23 Fun & Best Things to do in Half Moon Bay California

Just a brief drive from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco, the picturesque coastal city of Half Moon Bay gives plenty of enjoyable actions and sights to discover. From pristine sandy beaches the place you’ll be able to take in the solar and trip the waves, to awe-inspiring nature reserves teeming with marine life and breathtaking mountaineering trails, Half Moon Bay has all of it.

When I went to Half Moon Bay for a day trip from San Francisco, I didn’t know what to anticipate. I discovered a few of the most unimaginable seashores, cute retailers, and enjoyable eating places. And to high it off, I stumbled into an actual British pub and really haunted distillery and restaurant!

Throughout the 12 months, Half Moon Bay hosts a variety of festivals The hottest time to go to is within the fall throughout the Pumpkin Festival. Another well-liked time to go to is throughout the whale migration season. Whenever you go to, there are such a lot of issues to do in Half Moon Bay that you’ll preserve busy and revel in your time.

Things to Do in Half Moon Bay

As you’re driving down the Pacific Coast Highway from the San Francisco Bay Area to Half Moon Bay and questioning what sorts of issues to do within the space, take into consideration what sort of journey you’d wish to have.

If you’re staying for a weekend, there are a number of nice nature preserves and whale-watching alternatives.Only coming for a day journey? There are just a few nice locations to go to in and round Half Moon Bay the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in your time and see the websites with out dashing.

1. Wander Around Half Moon Bay Main Street

There are loads of issues to do in Half Moon Bay, however I like to recommend beginning your go to by strolling round downtown Half Moon Bay on the historic Main Street. Here you’ll be able to take pleasure in that small-town charm that you would be able to’t get if you’re visiting the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Main Street is lined with boutiques and impartial retailers. I ended in a kids’s retailer that was lined in cute garments and toys for youths of all ages. I additionally picked up a National Parks tote bag from a card retailer with cute souvenirs.

There are just a few excursions of Half Moon Bay you are able to do. We advocate the Hidden Gems Guided e-Bike Tour, which takes you round the entire city whilst you find out about its historical past.

Aside from the retailers, there are many eating places in downtown Half Moon Bay. And proper on Main Street is the gorgeous Mill Rose Inn.

This pretty resort is surrounded by gardens and antiques. Staying on the Mill Rose Inn is like stepping again in time whereas additionally entering into an opulent expertise. You can book your stay right here.

2. Go to the Half Moon Bay Beaches

Half Moon Bay turned a well-liked vacation spot for the Bay Area to surf and benefit from the seashores in the summertime. At Half Moon Bay State Beach you’ll be able to picnic, play video games, surf, and loosen up.

So deliver your beach bag and settle in for the day. The present and waves might be fairly sturdy although, so you will need to concentrate on the Northern California circumstances!

I extremely advocate strolling the close by paths which can be lined with flowers and butterflies. You can hearken to the waves in your stroll after which head down the steps to the seashores.

When I visited, I used to be blown away by how huge the Half Moon Bay state seaside was. It is definitely composed of some completely different seashores which can be all related. Some of the seashores on the Half Moon Bay state seaside stretch are Francis Beach, Venice Beach (completely different from Venice Beach in LA), Poplar Beach, Naples Beach, and Elmar Beach.

Francis Beach is the simplest state seaside to entry from Half Moon Bay’s downtown. It has a campground, picnic areas, and well-known browsing circumstances. It has a protracted stretch of sand which makes it among the finest issues to do in Half Moon Bay with children, and it’s related to the Coastal Trail.

I ended at Poplar Beach to get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Poplar Beach is walkable from Main Street, however I drove and parked within the close by parking zone. From the parking zone, I walked alongside the paths and climbed some steps all the way down to the seaside.

The state seaside was unimaginable! Tall rocky cliffs appear to chop off onto massive stretches of sand, and large waves crash in opposition to the shore each few seconds. It is the right place to spend just a few hours and take within the ocean views.

