Half Moon Bay is a small town on the California coast, south of San Francisco. A number of beaches along the bay include Half Moon Bay State Beach. The Coastside Trail leads north to Pillar Point, close to the huge waves of the Mavericks surf area. Nearby, Montara Mountain rises in the protected area of Rancho Corral of Earth.
The Purisima Creek redwood preserve is located on the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are just visiting, a day trip to Half Moon Bay is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday or Sunday. It's less than an hour's drive from cities like San Jose and San Francisco, but it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley. The small center of Half Moon Bay is the perfect place to familiarize yourself with this quiet coastal city.
Only a few blocks long, you won't need much time to walk all the way down the main street. However, you'll probably want to spend some time wandering around the different shops, galleries and boutiques. There are also some historic points of interest located in and near the center of Half Moon Bay, such as the small Half Moon Bay jail and the beautifully restored Johnston House. If you didn't have time for breakfast before hitting the road, buy a freshly baked cake at Half Moon Bay Bakery.
If you've arrived in town close to mealtime, buy to-go sandwiches at The Garden Deli Cafe at San Benito House and take them to your next stop for a picnic on the beach. Half Moon Bay is often shrouded in a layer of fog, especially during summer. But personally, I think the fog perfectly complements the pristine coastal landscape. Poplar Beach is located just south of Half Moon Bay State Beach.
In addition to being incredibly beautiful, it has the added bonus of being one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Half Moon Bay. By now, you might be ready to take a break from all the walks on the beach. There's no better place to quench your thirst (and get some energy) on this stretch of coastline than Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Trust me when I say that there's no better place in Half Moon Bay to have a cocktail and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean than the Ritz Carlton.
Half Moon Bay. Are you interested in visiting Half Moon Bay, California? If you've visited before, what else would you include in a day trip to Half Moon Bay? I'm visiting my friend who lives in the Half Moon Bay colony. In fact, it has the first house built in this exclusive complex on the Ritz Carlton golf course and has a great view of the ocean. I love this place and everything it has to offer.
I had the opportunity to visit Half Moon Bay picking flowers for my company at a beautiful farm. I absolutely fell in love with this place. I've traveled the world playing music, but nothing has come close to this incredible place. Half Moon Bay State Beach has a visitor center. So, take advantage of the rest stop and learn about the Half Moon Bay coastal path, which runs along four beaches.
You can walk, bike or run on the trail. Fido is welcome as long as he wears a leash. The trail will take you to Pillar Point Harbor, a beach protected by two piers. As it doesn't suffer from wave erosion, there's no better place to walk and watch birds.
Did you know that Half Moon Bay has a historic main street? Come to the city center to visit shops, restaurants, wineries and art galleries. Half Moon Bay offers miles and miles of sprawling sandy beaches, offering a serene getaway and picturesque views along the Northern California coast. The coastline of Half Moon Bay is home to a wealth of hiking spots, from lush redwood forests to rolling coastal slopes. If you want to visit the Santa Cruz and Capitola Boardwalk, I would start in Santa Cruz and go along the coast to finish at Half Moon Bay.
Stop by the tasting room at Barterra Winery, in the center of Half Moon Bay, to enjoy excellent wines from California's best vineyards, including Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and Mendocino. For example, the first time I visited it, I knew I wanted to see the sunset at Shark Fin Cove (near Santa Cruz), so I started the day at Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay has the right conditions to host some of the biggest waves in the world, so surfers flock to the best beaches in this ideal location. The city is also known for its top-notch golf courses, including the famous Half Moon Bay Golf Links, which offers spectacular coastal views.
The coastline encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda and Pescadero. Half Moon Bay has some of the best beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area, with opportunities to swim, walk, explore tide pools, or just relax. Or head to Half Moon Bay State Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach, which offer perfect places for families to relax or take a picturesque stroll along the trails.
