After the Crowds Leave

After the Crowds Leave
            A friend who lives in Cape Cod—a hugely popular destination for summer visitors—recently posted about visiting a local beach just after the summer crowds had gone. The photo showed an empty beach which he was enjoying all to himself. It looked so peaceful.
            I was reminded of many dramatic stretches of the California Coast. It seems everyone is going to a beach along scenic Route 1 during summer break, especially in areas like Half Moon Bay which is easily accessible to the large population of the San Francisco Bay Area.
            Due to traffic and parking frustrations, we plan our beach visits to this busy area during the off season. It’s easier to truly appreciate the natural beauty of a place when not fighting crowds.
            Do you live near a place that gets congested during summer break, or perhaps a popular winter activity area? Enjoy the benefits of off-season quiet time, and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes from the archives, Half Moon Bay State Beach-Francis Beach, takes readers to the main hub of a stunning multi-beach stretch along the Half Moon Bay shoreline.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page, and scroll to the bottom of each hike page to see full photo galleries.
            If you’d like to support HikingAutism, check out the Support/Shop page! Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links. Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, Twitter at @HikingAutism, Instagram at lisalouis777, and Bluesky @hikingautism.bsky.social
This week’s hike from the archives:
Hike Notes 182: Half Moon Bay State Beach-Francis Beach