See Related: Northern California vs Southern California: What’s the Difference?

3. Have a Pint at Cameron’s Restaurant, Pub & Inn

Address: 1410 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

One of my favourite enjoyable issues to do in Half Moon Bay is to cease at Cameron’s Pub for a pint of London Pride. Visiting Cameron’s Pub is a should. It’s an American’s tackle an English pub, and your complete restaurant is roofed in British trinkets and souvenirs.

The pub has a number of beers on faucet, together with a number of from the UK. If they don’t have your favourite on faucet, they’re positive to have it within the bottle.

They supply a full menu with British and American classics. They also have a British retailer with conventional mince pies and different British goodies you’ll be able to’t purchase elsewhere within the States.

The better part? The pub is hooked up to a quaint inn with cozy rooms. And sure, the rooms comply with the British theme. There is an RV Park too, making it a straightforward cease for people who find themselves driving the well-known Pacific Coast Highway.

When you go to, search for Cameron. The pub’s proprietor sat down with us for a chat and instructed us all about how he developed his assortment of over 2,000 beer cans in addition to tales from some notable guests (together with icon Daniel Radcliffe, sure, the actual Harry Potter). You can watch the total interview on our YouTube channel.

You can’t miss it, as you drive along Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) heading south from downtown Half Moon Bay you’ll see the well-known pink double-decker bus. If you cease, tag us on Instagram and let us know!

4. Play Golf On A Coastal Golf Course

Before or after your cease at Cameron’s Pub, go for a spherical of golf at one of many many golf programs in Half Moon Bay. The nearest public course is Half Moon Bay Golf Links, which is close by the Ritz Carlton.

Golfing is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Half Moon Bay since you usually overlook the Pacific Ocean and get to benefit from the contemporary sea air. The golf courses are completely lovely. Located alongside the California coast, the programs have lush vegetation and flowers.

Being so near the gorgeous seashores makes the golf sport a bit trickier. You should play with the wind so your ball doesn’t get misplaced at sea!

See Related: Best Golf Bachelor Party Destinations to Visit

5. Hike the California Coastal Trail

The California Coastal Trail is a ravishing path that winds by means of Half Moon Bay and to the encompassing coastal cities. The path takes you alongside the Pacific coast and is lined with flowers and exquisite ocean views.

You don’t should be a professional hiker so as to add the California Coastal Trail to your record of issues to do in Half Moon Bay. The path is paved and comparatively straightforward to hike. There are hills, although, so you’ll get exercise!

Another good purpose so as to add the California Coastal Trail to your record of issues to do in Half Moon Bay is that it’s a straightforward strategy to see all of the completely different state seashores in addition to the cities alongside this stretch of coast. Instead of driving from seaside to seaside, you can hike too.

While mountaineering you’ll be able to look ahead to coastal wildlife. On the path, you may see little lizards, deer, rabbits, foxes, and birds. There a number of several types of birds to search for on the path too, from ospreys and hawks and the occasional bald eagle to swallows and geese.

Depending on the place you’re on the path, you’ll be able to look out over the ocean and spot dolphins and whales. There are a number of spots to see sea lions and harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks. Bring your camera to Half Moon Bay to get snaps of all of the enjoyable wildlife!

6. Visit the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Address: 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

Want so as to add some luxurious whereas visiting Half Moon Bay? Then look no additional than the Ritz Carlton. This lovely resort is perched on the rocky cliffs of Manhattan Beach, only a quick drive from Main Street.

The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay has fantastic facilities. There are two championship golf programs, an opulent spa, and an outside bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The ocean terrace bar is the right place to observe the sundown. The rooms are pretty as properly.

I imply, I’ve all the time loved my stays at Ritz Carlton accommodations, however this one has beautiful ocean views and a way of tranquility. It is difficult to discover a tranquil place in San Francisco, however the Ritz, simply 20 miles from the airport, is a calming spot to remain if you go to Half Moon Bay. You can book your stay at Booking for the most effective charge.

