You can admire the vastness of the big wave surf, the imposing coastal redwoods and, perhaps, our most famous visitors, the magnificent gray whales. Or enjoy the pleasures of more modest destinations, such as intimate family farms, small craft breweries, and quiet country roads. And as you may have heard, our famous pumpkins come in all sizes and shapes. The largest surf zone in the Half Moon Bay area attracts surfers from all over the world.
Just off the coast, a short distance from the port of Pillar Point, Mavericks looms on the horizon during the winter months (November to March), when storm surges push waves toward some of the biggest waves in the world. After exploring Half Moon Bay and making whatever stops you want, drive along the coast (or climb, depending on the route) and stop at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Our charming coastal town has delicious restaurants, beautiful beaches, great surfing spots, stunning golf courses and much more. And with our perfect climate and beautiful landscapes, Half Moon Bay is the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure that visitors can enjoy all year round. You can start your day at Half Moon Bay and drive along the coast to watch the sunset in Santa Cruz, or you can start in Santa Cruz and finish in Half Moon Bay.
If you want to visit the Santa Cruz and Capitola Boardwalk, I would start in Santa Cruz and drive to the coast and end up in Half Moon Bay. Pillar Point Harbor, the home port of the vital commercial fishing industry, offers opportunities to kayak and drink local beer at Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin FestivalHalf Moon Bay Wine and Jazz Festival, Pacific Coast Dream Machines, 4th of July parade in the manner of Make it Main Street Nights of Lights, live music. With an immense landscape and the charm of a small town, the coastline of Half Moon Bay offers visitors a wide range of experiences.
Enjoy a cold craft beer at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company or a delicious lobster roll at Sam's Chowder House. If you want to start the day with a pleasant walk along the coast and enjoy some lobster rolls, finish with a sunset at Shark Fin Cove, start at Half Moon Bay and drive along the coast. 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. Tucked along the California coast, Half Moon Bay welcomes visitors from all over the state and the world.
I've been preparing a short list of things I'd like to see in both Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, but I haven't been able to find the perfect blog that would link these two places together as a day trip. When you approach Half Moon Bay, you'll notice that there aren't many entrances, so those small alleyways can get very congested. If you want to make the most of the views you see and your driving time, you may have to choose to start in Santa Cruz and end with an incredible sunset in Half Moon Bay.
