When you think of California, it’s almost always about sunny SoCal and Los Angeles, maybe Malibu and Santa Monica. It’s odd, considering that Northern California just about offers a plethora of things to do and amazing sights, from dramatic coastlines to bustling seaside cities. But no, this time, we’re not talking about San Francisco. We are heading 45 minutes south to Half Moon Bay, one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful and underrated gems. Even the name of this city is quite captivating. So, what’s there to do here? Scroll down to discover things to do in Half Moon Bay, California.
1. Go sunbathing at Francis Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach is not comprised of one beach but four, and one of those is Francis Beach, a favorite among locals and visitors. Spend the day there to get some sun or stay the night glamping (glamorous camping) at one of the 52 sites available in the on-site campground. Francis Beach can also be a stop on your road trip– the campground can accommodate RVs and trailers. You can also visit Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center here and learn about the area’s ecology.
Francis Beach
Address: Half Moon Bay State Beach, Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Francis Beach
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
Price: 10 USD
2. Hike through the beautiful Montara Mountain
Montara Mountain in nearby Montara is a quick outdoor excursion from Half Moon Bay. It’s home to a beautiful trail that starts at Blue Gum Eucalyptus Forest, taking you all the way to Montara Mountain Ridge and finally, to the flank of the mountain. Along the way, you’ll see lush vegetation which includes Manzanita groves, as well as various granite rock formations you can try to scale (just exercise caution). If you’re up for a longer hike, you can take Brooks Creek Trail at the intersection and continue on to the more challenging part of Montara Mountain.
Montara Mountain
Address: Montara State Beach, State Route 1, San Mateo County, CA, United States
Website: Montara Mountain
3. Enjoy horseback riding at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch
Located south of Half Moon Bay is the historic Burleigh H. Murray Ranch, where you can find a dazzling array of flora, particularly along Mills Creek. Because of its valley location, this ranch property is protected from the winds and the fog rolling in from the Pacific. The temperature is also slightly warmer here so you bet you can enjoy horseback riding on the old ranch road that wraps around Mills Creek and the entire Burleigh H. Murray Ranch. Watch out for the Mills barn, one of the two examples of an English bank barn in the state.
Burleigh H. Murray Ranch
Address: 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Burleigh H. Murray Ranch
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Have a picnic at Gray Whale Cove State Beach
If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet while enjoying spectacular views of the coast, head to Gray Whale Cove State Beach. This secluded attraction is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, especially if you visit in the spring– you might be lucky enough to watch pods of gray whales migrate to the north in search of cooler waters. Spring also makes Gray Whale Cove State Beach a ton prettier, as the area is carpeted in vibrant wildflowers during this time of the year.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Address: Highway 1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
5. Experience whale-watching with the experts at Oceanic Society
Speaking of whale-watching, there is no better group of people to do it with in Half Moon Bay than the Oceanic Society. They offer gray whale-watching excursions during the annual migration, from January through April. Aside from the chance to see whales, you might also get to spot dolphins, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and flocks of seabirds during the trip. You’ll also get to learn about the gray whales with the naturalists that will accompany you out to sea. Finally, every cent you spend for whale-watching with Oceanic Society goes towards ocean conservation. You’re going to have fun and help out a good cause in the process!
Whale watching with Oceanic Society
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA, United States
Website: Whale watching with Oceanic Society
6. Try the fruit brandy at Half Moon Bay Distillery
So determined to have her regular fix of fruit brandy, Ulli, together with her husband Caesar, established Half Moon Bay Distillery. Today, they’re well-known for creating high-quality distilled spirits made with local grain and fruit and only produced in small batches. Make sure to head here for a taste of their signature brandy. For the ultimate experience, sign up for one of their spirits-tasting sessions.
Half Moon Bay Distillery
Address: 155 Broadway, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Half Moon Bay Distillery
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
7. Ride the waves at Miramar Beach
If there’s one surfing spot you should try while you’re in Half Moon Bay, it’s definitely Miramar Beach. The swell creates waves that are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfing. If you’re not up for that, you can take a stroll along the wide, sandy beach or enjoy seafood at Miramar Beach Restaurant. There is also a hiking trail you can explore that guides you along the coastline of the Miramar neighborhood.
