The Northern California coastline is dotted with charming little towns, quaint farming communities and under-the-radar gems just waiting to be discovered.
I’ve written about a few of these towns before, including Pescadero and Montara. But without question, my favorite of all the NorCal coastal towns stretching between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is Half Moon Bay.
Doesn’t the name alone invoke a feeling of whimsy?
This sleepy little seaside town captured my heart from my very first visit. I’m not sure what appeals to me the most: the rugged ocean bluffs that look like they belong in Scotland rather than in California; the moody, omnipresent fog that blankets the landscape; or the rustic family farms and produce stands that dot the coastline.
All I know is that Half Moon Bay fills me with a sense of peace, calm and gratitude every time I visit…which I do as often as I can!
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 located less than one hour by car from cities like San Jose and San Francisco, yet feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.
Half Moon Bay is a small place, so you truly can experience the best it has to offer in a single day. Here’s what I recommend doing, seeing, eating and drinking on a day trip to Half Moon Bay:
- Stroll down Main Street in Downtown Half Moon Bay
- Half Moon Bay State Beach
- Tide Pooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
- Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
- Eat at Sam’s Chowder House
- Watch the sunset at The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Stroll Down Main Street
Half Moon Bay’s small downtown area is the perfect spot to get acquainted with this quiet coastal town. At just a few blocks long, you won’t need much time to stroll the entire of length of Main Street. However, you’ll certainly want to budget some time for meandering into the various shops, galleries and boutiques.
There are a few historic points of interest located in and near downtown Half Moon Bay as well, including the teeny Half Moon Bay Jail and the beautifully restored Johnston House.
If you didn’t have time for breakfast before hitting the road, grab a freshly baked pastry from Half Moon Bay Bakery. If you’ve arrived in town closer to lunchtime, pick up sandwiches to-go from The Garden Deli Cafe at San Benito House and bring them along to your next stop for a picnic on the beach.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually a state park that encompasses four distinct beaches: Francis Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach and Roosevelt Beach. This four-mile stretch of wide, sandy shoreline is known for its crescent shape and dramatic bluffs.
Stroll along the length of the beach, keeping an eye out for whales on the horizon (true story, I once spotted a gray whale from this very beach).
Half Moon Bay is often shrouded in a layer of fog, especially during the summer. But personally, I think the mist perfectly complements the untouched coastal scenery.
Poplar Beach is located just south of Half Moon Bay State Beach. In addition to being incredibly beautiful, it has the added benefit of being one of the few dog friendly beaches in Half Moon Bay.
Tide Pooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Have you ever experienced the enchantment and wonder of peering into a tide pool? It’s truly like taking a look into a portal from another dimension. The amount of life you can see – starfish, urchins, barnacles and more – is incredible!
Located just 20 minutes up the coast from Half Moon Bay, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a beautiful spot to get acquainted with tide pooling.
Pro Tip: Before driving all the way to the Reserve, check the tide table to be sure you can time your visit with low tide. If the tide is too high, you won’t be able to see anything at all!
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
By now, you may be ready to take a break from all the beach strolling. There’s no better place to quench your thirst (and get a buzz) on this stretch of coastline than at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.
You’ll be treated to a photo-worthy view of the harbor while sipping handcrafted beers brewed onsite. They have some pretty interesting options, like their seasonal Pumpkin Harvest Ale. Feel free to bring your pup along and enjoy the lively outdoor patio.
Dinner at Sam’s Chowder House
A true Half Moon Bay icon, Sam’s Chowder House is one of the most popular dining establishments along this stretch of coastline. The lobster rolls are one of their signature dishes; choose from hot with butter or cold with aioli (#TeamHotLobsterRolls).
I recommend arriving for an early dinner, both to avoid the crowds as well as to enjoy the waterfront views from the outdoor patio while there’s still a bit of daylight.
Alternate suggestion: head to Pasta Moon in downtown Half Moon Bay for dinner. I haven’t dined here yet, but based on the reviews it looks phenomenal.
The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Trust me when I say there is no better spot in Half Moon Bay for sipping a cocktail and watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean than the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.
You don’t need to stay at the hotel in order to experience its gorgeous outdoor dining space, The Ocean Terrace. Drinks and appetizers are pricey, but it’s well worth it for the views of the majestic cliffs and crashing waves.
The combination of lush, perfectly landscaped golf course plus rugged coastline honestly makes me feel as if I’ve been transported to Ireland or Scotland…and I suppose the Ritz agrees, given their beloved sunset bagpiper ritual!
Planning an extended stay? Search for hotels in Half Moon Bay:
Are you interested in visiting Half Moon Bay, California? If you’ve visited before, what else would you include on a day trip to Half Moon Bay?
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Half Moon Bay looks soo gorgeous! Definitely adding this to my CA bucket list!
Yay, I’m so glad! It’s one of my local faves.
I visit my friend who resides in the Colony at Half Moon Bay, actually he has,the first home built in this exclusive compound on the Golf Course of the Ritz Carlton and looks ivee the ocean quite a bit. I love this placs and all it has to offer.
It’s lovely, but weekend traffic is truly terrible. Gridlock in and out and up and down the coast. It often takes 2 hours or more to get in or out on 92 or hwy 1. During these fires it is recommended to stay away to keep roads less impacted for emergency and evacuation. Please!!!!
I got the chance to visit Half Moon Bay picking up flowers for my company at a beautiful farm. I just absolutely fell in love with this place. I’ve traveled the world playing music but nothing has come close to this amazing place.