Even for those who don’t keep on the resort, visiting the terrace bar or the golf course continues to be among the finest issues to do in Half Moon Bay. It is only a quick drive away, so add it to your record! Book your room here; you received’t be upset.

See Related: Best Vacation Rentals in California

7. Visit Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Just outdoors Half Moon Bay, you’ll discover the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, a surprising forest space positioned within the mountains. It is understood for the majestic Purisima Creek Trail, which winds by means of the towering timber.

The protect is smaller than some National Parks in California, however it’s nonetheless fairly massive as it’s practically 5,000 acres, and it’s lined with dense, historical redwood forests. There are plenty of trails that wind by means of these towering redwoods the place you’ll be able to hike and stroll or go mountain biking. You also can go horseback driving.

Along the paths, you’ll be able to see creeks and wildlife at each nook. Be cautious about bobcats! Bobcats are recognized to roam on this space.

8. Walk The Gray Whale Cove Trail

One of the highest issues to do in Half Moon Bay is to hike the Gray Whale Cove Trail. This picturesque path has all the things it’s essential benefit from the nature of the central California coast and, for those who’re fortunate, the prospect to see some whales!

The path begins on the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking zone. As you begin out on the well-maintained path, you’ll enterprise by means of a various ecosystem with lush central California coastal vegetation, together with wildflowers and coastal shrubs. The Gray Whale Cove Trail is about 1.5 miles and has a number of photograph alternatives and scenic viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean.

One of the highlights of the Gray Whale Cove Trail is its prime location for grey whale sightings throughout their annual migration. From December to April, fortunate guests could catch a glimpse of some whales as they make their method alongside the shoreline.

If you don’t spot any whales in your hike, there are many whale-watching excursions to affix that make it simpler to identify a whale. The most advisable tour is that this whale-watching cruise, which features a marine biologist as your information!

9. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach

Address: 200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038, United States

Near Half Moon Bay and north of Pillar Point Harbor, is the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a beautiful space on the coast. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is understood for its tide swimming pools and the ecosystems that thrive there. At low tide, the tide swimming pools showcase the unimaginable sea life that’s hidden at excessive tide.

You can see colourful anemones, scurrying crabs, beautiful sea stars, and different sea creatures. Walking by means of the tide swimming pools and naming the completely different species is a lot enjoyable! The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is likely one of the finest issues to do in Half Moon Bay for households.

In addition to the tide swimming pools, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve has a coastal path that winds by means of the scenic bluffs and cypress groves.

During your go to, take steps to be accountable to the atmosphere to protect the delicate marine ecosystem right here. The reserve has guidelines posted to comply with to maintain the world protected.

10. Visit the Haunted Moss Beach Distillery

Address: 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA 94038, United States

Overlooking Seal Cove close by the reserve is a little-known historic landmark, the Moss Beach Distillery. This distillery has an interesting previous that dates again to prohibition. And it is likely one of the most haunted places within the state!

The distillery has a number of enjoyable tales, from bootlegging to secret passageways to well-known patrons, there appears to be a narrative about each nook of this place. Their most well-known paranormal resident is the “Blue Lady,” a ghost who’s rumored to have been murdered on the seaside beneath.

Today the Moss Beach Distillery is a restaurant with beautiful ocean views and nice meals. You can select to take a seat contained in the eating space with floor-to-ceiling home windows or the Nineteen Twenties bar space with stained glass.

There can be a dog-friendly out of doors patio overlooking the bluffs. And if in case you have a bit an excessive amount of “enjoyable,” you’ll be able to keep on the close by Seal Cove Inn, an lovely inn with a number of allure.