Miramar Beach
Address: Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay, CA, United States
8. Marvel at the dinosaurs of Spanish Town
Spanish Town isn’t just a great place to purchase a wide variety of gardening tools, not to mention vinyl records and other local products. It’s also a picture-taking hotspot, with the metal dinosaurs scattered around the vicinity constantly grabbing the attention of visitors and passersby. These dinosaurs are made with scrap metal and some of them are for sale so if you’re looking for a giant lizard to stand guard over your lawn, you’d finally know where to find one!
Dinosaurs of Spanish Town
Address: 880 Stone Pine Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
9. Trek the length of the gorgeous Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
Long walks are great for your health, especially when you get to enjoy gorgeous coastal views along the way! We recommend Half Moon Bay’s Coastside Trail, which is part of the longer California Coastal Trail. On one side you have the Pacific Ocean, and on the other you get views of Montara Mountain’s southern ridge. The trail is friendly for all levels and dogs are allowed as long as they’re leashed.
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA
10. Enjoy nature at Pescadero State Beach
Pescadero State Beach is only a short drive from Half Moon Bay, but every minute you spend on the road will be worth it. This gem boasts a shoreline that stretches a mile (less than 2 kilometers) long. Natural features in the area include tidal pools, cliffs you can try to climb, and sheltered coves. There are also fishing spots where you can see if you can make a catch. On the other side of the road is the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a well-known bird-watching spot.
Pescadero State Beach
Address: San Mateo County, CA, United States
Website: Pescadero State Beach
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
11. Learn sea kayaking with Half Moon Bay Kayak Company
Ever wanted to experience sea kayaking in Northern California? Now is your chance. Half Moon Bay Kayak Company offers a variety of day tours, with Pillar Point Harbor serving as the main starting point for all the guided trips. Your options include a kayak tour of Pillar Point Harbor, kayaking in the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and going on sunset or night paddles around the harbor. If you want to go with your friends, you can also book a private guided tour.
Half Moon Bay Kayak Company
Address: 2 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Half Moon Bay Kayak Company
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 4pm (closed on Tue)
Price: Tours start at 85 USD
12. Watch a baseball match at Smith Field Little League Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to feel some community spirit during your stay at Half Moon Bay, consider watching a little league baseball match! The best place to go would be Smith Field Park, which serves as the home base of the Half Moon Bay Little League. Check out their official website for a schedule of upcoming games so your visit is worth it.
Smith Field Little League Park
Address: Wavecrest Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Price: Free
13. Visit Poplar Beach for some family-friendly fun
Half Moon Bay, as you can probably tell by now, has no shortage of beaches to visit. If you’re traveling with the entire family, we highly recommend spending a whole day at Poplar Beach. Unlike most of the beaches in Half Moon Bay, Poplar Beach welcomes all members of the family– even pets! Bring your cats, your dogs, and even your horse if you have one for a memorable ride down the beach. Poplar Beach is part of the larger Blufftop Coastal Park so there is definitely plenty to explore in the area.
Poplar Beach
Address: 250 Poplar St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Poplar Beach
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
Price: Free
14. Relish Italian food at VIA UNO Cucina Italiana and Bar
VIA UNO Cucino Italiana and Bar is considered as one of the local favorites in Half Moon Bay so you better not miss out on this one! It’s so loved, it was actually voted as the best Italian restaurant in the Bay Area for two years in a row. They specialize in Southern Italian cuisine– that means specialties from Rome to Campania, and made with locally sourced ingredients. Crowd-pleasers include their margherita pizza, bruschetta, marinated octopus salad, and sea bass.
VIA UNO Cucina Italiana and Bar
Address: 2810 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: VIA UNO Cucina Italiana and Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9pm; Fri: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
15. Go hiking through Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
If long hikes are your thing, you are more than welcome to visit the sprawling Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in Half Moon Bay. There are approximately 4,711 acres or about 1,906 hectares to explore! You’ll get to see old coast redwoods (some of the tallest and most ancient trees ever), carpets of wildflowers, and bubbling creeks rushing merrily. There are two trails to choose from: the Redwood trail, which suits all hikers regardless of experience, and the Purisima Creek trail, which is slightly more challenging.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
16. Drink local brews at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Since we recommended sampling the local fruit brandies earlier, it would be a sin not to mention Half Moon Bay’s craft beer industry. One of its leaders is Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, well-known for their handcrafted brews made in small batches. They have year-round favorites and seasonal specials, and the best way to sample all their finest is by visiting the brewery and ordering whatever is available on tap. Then, bring bottles of your favorites back home!
