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. This is the perfect day trip for anyone traveling from the San Francisco Bay Area and wants to see it all without staying a night. 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.
A true Half Moon Bay icon, Sam's Chowder House is one of the most popular dining establishments on this stretch of coastline. There are also some historic points of interest located in and around the center of Half Moon Bay, such as the small jail at Half Moon Bay and the beautifully restored Johnston House. In addition to being incredibly beautiful, it has the added bonus of being one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Half Moon Bay. 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.
But without a doubt, my favorite of all the NorCal coastal cities that stretch between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is Half Moon Bay. The Visit Half Moon Bay website is a joint effort of the Half Moon Bay Coast Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Hotel Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. There's no better place to quench your thirst (and get some energy) on this stretch of coastline than Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. If you want to start the day with a pleasant walk along the coast and lobster rolls, finish with a sunset at Shark Fin Cove, start at Half Moon Bay and drive by the coast.
So, take advantage of the rest stop and learn about the Half Moon Bay coastal path that runs along four beaches. Half Moon Bay's main street is the Bay Area's best kept secret, where you'll find unique and interesting shops, epic restaurants, art galleries, tasting rooms and much more. And if you're not interested in missing that little white ball, maybe you can have a cold drink at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. I'll be in Half Moon Bay for a few days in August for work and solo travel, what are some of the things I should visit?If you didn't have time for breakfast before hitting the road, buy a freshly baked cake at Half Moon Bay Bakery.
