Half Moon Bay's popularity is due to its charming coastal environment, beautiful beaches, and proximity to San Francisco, which offers a combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities and a small-town atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both tourists and residents. In 2024, Half Moon Bay politicians were criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom for repeatedly delaying approval of a 40-unit apartment building for high-ranking farm workers. Newsom threatened to take legal action against the city if they continued to delay housing construction. Half Moon Bay commissioner Rick Hernandez said they were reluctant to approve housing for older farmworkers because “we love the character of our small town community, which states that, once this proposal is approved, it will generate more requests for other construction”.
In the city, the population was dispersed: 22.2% under 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 31.9% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.6% from 65 years of age or older. The average age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.1 Men.
Law enforcement in the city of Half Moon Bay is provided through a contract with the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. The city is serviced by the Peninsula Library System. The city is served by Half Moon Bay Airport. However, don't let the small town descriptor fool you.
Half Moon Bay has the best of the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California in one place. With a vast and diverse landscape that encompasses miles of wide sandy beaches, lush cliff-top meadows and forested hills, there's a lot to explore. Our enviable coastal environment, with a dynamic active port and a thriving surf and water sports culture, will inspire you to hop on a fishing boat, kayak or paddleboard and explore our diverse marine ecosystem. The addition also allowed the city to control its own zoning regulations, which has been critical to preserving the area's natural beauty.
Located on the Pacific coast, about 25 miles south of San Francisco, it's known for its natural wonders, including the world-famous monster waves of Mavericks. Today's Half Moon Bay presents tourism as an important part of its economy, with its picturesque coastline and numerous attractions. The city is also home to several wineries, a golf course, and a variety of shops, restaurants and hotels. The annual Art & Pumpkin festival is one of the area's most popular attractions and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Half Moon Bay is located on the Pacific coast, between forested hills and some of the most beautiful coastline California has to offer. It is approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco and is located in the westernmost part of San Mateo County. The United States Navy's seaplane USS Half Moon (AVP-2) during World War II was named in honor of Half Moon Bay and retained that name when it served as the USCGC Half Moon weather vessel of the United States Coast Guard for more than 20 years after the war. The ships also stopped off the high seas in Half Moon Bay to inspect items such as furs, since rowing boats could be shipped with goods. The Half Moon Bay Distillery offers private tastings in stores; Jettywave's pet-friendly garden, The Swell Lounge, serves cocktails and food.
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. Half Moon Bay is approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of San Francisco, 10 miles (16 km) west of San Mateo and 45 miles (72 km) north of Santa Cruz. The port of Pillar Point, at the northern end of Half Moon Bay, offers a protected pier for ships and provides other marine infrastructure. The coastline of Half Moon Bay is home to a wealth of hiking spots, from lush redwood forests to rolling coastal slopes.
It's where people come to embrace local culture, celebrate and revitalize the history of Half Moon Bay through unique events, iconic sights and the heritage of this aptly named street. As you stroll around town, stop for wine and cheese tasting at Half Moon Bay, or visit Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen for snacks and home-brewed beer. If the historic main street in downtown Half Moon Bay could talk, it would share its long and enthralling history with all tourists and bystanders. Search all accommodations 1855 Zaballa House Aristocrat Hotel Beach House Hotel Cypress Inn On Miramar Beach Half Moon Bay Inn Half Moon Bay Lodge Harbor View Inn at Mavericks Mill Rose Inn Nantucket Whale Inn Ocean View Inn Oceano Hotel & Spa Quality Inn Seal Cove Inn The Miramar Inn and Suites The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.
Tucked along the California coast, Half Moon Bay welcomes visitors from all over the state and the world. As you stroll down Half Moon Bay's historic main street, you follow in the footsteps of a diverse cast of characters, from gold diggers and 19th century Mexican soldiers to Spanish explorers and Ohlone tribes. As for the Mavericks, the beaches that Half Moon Bay is known for around the world, only the most experienced surfers should consider surfing the challenging waves they can reach heights of 15 meters or more.