When I visited, I sat within the eating space and loved a glass of rose and the ocean views. I spoke with the employees, who reported a number of eerie sightings! Make positive so as to add this to the record of issues to do in Half Moon Bay, and tell us for those who see the Blue Lady!

See Related: Most Haunted Hotels in the U.S.

11. Have Another Drink at Half Moon Bay Distillery

Address: 103 Harvard Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

If the haunted distillery wasn’t sufficient, cease by the Half Moon Bay Distillery, which takes delight in its high-quality, handcrafted spirits. They use locally-sourced components every time doable, making for some excellent drinks.

You can take pleasure in a distillery tour and tasting right here, go behind the scenes and watch the spirit-making course of up shut. The guides will clarify the distillation course of and show you how to determine flavors throughout the tasting.

There are a number of signature cocktails to strive constructed from their vodka and gin. Try the cosmic coast or royal sundown, particularly for those who go to within the fall!

12. Go Beer Tasting At Half Moon Bay Brewing

Address: 390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

If the distillery wasn’t sufficient, head over to Half Moon Bay Brewing, a well-liked place to strive west coast beers. And its canine pleasant!

Half Moon Bay Brewing is a craft brewery recognized for its wonderful beer choice. They have hoppy IPAs, clean stouts, and a refreshing Kölsch, which I discovered to be fairly moreish. Their faucet record is consistently altering, so you’ll be able to strive all several types of beers and check out one thing contemporary on return visits! And if beer isn’t your factor, additionally they have wine and cocktails.

The brewery is alongside the coast, so make sure that to take pleasure in a beer from their out of doors patio and soak within the sea air. They have an incredible restaurant with truffle fries, nachos, and a few fairly wonderful contemporary seafood.

What I appreciated most in regards to the Half Moon Bay Brewing staff is their give attention to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Stop by and revel in a beer and be ok with it!

13. Visit The Animals At Lemos Farm

Address: 12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

If you’re searching for issues to do in Half Moon Bay with children, head to Lemos Farm. This family-run farm has pony rides, prepare rids, hay rides, a petting zoo, and extra. You may even strive goat yoga!

Lemos Farm is simply outdoors of downtown Half Moon Bay. It is absolutely enjoyable to go to throughout the Pumpkin Festival within the fall as they’ve a haunted home and pumpkin patch. It’s even fairly near the U-Pick sunflower farm for those who’re contemplating out of doors day journeys.

See Related: Best States to Visit in the USA

14. Learn about Ranching at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park

Address: 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

For the historical past buffs searching for issues to do in Half Moon Bay, you could cease by the Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This historic park is nestled within the coastal hills and is a good place to study in regards to the historical past of the native ranching group within the 1800s.

Our favourite a part of the park is the well-preserved historic buildings. You can go to the ranch home constructed within the late 1800s, which is now a customer middle. You can find out about Burleigh Murray’s household and agriculture right here.

After studying about Half Moon Bay’s ranching historical past, you’ll be able to benefit from the park’s picnic areas or instructional applications. If you look on-line on the schedule, you’ll be able to plan for a workshop or demonstration that brings historical past to life. And canines are allowed, so you’ll be able to deliver the pup!

See Related: Most Famous Landmarks in California to Visit

15. Watch the Surfers at Mavericks Beach

Address: Pillar Point, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Calif., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

Half Moon Bay is well-known for its surfing conditions. Whether you wish to surf or not, Mavericks Beach, which is simply outdoors of Half Moon Bay, is a sight to see.

The waves at Mavericks Beach can get as excessive as 60 toes! The excessive circumstances make it a vital cease for knowledgeable surfers.

Surfing right here will not be for the faint of coronary heart. In truth, it is likely one of the most difficult (and harmful) surf breaks on the earth.

Outside of the adrenaline seekers, the seaside is really a ravishing sight to see. Rugged cliffs and loopy waves encompass the seaside. If you aren’t an skilled surfer, it’s best to observe the fearless surfers from the seaside with a picnic.

