Nestled among the wind-blown hills of a coastal bluff, Half Moon Bay is a peaceful and picturesque paradise overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In this idyllic region just south of San Francisco, frothy waves curl onto soft beaches, cool ocean mist blankets the bluff-top meadows, and in the distance, whales spout against the horizon. Between the beaches, hiking trails, quaint downtown, and watersports, Half Moon Bay is a city perfect for exploring. Marvel at breathtaking panoramas as you ramble along the California Coastal Trail or look for local wildlife on a whale-watching tour. Lounge on one of Half Moon Bay’s many state beaches, then discover teeming tide pools and fascinating nature walks at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Whether you prefer an adventure on land or in the sea, the area is fantastic for cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, surfing, and more! From family-friendly farms to gorgeous golf courses, Half Moon Bay brims with exciting things to see and do. Stay a while and plan your trip with this list of where to stay in Half Moon Bay, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
Hotels
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (from USD 959)
Set on a cliff overlooking the stunning seafront, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, is a luxurious property offering lavish amenities and breathtaking views. The property features a relaxing spa, as well as an indoor swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Two on-site restaurants let you sample mouthwatering fresh seafood and produce from local farmers, as well as regional wines, and the casual Club Lounge has food and beverage services too. The stylish guest rooms feature sea or mountain views. Situated near two championship golf courses, the hotel is close to many attractions, beautiful beaches, and fantastic restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Address: One Miramontes Point Road
12.12 km (7.6 mi) from Filoli Historic House & Garden
2. Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor (from USD 339)
Reasonable pricing with free parking and convenient location near restaurants and bars.
Spacious rooms with beautiful views, fireplace, and clean, elegant decor. Some minor issues with unnecessary amenities and casual dining facility.
Superb location by the water, close to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Peaceful and convenient with easy access to garage.
Great dining options nearby, with the hotel's own restaurant and bar being the only downside due to limited hours and closures.
The sophisticated Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor overlooks the beautiful Pacific Ocean, and it provides luxurious comfort. Each of its enchanting rooms features breathtaking views of Half Moon Bay, and includes an elegant, en-suite bathroom, a fireplace, and either a scenic terrace or balcony. The charms of the hotel also include an amazing on-site restaurant, wonderful spa services, a sauna, a modern fitness center, and a bar. Attractions like the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and El Granada Beach are within walking distance, along with many fine restaurants and shops.
Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor
Address: 280 Capistrano Road
15.76 km (9.8 mi) from Filoli Historic House & Garden
3. Beach House Half Moon Bay (from USD 265)
Facing the beautiful Pillar Point Harbor, this wonderful hotel is elegant and modern. In addition to its fantastic beachfront location, the Beach House Half Moon Bay has chic, spacious rooms that include a microwave, a refrigerator, and either a patio or a balcony for guests to admire the stunning sea views. Luxurious spa services can also be enjoyed from the guest rooms. The property is equipped with free Wi-Fi, and there is also a contemporary fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning.
Beach House Half Moon Bay
Address: 4100 North Cabrillo Way
14.87 km (9.3 mi) from Filoli Historic House & Garden
4. Quality Inn (from USD 161)
A comfortable stay can be expected from this Quality Inn. Situated near Miramar Beach, the hotel is cozy and friendly, and it is close to many attractions. Each guest room is tastefully decorated, and has a private bathroom, a coffee maker, and a microwave. The hotel also offers a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. A continental breakfast is free for guests. Attractions like Pillar Point Harbor, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and the Obester Winery are nearby.
Quality Inn Half Moon Bay - Miramar Beach
Address: 2930 N Cabrillo Hwy.
12.78 km (8.0 mi) from Filoli Historic House & Garden
5. Half Moon Bay Lodge (from USD 260)
Reasonable pricing, especially for the area and amenities offered.
Spacious rooms with modern conveniences, outdoor fire pit, heated pool, and jacuzzi.
Conveniently located near Half Moon Bay Golf Links and Pacific Highway Coast attractions.
Buffet breakfast with a good selection, though some guests desired more variety and hot options.
A quaint hotel with a great location, the Half Moon Bay Lodge is comfortable and tranquil. The property is set near the Half Moon Bay Links Golf Course, and it is only a short drive from many attractions in and around Half Moon Bay. The elegant rooms include cable television and a refrigerator, and every room also has a private balcony or terrace that overlooks the garden or the golf course. Other amenities of the hotel include a swimming pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, and a hot tub. The hotel also offers a complimentary breakfast.
