Visit Beautiful Half Moon Bay CA

Half Moon Bay CA is situated 45 minutes south of San Francisco on Highway 1, but it might as well be half a world away. Home to the world-famous monster waves at Mavericks, Half Moon Bay is a sleepy beach town with a strong connection to the ocean—a perfect place for a walk along the beach or dinner at a local seafood spot.

Some of the world’s best surfers routinely flock to Half Moon Bay for its huge, and sometimes dangerous, waves. Mavericks Surf Event draws in the risk takers, and the crowds, nearly each winter. For places to hike, camp or horseback ride head to the five beaches of Half Moon Bay State Beach. For a list of all the great area beaches, click here.

When to Visit Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is as pretty as the name implies, with good reasons to visit all year-round. Tucked into a cove between redwood forests and Pacific Ocean waves, it’s a strikingly beautiful coastal corner of the San Francisco Bay area located 28 miles south of the city. Mild temperatures make it perfect for several of its hallmarks: an abundance of locally grown agricultural products, great golf, high caliber surfing and weekend getaways. Half Moon Bay CA weather makes it quite comfortable throughout the year with average temperatures between 40 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Half Moon Bay Beaches

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Half Moon Bay State Beach is one long sandy continuous beach below bluffs and dunes in the town of Half Moon Bay, California. Within the boundaries of this state park there are four separate named entrances and parking areas. North to south this includes Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach.

 

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Cliffs surround this sandy beach, where whales are often spotted close to the shore. The beach (also known as Devil’s Slide) features a sheltered cove surrounded by cliffs that drop abruptly into the Pacific Ocean. A steep trail leads down to the beach. There is a small picnic area on the bluff above. Gray whales can often be seen close to the shore.

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Montara State Beach

Montara State Beach is a wide mile-long beach just north of Montara along the San Mateo County Coast. Behind the beach are stunning sculpted sandstone cliffs making this a very photogenic spot. At the south end of the beach you can climb up a steep narrow path to a little promontory surrounded by astonishing natural beauty.

Poplar Beach

Drive to the end of Poplar Street in Half Moon Bay and you’ll find Poplar Beach. It’s located about a half mile south of Half Moon Bay State Beach, and is operated by the City of Half Moon Bay and the County of San Mateo, unlike most beaches in the area which fall under the jurisdiction of California State Parks. While most Coastside beaches prohibit dogs and horses, both are welcome at Poplar Beach, making this a favorite destination for animal lovers.

Surfer’s Beach

Surfers’ Beach, located directly south of Pillar Point Harbor, is a must-visit destination for surfers and beach-goers alike. Known for its consistent waves, Surfers’ Beach offers an experience that is unmatched by other beaches in the area. One of the main draws of Surfers’ Beach is the quality of its waves. The beach is situated next to the jetty that forms Pillar Point Harbor, which helps to create a consistent swell that is perfect for surfing. The waves at Surfers’ Beach are suitable for both experienced and beginner surfers, making it a great spot for anyone looking to catch a wave.

Best Restaurants in Half Moon Bay

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Sam’s Chowder House $$ – $$$

Sam’s Chowder House serves ocean fresh seafood, reminiscent of a New England style seafood house. Voted “Best Seafood in the Bay Area” by the 2017 San Francisco Bay Area A-List, and named “Top Three Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area” by San Francisco Magazine, Sam’s serves lobster, crab, fish and chips, fried calamari, fresh oysters and clams from the raw bar, and many fresh fish dishes such as salmon and halibut. Telephone: 650-712-0245 Web: Sam’s Chowder House

Barbara’s Fish Trap $$ – $$$

With its neon fish sign outside and nets dangling from the ceiling, funky Barbara’s Fishtrap sits along the harbor and has drawn big crowds since 1971, thanks in part to some of the best fish-and-chips anywhere in California. Telephone: 650-728-7049 Web: Barbara’s Fish Trap

Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar $$ – $$$

Kim Levin – Chef/Owner of Pasta Moon strongly believes in giving back to the community and supporting local coast-side farmers, ranchers, fishermen and gourmet artisans. In fact, these elements are the core of the Pasta Moon identity along with Kim’s passion and creativity. Their menu rotates regularly depending on what’s in season, bringing our guests a contemporary Italian dining Experience that is unique and eco-friendly! Telephone: 650-726-5125 Web: Pasta Moon Ristorante & Bar

Miramar Beach Restaurant $$ – $$$

Enjoy incomparable views, exceptional food, and impeccable service that will exceed the expectations of everyone in your party. Except for those who have already enjoyed our seafood and steak restaurant dining experience! The menu consists of the freshest seafood, finest steaks and our world-famous seafood chowder. They also have a superb, hand picked list of wines, domestic and imported. Telephone: 650-726-9053 Web: Miramar Beach Restaurant

Flying Fish & Grill $$ – $$$

Near downtown, this family-owned kitchen makes fresh cod, mahi and salmon tacos, along with deep-fried and grilled seafood plates. The pastel-colored dining room is whimsically decorated with tropical murals and palm fronds. Telephone: 650-712-1125 Web: Flying Fish & Grill

Best Nightlife in Half Moon Bay

Cameron’s British Pub

If you can’t find a beer you like here, you must not like beer. It’s an atmosphere that only a family run business can provide, a place where babies and great grandmums are welcome. Let’s not forget the great grub! Enjoy and don’t be a stranger. An English pub is a family place, unlike our American bar equivalents. Telephone: 650-726-5705 Web: Cameron’s British Pub

Sacrilege Brewery

From their brewing methods to their burgers and everything in between, they buck the system and challenge the norm. Find hand-made beers and fresh, creative eats. Telephone: 650-276-7029 Web: Sacrilege Brewery

Old Princess Landing Public House & Grill

They host live music, private events, festivals, sporting events, plus pool and dart tournaments. Their garden back patio is dog friendly! Every weekend they host the best bands from around the Bay Area and coming through on tour.  Telephone: 650-728-7096 Web: Old Princess Landing Public House & Grill

The Wine Room

A great little wine bar.  Coast-side cute on the outside. Modern on the inside. Nice and warm making for the perfect place to curl up with a friend, a group, or just you and your glass.  The music talent is usually from the local area, but widely known and in many cases, published more than a few times.  Telephone: 650-728-9463 Web: The Wine Room

VIA Uno Cucina Italiana & Bar

Enjoy authentic flavors in a casually elegant coastal ambiance including a modern-rustic dining room, dog-friendly heated outdoor patio, private wine room, and full bar. Their authentic 6,000 pound wood-fired pizza oven specially hand-made in Naples for VIA UNO creates light-as-air pizza crusts and our menu features Calabrian specialties you’re unlikely to sample anywhere else unless you take a trip to Italy.  Telephone: 650-560-8858 Web: VIA Uno Cucina Italiana & Bar

Best Hotels in Half Moon Bay