16. Watch the Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park

Address: 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, United States

Año Nuevo State Park is dwelling to one of many largest mainland breeding colonies of elephant seals on the earth, which is why it makes our record of finest issues to do in Half Moon Bay.

At Año Nuevo State Park, you’ll be able to take a guided tour led by a park ranger to see the elephant seals mate, molt, and provides delivery. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see. You can hike alongside the paths to see the elephant seals from completely different vantage factors.

While the elephant seals are the primary purpose to go to the park, there may be a number of different wildlife round. There are a whole bunch of seabirds and shorebirds, in addition to different swimmers like harbor seals and sea lions. If you’re fortunate, you could spot a gray whale throughout migration season.

The park has an attention-grabbing historical past. At their interpretive middle, you’ll be able to study extra about Native American historical past in addition to native geology and ecosystem historical past.

The park is a few half-hour drive from Half Moon Bay. You can simply go to the park for a leisurely morning or afternoon stroll whereas staying in Half Moon Bay. You also can camp close by for those who’d like to remain longer.

17. Try Award-Winning Clam Chowder at Sam’s Chowder House

Address: 4210 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

Sam’s Chowder House is likely one of the most well-known issues to do in Half Moon Bay. The restaurant is famend for its dedication to utilizing sustainable, locally-sourced seafood. You’ll discover it close by Pillar Point Harbor.

The most well-known dish on the menu is their award-winning clam chowder which is served in a sourdough bread bowl and topped with herbs. Pair it with some native craft beer or wine, or perhaps a cocktail, and dig in!

Sam’s Chowder House has greater than nice meals. It has nice views too!

The out of doors patio overlooks the Pacific Ocean, making it a great place for dinner. Also, did we point out the employees? The employees is tremendous pleasant and welcoming, they usually may even offer you just a few tips about issues to see and do within the neighborhood.

See Related: Best Restaurants in San Francisco, California

18. Pick your individual on the Sunflower Fields in September and October

Address: 329 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States

The Bay Area locals know that the among the finest issues to do in Half Moon Bay is go to within the fall for the Pumpkin Festival and sunflower fields. In truth, Half Moon Bay is dwelling to the one farm in California that allows you to choose your individual sunflowers proper from the sector, Andreotti Family Farm. And sure, canines are allowed!

That’s proper, you’ll be able to pull proper up and stroll into the sunflower fields and choose your individual bunch of sunflowers. They also have a step ladder that will help you attain the highest of the tall sunflower stems! It prices round $10 to go to and choose the flowers.

Half Moon Bay’s foggy local weather makes for a superb sunflower season in late fall. The sunflowers are finest in September and early October, so if you’re visiting Half Moon Bay round then, make sure that so as to add this to your record of issues to do.

See Related: The Most Beautiful Sunflower Fields in Minnesota

19. Pescadero State Beach

Address: California 94060, United States

Just south of Half Moon Bay is Pescadero State Beach, a protracted sandy seaside with rugged cliffs and outcrops. It’s dwelling to the Staff of Ja, a non secular web site of worship and paintings implanted within the sand.

The Pescadero State Beach is a good factor to do in Half Moon Bay due to the views and the less-crowded ambiance. The seaside is far much less crowded than a few of the close by seashores, so it’s ideally suited if you’d like a extra tranquil seaside expertise.

The surrounding space, often known as Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, is understood for its tide pool ecosystem stuffed with starfish, crabs, and sea anemones. It is a good place to go to throughout low tide. And not like another areas of Half Moon Bay, you’ll be able to seaside comb, fish, and even make bonfires, though you’ll want a allow.

It is a superb place for bird-watching. The wind is much less blustery than Maverick’s Beach, so birds can freely fly. Watch for pelicans, gulls, sandpipers, and herons.