Half Moon Bay Lodge
Address: 2400 Cabrillo Highway South
11.12 km (7.0 mi) from Filoli Historic House & Garden
Apartments and vacation rentals
6. Lovely remodeled beach house right next to the ocean (from USD 254)
This lovely beach house features enough space for eight people. There are seven beds inside, and the kitchen has all the appliances and utensils you need to prepare delicious meals for everyone. A large flat-screen television with cable access and an internet connection are also available, so you can stream movies here. If you’re a gamer, feel free to use the Xbox console with a variety of games available.
Outside, you can find a grill that you can use to cook steaks and barbecues if you’re hosting a cookout night with your companions. There’s also an outdoor shower with warm water — perfect for whenever you need to rinse after spending some time on the beach. If you’re traveling with children, there are toys available for them.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the beds were super comfythe beds were firm and the sheets were good qualitythe shower had excellent water pressureCleanliness:
very clean and well keptthe house is very clean and well furnishedthe house was very clean and had everything we neededsweet house was sparkling clean and spacious with ample excellent appliances in kitchen large dining table and comfortable bedsgreat location ~ super cleanHost:
the owners are wonderfulthe host has a very helpful binder about how everything worksjohn the host was very helpful and attentive; he responded quickly to every phone call and/or emailthe owners communicate well and checkin/out is easywe had a great time and appreciated prompt responses from the ownerRead more reviewsLocation:
awesome location just a short walk to the beachperfect location for a quiet beach getawaymeticulous and thoughtfully appointed little house in a perfect location to the beach and trailsit's a short walk to the beach and the coastal trail which is great for walking or bikessuper clean house close to the beach very comfortable feeling felt like home looking clear to revisiting
7. Spacious townhouse with breathtaking views of the ocean (from USD 452)
Panoramic ocean views and breathtaking sunsets are the sights to behold when you stay at this 2,600-square-foot (241.55-square-meter) townhouse. Because of this, you might be tempted to spend most of your time lounging on the balcony or the garden patio area.
The interior of the townhouse is just as marvelous. There’s a fireplace to keep you warm and comfortable, and when you’re hungry, you can prepare delicious meals in the well-equipped kitchen. For entertainment, you can watch something on cable television or connect to a streaming site to have more options. For more fun, you can explore the area by visiting a few local attractions, such as the beaches and Purisima Creek Redwoods.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and well maintainedthe house is clean with plenty of rooms for two familiesclean comfortable and great hostthis is a large clean townhouse in a very safe neighborhood in half moon bayHost:
easy communication with the hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great house in a great locationfabulous location and well maintainedand a peaceful locationthe location is great right on the golf course and within walking distance to costal trailloved the quietness and location
Premier Host
8. Cozy house for nine people near downtown (from USD 261)
This 1,890-square-foot (175.59-square-meter) house is conveniently located in Half Moon Bay. It’s only minutes from downtown, which means many of the beloved attractions are within walking or driving distance. For this reason, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit a few beaches, such as Half Moon State Beach, Poplar Beach, and Elmar Beach, and enjoy the sandy shores or cool ocean waters there.
After a long day of fun, return to this rental for a much-deserved break. Prepare delicious meals in the kitchen, then sit back on the couch to watch a movie on the television. If you’re traveling with children, there are toys that they can play with to pass the time. When you’re ready for bed, head to one of the bedrooms — preferably the one with the California king-size bed — and have a good night’s rest.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
There is plenty of room and seating in the living room or dining room to enjoy conversationvery roomy well equipped and comfortableClean & tidy property with plenty of space for 2 families with young children - came with an office/playroom stocked with toysMy children and I felt like we were at home Getting into contact with the ownerIt was the perfect location and size for our family with all the amenities we needed to have a very comfortable stayCleanliness:
Appreciated that 2 bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and all "housekeeping" suppliesEverything was exactly as described in descriptionEverything was as advertised with "no Hassle" check-in and departureHost:
Owner provided clear contract requirements housekeeping instructions and helpful recommendations for places to eat and things to doFit the family comfortably and close to the beachThe owner was very quick to and patient when answering all of my questionsHe also took the time to check on us and make sure our check in process was goodI am sure Also great priceRead more reviewsLocation:
This house is in a fantastic location 20 yards from the house is a trail that takes you to amazing views of the coast andVery near the beach and coastal trail 9 miles to Main St HMB perfect location for usin just a little walk you are on a non crowded area of the beachOur only disappointment was that the weather didn't cooperate during our week-long visit in June (60's and cloudy every day) but a 20-30 minute drive south led to ample sunshine and warmer temperat...We had some trouble with spotty cell service from AT&T Verizon seemed to fare better
9. Modern apartment on the hills of El Granada (from USD 283)
With 700 square feet (65.03 square meters) of space, this modern apartment is best suited for small groups. The bedroom has a queen-size bed, but a futon sofa and an air mattress are also available, so up to four people can be accommodated here. Aside from the number of beds, you can also find a kitchen with all the appliances you need and a living room with a 55-in smart television and high-speed Wi-Fi access.
