Cowell Ranch State Beach Tours



Few things are better than a day beside the sea. Round up the gang, throw together a picnic and enjoy some fresh air at Cowell Ranch State Beach.

You'll find this stretch of coastline in the beachside town of Half Moon Bay. If you're vacationing on a budget, you'll be pleased to hear that it's free to explore. Throw in nearby sights like Mavericks Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach and Miramar Beach and get set for a memorable day out.

Plan a trip to see Cowell Ranch State Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a Hyatt Luxury Resort
Quiet Mind Mountain Lodge, Retreat and Spa

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cowell Ranch State Beach

Half Moon Bay Lodge

Half Moon Bay Lodge

3 out of 5
2400 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA
Half Moon Bay Lodge
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

5 out of 5
1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Executive Vacation House Next to Ritz-Carlton

Executive Vacation House Next to Ritz-Carlton

Half Moon Bay
Executive Vacation House Next to Ritz-Carlton
Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection

Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection

2.5 out of 5
1400 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA
Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Beach Cottage Near the Coastal Trail and the Ritz

Beach Cottage Near the Coastal Trail and the Ritz

Half Moon Bay
Beach Cottage Near the Coastal Trail and the Ritz
Stunning and unique AirStream on the Coastal Trail and near Poplar Beach

Stunning and unique AirStream on the Coastal Trail and near Poplar Beach

Half Moon Bay
Stunning and unique AirStream on the Coastal Trail and near Poplar Beach
Small Beach Cottage near the Coastal Trail and The Ritz

Small Beach Cottage near the Coastal Trail and The Ritz

Half Moon Bay
Small Beach Cottage near the Coastal Trail and The Ritz
Spacious remodeled House off Main Street

Spacious remodeled House off Main Street

Half Moon Bay
Spacious remodeled House off Main Street
Poplar Beach Home

Poplar Beach Home

Half Moon Bay
Poplar Beach Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cowell Ranch State Beach

At Cowell Ranch State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, you can enjoy a scenic coastal trail, relax on the beach, and take in stunning views from the overlook. The beach is also known for its surf break, making it a great spot for surfers. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Disneyland, Cowell Ranch offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Food and drinks

For a delightful experience, visit Thomas Fogarty Winery, 13 miles away, known for its romantic atmosphere. Satisfy your sweet tooth at See's Candies, 15 miles away, perfect for families. Don’t miss Ridge Vineyards, 19 miles away, offering entertainment and romance in a scenic setting.

Shopping

For shopping near Cowell Ranch State Beach, visit Arcangeli Grocery Company, located 12 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Stanford Shopping Center, 15 miles away, featuring a variety of family-friendly stores. You can also explore the Los Altos Farmer's Market, 18 miles away.

Recreation

At Half Moon Bay Golf Links, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking coastal views, perfect for relaxation and outdoor recreation. Memorial Park offers serene hiking trails and peaceful picnic spots, ideal for wellness and rejuvenation, while Stanford Stadium caters to sports enthusiasts looking for excitement.

Adventure

At Cowell Ranch State Beach, explore the Waterfront Coastside Trail, a scenic hiking adventure 5 miles away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For more thrills, head to GoKart Racer or the University of Surfing, both 13 miles away, offering exciting karting and water sports experiences.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Cowell Ranch State Beach offers vibrant options. Enjoy a concert at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, immerse yourself in classic films at the Stanford Theatre, or try your luck at Artichoke Joe's Casino, where romance and excitement blend seamlessly with city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Cowell Ranch State Beach

At Cowell Ranch State Beach in Half Moon Bay, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions that blend culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the beautiful California beaches, including Cowell Beach, Poplar Beach, and Seal Beach, perfect for family outings. The area offers urban parks and scenic beach views, making it a great spot for relaxation and adventure alike. Don't miss the chance to soak in the natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere surrounding this charming coastal destination.

  • Stanford University: Explore the sprawling campus of this historic institution, known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural vibe. Don't miss the Cantor Arts Center, which houses an impressive collection of artworks.
  • Half Moon Bay State Beach: Enjoy the sun and surf just 2 miles from Cowell Ranch. This beach offers soft sand, picturesque coastal views, and is perfect for beachcombing or picnicking while listening to the ocean waves.
  • San Francisco Bay: Just 18 miles away, this vibrant area features a mix of urban life and scenic beauty. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy local dining, and take in iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cowell Ranch State Beach

To save money on your visit to Cowell Ranch State Beach, take advantage of its free entry and explore nearby beaches like Miramar and Mavericks, which also have no admission fees. Plan your trip during the cheaper months of February or November to December, and book accommodations about a month in advance for the best rates. Consider using Expedia for last-minute deals, and filter your search for budget-friendly or eco-certified options. Additionally, joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cowell Ranch State Beach are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Cowell Ranch State Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, so you can find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Cowell Ranch State Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.