the firepits at the casual outdoor lounge. Afterward, walk it off with a stroll on the beach.
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155 Broadway, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
https://www.jettywave.com/
(650) 291-8835
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Half Moon Bay
Distillery
Tucked into a quiet residential block about 200 yards from the beach in Princeton Harbor, women-owned and operated Jetty Wave Distillery crafts a stellar lineup of small batch, artisanal spirits onsite, including gin, bourbon, absinthe and a handful of liqueurs — many of which include botanicals grown in their own garden. When they’re open to the public, Friday through Sunday as well as monthly locals’ nights, post up at the Slab Bar indoors to enjoy a flight and selection of cocktails made with Jetty Wave spirits, or enjoy a wider selection of creative cocktails, along with local beers, wine, and Latin and Mediterranean fare by one of the firepits at the casual outdoor lounge. Afterward, walk it off with a stroll on the beach.
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Talk a Sunset Walk Around the Lake
Crystal Springs Regional Trail
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Taking a stroll along a section of the mostly paved, 15.3-mile, multiuse Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of San Mateo County. The trail is divided into three connected segments: The San Andreas segment runs alongside the scenic San Andreas Reservoir; the Sawyer Camp segment parallels a rift valley formed by the San Andreas Fault and offers beautiful views of the Crystal Springs Reservoir; and the Crystal Springs segment runs along Cañada Road, eventually connecting with the Skyline Trail after passing through Huddart County Park. There are plenty of sights< to see along the way, including the way.Pulgas Water Temple, Filoli estate, a 600-year-old California laurel that is the largest and oldest in the state, and many birds and mammals that call the Peninsula Watershed home.
Taking a stroll along a section of the mostly paved, 15.3-mile, multiuse Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of San Mateo County. The trail is divided into three connected segments: The San Andreas segment runs alongside the scenic San Andreas Reservoir; the Sawyer Camp segment parallels a rift valley formed by the San Andreas Fault and offers beautiful views of the Crystal Springs Reservoir; and the Crystal Springs segment runs along Cañada Road, eventually connecting with the Skyline Trail after passing through Huddart County Park. There are plenty of sights< to see along the way, including the way.Pulgas Water Temple, Filoli estate, a 600-year-old California laurel that is the largest and oldest in the state, and many birds and mammals that call the Peninsula Watershed home.
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Fine Dining
Nobu Palo Alto
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With locations around the world, Nobu is known for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors in the form of elevated, unique dishes. At the Palo Alto location, find tasty desserts like assorted mochi, a date cake, banana toban (caramelized bananas with candied pecans and malaga ice cream) and more.
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180 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
https://www.noburestaurants.com/paloalto/home/
(650) 531-8800
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Palo Alto
Japanese
With locations around the world, Nobu is known for its fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors in the form of elevated, unique dishes. At the Palo Alto location, find tasty desserts like assorted mochi, a date cake, banana toban (caramelized bananas with candied pecans and malaga ice cream) and more.
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Sleep in Luxury
Nobu Palo Alto
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This new Japanese-inspired hotel, bearing the same name as the iconic restaurant inside, is in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. The emphasis is on serenity and relaxation with a touch of high-tech. The smart TV measures 82 inches, Alexa awaits commands, sheer or blackout curtains operate at the touch of a finger, even the mattresses are branded Nobu. Appealing to the minimalists among us, the ryokan is a hotel-within-a-hotel on two floors of the 73-room property. *Readers’ Choice Best Luxury Hotel in the South Bay
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180 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
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Palo Alto
This new Japanese-inspired hotel, bearing the same name as the iconic restaurant inside, is in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. The emphasis is on serenity and relaxation with a touch of high-tech. The smart TV measures 82 inches, Alexa awaits commands, sheer or blackout curtains operate at the touch of a finger, even the mattresses are branded Nobu. Appealing to the minimalists among us, the ryokan is a hotel-within-a-hotel on two floors of the 73-room property. *Readers’ Choice Best Luxury Hotel in the South Bay
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Day 2
Tour the Gardens
Filoli Gardens
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Empire Gold Mine owner William Bourne II had the 43-room Filoli mansion built in 1915 to “create a magnificent and enduring country estate.” The grand, elegant home is surrounded by 16 acres of astonishing gardens, arbors, water features and pavilions that are tended by 14 full-time horticulturalists. The 654-acre estate, surrounded by 23,000 acres of protected watershed, is just 30 miles south of San Francisco, but offers a complete escape from urban landscapes. It’s bigger than it looks, so set aside plenty of time to explore the house and gardens. filoli.org<
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86 Cañada Road, Woodside
http://filoli.org
650.364.8300
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Woodside
Empire Gold Mine owner William Bourne II had the 43-room Filoli mansion built in 1915 to “create a magnificent and enduring country estate.” The grand, elegant home is surrounded by 16 acres of astonishing gardens, arbors, water features and pavilions that are tended by 14 full-time horticulturalists. The 654-acre estate, surrounded by 23,000 acres of protected watershed, is just 30 miles south of San Francisco, but offers a complete escape from urban landscapes. It’s bigger than it looks, so set aside plenty of time to explore the house and gardens. filoli.org<
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Roadhouse in the Redwoods
Alice's Restaurant
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You’ll undoubtedly need to wait for a table at this iconic roadhouse in the redwoods that draws sports car enthusiasts, motorcyclists, hikers and families in equal measure, but the people watching is part of the fun. Classic deli sandwiches, salads, burgers and Texas-style barbecue round out the lunch menu (breakfast is a huge draw here, too) — all served with a selection of local beers and wines. Sit inside the restaurant, a 1900s-era former general store, or at one of the many outdoor tables.
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17288 Skyline Blvd, Woodside, CA 94062
http://www.alicesrestaurant.com/
(650) 851-0303
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Woodside
American,Burgers
You’ll undoubtedly need to wait for a table at this iconic roadhouse in the redwoods that draws sports car enthusiasts, motorcyclists, hikers and families in equal measure, but the people watching is part of the fun. Classic deli sandwiches, salads, burgers and Texas-style barbecue round out the lunch menu (breakfast is a huge draw here, too) — all served with a selection of local beers and wines. Sit inside the restaurant, a 1900s-era former general store, or at one of the many outdoor tables.