Since this apartment is situated on the hills of El Granada, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful views of nature when you stay here. It’s also in a great location, so many restaurants, beaches, and shops are nearby. That’s why you should take some time to explore everything Half Moon Bay has to offer during your vacation here.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the bed was comfortable the interior was top level and the patio even bettercomfortable bed efficient kitchen and a tv that even we could figure out made our weekthe bathroom was stunning with a large standing shower; the water pressure was perfectCleanliness:
this property is even more beautiful than pictures and very high end clean beautifully decorated and great locationthe property was well located convenient to surrounding area quiet clean and well organizedHost:
owners very responsive and helpfulthe owner was a great communicator and very friendlya very nice plave and hostvivian was a wonderful host accessible and quick to respondthank you thank you thank you vivian and andrew for being superb hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
great location to mavericks house wedding venuewe were happy with the location and amenitiesit’s very clean and in a beautiful location highly recommend
10. Rustic house just steps away from the beach (from USD 505)
This rustic house is the best destination for those people planning to have a beach-filled vacation in Half Moon Bay. This rental is situated right on Miramar Beach, so you only need to take a short walk to enjoy the sandy shores and the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll also enjoy beautiful views here, so you’ll definitely like lounging on the deck.
This beachfront getaway is also wonderfully furnished. The kitchen is fully equipped, so preparing meals shouldn’t be a problem here. You’ll also have many options for fun — watching movies on the television or playing games. This place has enough space for six guests. For that reason, consider bringing your family or friends here as well.
11. Coastal cottage close to the beach (from USD 132)
This delightful cottage is charming, cozy, and peaceful. Tastefully decorated and surrounded by a tranquil, private garden, the studio property can accommodate up to two guests. The cottage has its own private entrance and designated parking spaces, and inside, there is a comfortable lounge area with a television, a king-sized bed, and a spacious bathroom. Guests also have access to shared indoor/outdoor entertaining spaces, as well as a communal backyard equipped with a barbecue, an outdoor shower, and a hot tub. Set across the street from Quarry Park, the property is close to many restaurants, shops, and hiking trails. Surfers Beach is only a quick walk away from the property.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a super stylish bathroom with beautiful subway tiles and a spacious showerthe apartment looks exactly like it does on the photoswe loved staying at this brand new stylish suite kitchen is complete bed super comfy hot tub awesomeas described this is a lovely apartment w great amenitiesthough it's attached to a larger house it feels like it's own space and is quiet and comfortableCleanliness:
the space was very clean and as advertisedsuper clean and super cozythe place was very clean and comfortableit was clean very comfy bedthe apartment is beautiful and very cleanHost:
melanie and her husband were great hostsshe has 2 super friendly and well behaved dogsmelanie and mathew were very friendly and helpful hostsmelanie was super hospitable and fast to respond whenever i had questionscute little apartment under the hosts houseRead more reviewsLocation:
very relaxed location and quietgreat location lots of privacygreat location for a safe fun stayit's a wonderful locationbeautiful place in a great location
Superhost
12. Studio property with private entrance
A bright and inviting property, this lovely apartment is a wonderful accommodation near the coastal bluff walking trails. The studio accommodation has a private entrance, and it is filled with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. With a relaxing queen-sized bed, a recently renovated kitchenette, a sleek bathroom, and a compact dining table, this rental creates a cozy getaway in Half Moon Bay. The apartment can host two guests, but a companion bedroom with another queen-sized bed can also be rented to accommodate parties of four. Guests can make the most of the nearby trails and beaches with the free bike and surfboards of the property.