20. See Sea Lions at Bean Hollow State Beach

Address: Bean Hollow State BeachCalifornia, United States

Next up on the issues to do in Half Moon Bay is the hidden gem of Bean Hollow State Beach. This space is south of Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a quiet seaside on the finish of the sandy strand.

The nature round Half Moon Bay’s coastside is absolutely unimaginable. Thanks to the rocky areas, you’ll be able to usually spot sea lions and harbor seals basking on the rocks. There are a number of birds selecting out goodies from the tide pool, like sandpipers and pelicans.

The space is a good spot for photographers. The distinctive rock formations and vibrantly coloured tide pool choices supply countless photograph alternatives. And the ocean lions are enjoyable to {photograph} too, however don’t get too near them!

21. Stroll alongside Pillar Point Harbor in Pacifico

Address: 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, California, United States

We’ve discovered that Half Moon Bay’s principal sights are seafood, nature, and out of doors actions. Pillar Point Harbor, close to Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, has all of those, and it’s dwelling to the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and the Maverick’s Surfing Competition.

Pillar Point Harbor is related to the California Coastal Trail (amongst a number of different trails). These trails show you how to entry lovely views and the coastal wildlife of Northern California and alongside cliffs and seashores resembling Miramar Beach and Surfer’s Beach.

After you stroll the paths, take pleasure in Pillar Point Harbor’s true fishing group. There are a number of seafood eating places that provide the “catch of the day” contemporary from the ocean. One of the most effective eating places at Pillar Point Harbor is, in fact, Sam’s Chowder House which I discussed earlier.

There are some nice locations to remain overlooking Pillar Point Harbor. We’ve heard that the Beach House Half Moon Bay is a great spot as a result of the rooms are cozy and the terrace overlooking the ocean is unmatched! You can book your stay here.

22. Visit the Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Address: 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, United States

If you may have a little bit of time, driving to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one other probably the most well-liked issues to do in Half Moon Bay.

Located on the scenic coast of Pescadero and a few half hour from Half Moon Bay, or an hour from downtown San Francisco, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is an interesting place to go to. The space has a strong historical past courting again to 1871 when it was first constructed.

While right here, you’ll be able to take a look at the 115-ft tall lighthouse (one of many tallest on the West Coast) with a vibrant pink roof. There is a Lighthouse Museum to go to, which has photos and tales in regards to the lighthouse keepers and tells in regards to the significance of lighthouses in maritime navigation.

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse can be an incredible place to go whale watching. During the migration season it’s fairly straightforward to identify grey whales passing by the lighthouse. It is simpler to see the whales right here versus Half Moon Bay due to the elevated vantage level from the lighthouse.

You may even keep on the base of the lighthouse on the HI Pigeon Point Hostel. It is tremendous stress-free and the coastal views make for a superb cup of morning coffee!

23. Get Spooked at Devil’s Bunker

Address: Pacifica, California, United States

If you’re visiting Half Moon Bay on a day journey from San Francisco, you’ll go this creepy-looking bunker in your method. Known because the Devil’s Slide Bunker, this former navy bunker is now a mountaineering path and viewpoint.

To get right here, you pull off the coastal freeway and park close to a loopy cliff drop. Then, you need to stroll alongside the highway briefly to get to the mountaineering path that takes you to the bunker. I used to be a little bit scared over right here; the cliffs do drop off sharply and are fairly excessive, so you will need to watch the place you step!

Visiting the Devil’s Slide Bunker is creepy. It was a part of the coastal protection system throughout World War II however is now deserted.

The bunker is roofed in graffiti, making it an incredible spot for images, and an incredible place to absorb some panoramic views of the ocean and the close by ragged cliff drops.

The bunker made the record of issues to do in Half Moon Bay as a result of it’s a completely different expertise than what you can find on the seaside or a historic constructing. Practically empty, this spot is a good place to loosen up and unwind in peace.

Full Travel Guide: Day Trip to Half Moon Bay

Experience Half Moon Bay with this Day Trip Itinerary [4K]

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