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Address: 390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm
17. Try fishing at Half Moon Bay State Beach
Anglers will find the waters off of Half Moon Bay State Beach teeming with opportunities! The best spots to go fishing would be Francis Beach and Roosevelt Beach. However, because of the strong currents, it’s always advised to take extra caution whenever you’re near the water. It’s also best to bring ample fishing tools for a successful trip.
Half Moon State Beach
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Half Moon State Beach
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
18. Spot pelagic birds with Alvaro's Adventures
The Buller's Shearwater is a crowd favorite, the prettiest of the California shearwaters. This year, there is an...
Posted by Alvaro's Adventures on Friday, 24 August 2018
Seabirds frequently flock around Half Moon Bay, making the place a paradise for birders, particularly if you’re interested in pelagic birds! And there’s no better outfitter out here to take you on a pelagic birding trip than Alvaro’s Adventures. Even if you’re not an avid fan of birdwatching, this trip might prove to be the start of a lifelong fascination, which you can even foster with the folks at Alvaro’s (they also conduct international birding trips!)
Alvaro's Adventures
Website: Alvaro’s Adventures
19. Savor fresh seafood at Barbara's Fishtrap
Craving fresh seafood? There are many seafood restaurants in Half Moon Bay, but none can compare with Barbara’s Fishtrap, a humble fish shack serving delicious plates of seafood since 1971. Specials you definitely need to try include their fish and chips, clam chowder, fried calamari, Dungeness crab sandwich, and steamed crabs.
Barbara's Fishtrap
Address: 281 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Barbara’s Fishtrap
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm
20. Shop fresh produce at Coastside Farmer's Market
Time to shop! Head to Coastside Farmer’s Market for fresh produce, as well as other local products, for a satisfying bout of retail therapy. It’s held every Saturday and the crowds can get thick so head out early to sample the products (and the food!) before they run out. If ever you didn’t make it to the one in Half Moon Bay, you can also check out the one in Pacifica.
Coastside Farmer's Market
Address: 225 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Coastside Farmer’s Market
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
21. Have a grand time playing golf at Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Located in the prestigious Half Moon Bay Golf Links is the Old Course, one of the best golf courses in Half Moon Bay. Need proof? It’s designed by none other than Arnold Palmer, one of the renowned names in golf course architecture! Together with Francis Duane, he created the Old Course and added plenty of challenges and hazards for an exciting play. The last hole is the highlight of the course, looking out to the great big blue of the Pacific.
Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Address: 2 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Half Moon Bay Golf Links
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
22. Breathe in the fresh air at Wavecrest Open Space
Wavecrest Open Space is just as its name implies–a mile-long (less than 2 kilometers) exposed trail that features spectacular views of the coast. Because it doesn’t have any obstruction at all, it’s a favorite spot among local birders out to spot pelagic birds. Wavecrest Open Space is also well-loved among the local hiking and running community. After your preferred activity, you can wind down at the beach, which ranks as one of the quietest in Half Moon Bay.
Wavecrest Open Space
Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Wavecrest Open Space
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 5pm
23. Indulge in wine tasting at La Nebbia Winery
Now that you’ve covered fruit brandies and craft beer, it’s time to set your sights (and palate) on Half Moon Bay wines. One place to do that is La Nebbia Winery, which has been around producing great stuff since 1979. They have a selection of whites and reds, as well as dessert wines for the sweet-toothed. La Nebbia Winery is open daily for wine tastings so feel free to drop by! You might even find a white or red you’d like to take home with you.
La Nebbia Winery
Address: 12341 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: La Nebbia Winery
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
24. Discover the art of glass-blowing at Half Moon Bay Art Glass
While you’re at La Nebbia Winery, make a side-trip to Half Moon Bay Art Glass (located on site) to learn the art of glass-blowing under the tutelage of an expert. There are classes for kids, as well as for participants age 12 and above (this one’s a little more comprehensive). You can take your project home with you after it cools off for a day as a unique remembrance to your trip to Half Moon Bay. Oh, and by the way, closed shoes are a must when you’re taking a glass blowing class!