Half Moon Bay, California, United States
11.6 km (7.3 mi) from Filoli Historic House & GardenTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wi-fi was good and easy to connect tolove the four poster bed natural light higher-end fixtures and tasteful finisheswe were given a lovely bedroom with ensuite and were very comfortableextra room was very usefuli enjoyed the room and would stay there againCleanliness:
clean well stocked with necessitiesthe place was very cleanbut in general the place was clean and cozythis place was a comfortable clean place to stayit was updated and super cleanHost:
tim was a great hosttim was a great hostthe host was very kind to let us use 2 bedroomstim is a gracious hosttim was such a generous hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great so close to beacha great location and really a very cute spacegreat location in half moon baytim's place is an ideal locationthis was the perfect location for us
13. Quiet, romantic getaway (from USD 193)
For a cozy stay, this quiet one-bedroom apartment is an excellent choice for accommodation. Surrounded by the scenic hills of El Granada, this rental offers accommodation for up to two guests and it has a private entrance, a comfortable bedroom, a colorful bathroom, and an airy living room. There is also a microwave, a small refrigerator, and a coffee maker. Guests can also relax on the sunny deck and lounge in the hot tub. The property is within walking distance of the beach, as well as many restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and a microbrewery.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
no kitchen but a microwave mini fridge and coffee maker fit the bill for ussimple country setting and informal furnishings make it comfortable and relaxedwith the exception of a full kitchen you have all of the comforts of homethe space is large with a full-sized living room for relaxingcomfortable excellent amenities and conveniently located to sfCleanliness:
the space was incredibly clean and comfortablevery clean and great price for basically a suiteher place is clean and the neighborhood is really friendlyhelen’s place was clean comfortable and very cutebeautiful room very clean and nice location with viewsHost:
helen is a wonderful hostshe was such a wonderful host and her home is beautifulhelen is a fabulous and welcoming hosthelen is a super nice host with a lovely placehelen was a wonderful host and her place was just as greatRead more reviewsLocation:
helen's place is a great location with walking distance to the beach/ close driving distance to hikinggood food in walking distancequiet serene and a close walk to a cute beach towna wonderful studio in a wonderful locationi also liked how the location was near everything we went
14. Apartment in downtown Half Moon Bay (from USD 157)
A charming accommodation for couples or solo travelers, this bright one-bedroom apartment is located in downtown Half Moon Bay. The quaint accommodation has its own private entrance, and the space consists of a well-equipped kitchen, an airy bedroom, a full bathroom, and a compact lounge space. Free parking is available in front of the house. The apartment is situated near the historic Main Street filled with restaurants and shops, and nearby coastal trails lead to the beautiful beaches.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
bed is comfortable wifi strongthe photos really do capture how comfortable and beautiful the space issuper nice mattress on the bed and good water pressure in the showerit's small but comfortable and had everything we neededthis room was perfect for me traveling aloneCleanliness:
clean and compactcharming quaint and clean little studioeverything was cleanmeg's place was very clean and comfortablevery clean and spacious for a coupleHost:
paul and his wife were a great hostmeg was such a wonderful hostthe hostess meg was friendly and ready to answer any questionspaul was so kind an accommodatingmeg is a great hostRead more reviewsLocation:
loved the location very cute placevery nice location for weekend getawaythis is the perfect locationthe location is perfect right in the heart of downtowncute little place with a great location in downtown half moon bay
15. Modern apartment near the beach (from USD 214)
A vibrant style and terrific location make this apartment a delightful place to stay in Half Moon Bay. The two-bedroom property is spacious and scenic, and is only a five-minute walk away from the beach. Inside this wonderful accommodation, you will find a large, sleek kitchen, a comfortable dining area, two quiet bedrooms, a bright lounge area, and a chic bathroom. There is also a gorgeous balcony and a scenic deck with a hot, outdoor shower. Beautiful coastal trails are nearby, and the downtown is within walking distance. Up to four guests can stay here.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
smart tv and wifi availablethe quiet neighborhood and plush beds made for easy sleepingthere is a great deck and outdoor shower would love to come back againwe especially loved the shower (2 shower heads) and the outdoor seating area on the deckmichelle and pete have done an exceptional job creating an inviting clean comfortable spaceCleanliness:
sparkling clean with comfy bedsvery clean with comfortable beds and fluffy towelsit was clean convenient & modernclean bright and spacioussuper clean cozy and modern apartmentHost:
owners are responsive to questionsvery friendly hosts would definitely returnhosts to the apartment are quick to provide any help or recommendationsgreat house really helpful hostsamazing hosts very communicative and flexibleRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and fabulous placelovely location close to the beachthe location was great as wellvery close to beach in a nice neighborhoodbeautiful cozy & close to beach
The breathtaking beauty of Half Moon Bay
There is so much to discover in the charming coastal town of Half Moon Bay! With its gorgeous beaches, family-friendly attractions, and unlimited options for outdoor recreation, this seaside city is a delightful destination. Plan your trip today and choose your accommodation from this list of brilliant hotels and private vacation rentals in Half Moon Bay.
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