Half Moon Bay, California: Fun & Relaxation In One

1. Enjoy the sea breeze

Half Moon Bay State Beach is actually composed of four beaches: Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach. It is right by the Pacific Ocean, so the waves can get too big for swimming, although this makes it a good spot for surfers who want to catch some waves. You can actually go to the beach if you want to learn how to surf, since there are surf schools there. However, if you want to have a more idyllic time while there, you can go sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, or simply hang out there to enjoy the sea breeze.

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Address: 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA

2. Go on a whale-watching tour

From January to March, approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south, traveling for 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) from the Arctic Ocean to reach Magdalena Bay in Baja, California, to get to a warmer place where they can mate and nurse their young. This migratory path is considered as the longest among mammals. Aside from gray whales, humpback whales can be seen from the shores of Half Moon Bay between March and April.

While it is possible to stay on the shore and just use binoculars to get a look of the gray and humpback whales, a closer – and more adventure-filled – option is to join one of the local tours for whale-watching expeditions, such as those organized by the Oceanic Society. These packages often include sightings of other marine animals within the area, such as harbor porpoises, Dall’s porpoises, rizzo dolphins, white-sided dolphins, elephant seals, northern fur seals, harbor seals, California sea lions, and stellar sea lions. Should you wish to join the tour, make sure to wear warm, layered clothing, the outer layer of which is waterproof.

Oceanic Society

Address: 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA

Price: 59 USD per person

Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from late December through April

Duration: Three hours/half-day required

Contact: +1 8003267491; +1 4152569604

Website: Oceanic Society

3. Discover the rich marine life of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Don’t let the rocky seashore dissuade you from visiting Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, because the visit is worth it if you are interested in seeing the rich marine life in the surrounding area. Among the things that you can see there are different varieties of fish, crabs, sea sponges, mollusks, starfish, and sea stars. All can be seen during low tide even if you do not go in the water, since these reside in shallow, warm areas.

Do note that Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is in a “no-take” Marine Protected Area. This means that you can’t bring any specimens, rocks, or any other souvenirs from the area with you. Once you have explored the sea, you can check out the surrounding land as well. There is a trail that allows you to pass various Monterey cypress trees.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Address: 200 Nevada Street, Moss Beach, CA

Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm

Contact: +1 6507283584

Website: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

4. Go trekking by following Gray Whale Cove Hiking Trail

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is one of the beaches in Half Moon Bay. However, it is less known for its waters, as people usually go there to go hiking. The trail takes travelers across a steep hill to a bluff, where a small picnic area can be found. The reward of the walk is a scenic view overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding area.

Gray Whale Cove Hiking Trail

Address: Gray Whale Cove State Beach, Half Moon Bay, CA

5. See the elephant seals of Año Nuevo State Park

Like Gray Whale Cove Beach, people do not go to Año Nuevo State Park for its beach. Rather, people visit this site to take photos of the northern elephant seals, who use the site as their breeding ground all year round. The number of elephant seals in the area have made Año Nuevo State Park one of the largest mainland breeding colonies in the world for them.

Aside from the elephant seals, other animals that can be seen here include sea lions, cormorants, terns, and many other breeds. Walking tours, which cover three to four miles (5-7 km), are offered in the area daily. Visitors will need to secure permits to see the seals. These are issued between 8:30am and 3:30pm daily. Visitors are not allowed to approach the seals.

Año Nuevo State Park

Address: 390 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay, CA

Contact: +1 6507282739

Website: Año Nuevo State Park

6. Visit the Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

As with other lighthouses, the decision to build the Pigeon Point Light Station came after a series of shipwrecks. Constructed in 1872, it is considered as one of the tallest lighthouses in the country at 115 feet (35 meters). The light it provides continues to guide the U.S. Coast Guard, although it has since shifted from a five-wick lard oil lamp to an automated lighting system.

Should you choose to go here, make sure to wear layered clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Afternoons in particular can bring strong winds. Within the park is a hostel, where guests can stay overnight. The area also has its own small beach. Do note that no dogs are allowed here. Smoking is also not allowed within the vicinity.

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Address: 210 Pigeon Point Road, Highway 1, Pescadero, CA

Opening Hours: 8am to sunset

Contact: +1 6508792120

Website: Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

7. Stroll along the historic downtown

You don’t need a time machine to see how Half Moon Bay looked in the past, because Main Street continues to be dotted by old-fashioned structures. Take a walk down there and go window shopping or have a cup of coffee in one of the cafés and enjoy the atmosphere.

Main Street

Address: Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA

8. Go horseback riding at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch

The state park is so named because it was previously owned by Burleigh H. Murray, whose father, a Vermont farmer, settled in the property in 1857. The Mills Barn, as well as the surrounding buildings, are maintained in a state of arrested decay to give visitors a peek at how life was like in that period. Within the facility is a hiking trail that winds its way from the ranch to Mills Creek.

Burleigh H. Murray Ranch

Address: 305 Higgins Canyon Road, Half Moon Bay, CA

Contact: +1 6507268819

9. Visit the picturesque Crystal Springs Park

Crystal Springs Reservoir is actually made of two artificial lakes. The upper part was formed first when construction caused a dam to collapse, leading to the joining of Laguna Creek and Laguna Grande. The second half was then created when the Crystal Springs Dam was built. The two lakes were then connected to each other in 1924.

The reservoir itself is not open to the public. However, visitors can visit the park to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. The area is home to various endangered plants, such as the San Mateo thornmint, the San Mateo wooly sunflower, and the Marin dwarf flax. It is also home to various species of birds and animals.

Crystal Springs Park

Address: 1801 Crystal Springs Road, Hillsborough, CA

10. Taste the local alcohol at Half Moon Bay Distillery or Half Moon Bay Brewing

If you are an alcohol fan, be sure to taste the local brews in Half Moon Bay. Despite its small size, Half Moon Bay Distillery crafts its own vodka, whiskey and fruit brandy. Half Moon Bay Brewing, meanwhile, is considered as one of the best breweries in the country.

Half Moon Bay Distillery

Address: 103 Harvard Avenue #4, Half Moon Bay, CA

Website: Half Moon Bay Distillery

Half Moon Bay Brewing

Address: 390 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay, CA

Website: Half Moon Bay Brewing

Visit Half Moon Bay for unassuming fun!

Half Moon Bay offers a welcome break from the fast-paced life of California. If you want to spend a quick getaway to kick back your feet and relax, this is the destination for you.