Half Moon Bay Art Glass
Address: 12341 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Half Moon Bay Art Glass
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Classes start at 130 USD
25. Take the young ones to Lemos Farm
Half Moon Bay has plenty of attractions for kids. Take Lemos Farm, for example! A petting zoo? Pony rides? Pumpkin patches? Even grown-ups like us want to experience all of that. Lemos Farm is open all year round and is also open for birthday parties and special events. There’s also goat yoga, which is basically 45-minute long yoga sessions while you’re surrounded by at least 20 goats. How fun and memorable is that? After yoga, the entire group is given 20 minutes to feed and pet the goats.
Lemos Farm
Address: 12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Lemos Farm
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: Passes start at 10 USD
26. Be entertained by live music at Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
Now that we’ve covered plenty of day activities, it’s time to explore your nightlife options in Half Moon Bay. One of the things you can do is visit Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society and listen to some live jazz music. It’s been around since 1964 and this humble live music venue has served as the concert hall of many jazz legends, including Stan Getz, Etta James, and Betty Carter! When you visit Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, you’re not only in for a treat. You also get to experience some of Half Moon Bay’s history and live jazz culture.
Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
Address: 311 Mirada Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
Opening hours: Sun: 3:30pm - 7pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
27. Treat yourself to fine dining at The Conservatory
With Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society only open on Sundays, you need another option for nightlife. How about dinner at The Conservatory at The Ritz-Carlton? Enjoy comfort food, California-style, and made with homegrown ingredients in this modern beach house. Pair your food with a handcrafted cocktail or two. If you want, you can also host a small and intimate dinner party at The Conservatory’s Wine Room. This right here is the pinnacle of Half Moon Bay’s fine dining. Dinner highlights at The Conservatory include their Pacific kampachi, California cheese board featuring Point Reyes Bay Blue, Half Moon Bay cioppino made with Dungeness crab, mussels, cod filet, and clams, and their roasted ora king salmon served with pancetta and tomato crust.
The Conservatory
Address: The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: The Conservatory
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
28. View the artworks at Kevin Henney Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pescadero Beach Morning.
Posted by Kevin Henney Gallery on Monday, March 23, 2020
Before you paint the entire town of Half Moon Bay red for your night out, head to Kevin Henney Gallery to admire beautifully taken landscape photography showcasing the best of Half Moon Bay’s coastline. It’s located right at Main Street, making this gallery the perfect way to start your “nightscapade.” If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet the man himself, Kevin Henney, who has been photographing the area for over 30 years. If there’s someone who can show you a different side of Half Moon Bay, it’s him.
Kevin Henney Gallery
Address: 643 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Kevin Henney Gallery
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 11am - 6pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
29. Meditate at Frenchman's Creek Park
Nighttime at Half Moon Bay sure has its allure, but we admit that this place is best experienced during the daytime. After all the outdoor activities, wine tastings, and live jazz music, it’s important to take some time for yourself. Head to Frenchman’s Creek Park, a quiet and peaceful green space along Ruisseau Francais Avenue. It’s heavily wooded so find a nice spot under a tree so you can meditate and clear your mind. You’ll feel energized and renewed afterward, just about ready to experience more of Half Moon Bay.
Frenchman's Creek Park
Address: 608 Ruisseau Francais Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Frenchman’s Creek Park
30. Admire the eucalyptus trees at Quarry Park
Looking for more quiet green spaces? Quarry Park easily comes to mind. This one’s bigger than Frenchman’s Creek Park (it covers 517 acres or 209 hectares). If you want to check out the eucalyptus forest that grows in the area, take Vista Point Trail. You’ll know you’re there when the air starts to become fragrant. As you climb and gain elevation, you’ll be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean. Quarry Park is also the home of Wicklow Property, where you can explore more trails (and see more eucalyptus, as well as pine and cypress, trees). The trail here will take you along the hillsides and up the ridges, wrapping all around this massive property. On the way, you’ll pass through forests and meadows. There are several points of interest along the trail, such as the harbor vista viewpoint where there’s a raised boardwalk and a lake. Dogs are welcome!
Quarry Park
Address: Santa Maria Ave & Columbus Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Website: Quarry Park
A must-visit gem in Northern California
With its beaches and laidback attitude, life definitely moves at a slower pace in Half Moon Bay. It’s one of the reasons why you should include it in your trip to the Bay Area, right after an exciting jaunt in busy San Francisco. You’ll find yourself refreshed and rejuvenated. Learn more about the Bay Area and Northern California by browsing our travel guides. Who knows? You might find other places worth visiting.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
9 Best Family Resorts In San Francisco Bay Area - Updated 2024Alyssandra Raiza -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Create an account to