Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is situated on the San Francisco Peninsula, 45 minutes south of San Francisco on Highway One, 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.

Things to Do in Half Moon Bay

You’ll definitely want to spend as much time as possible by the Pacific, and several miles of the border-to-border California Coastal Trail run through Half Moon Bay. One particularly nice section begins at Poplar Beach and travels down the coast above the waves. Just north of town at Moss Beach, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a great place to see harbor seals and explore tide pools—look for purple sea urchins and sea stars in the craggy rocks.

As for Mavericks—the breaks that Half Moon Bay is known for the world over—only the most skilled surfers should consider tackling the challenging waves that can reach heights of 50 feet or more. But you can get a taste of the local surf scene (and pick up cool hoodies to impress your inland pals) at Mavericks Surf Company, owned by Jeff Clark, a big-wave legend. For something a little more sedate, the company’s Mavericks PaddleSports offers stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons on the flat waters of Pillar Point Harbor. 

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land and have kids in your posse, visit the farm-themed amusement park Lemos Farm for family-friendly fun. Pony rides, hay rides, train rides, and a petting zoo are all on the activity list here, along with goat yoga, for those into pursuing wellness with furry friends. Though open year-round, October is a particularly good time to visit, with celebrations that feature live music, Halloween-themed festivities, and lots and lots of pumpkins. As hard as it is to compete with cuddly goats when it comes to Instagram-worthiness, another agritourism activity nearby does just that. Get lost in a sea of vivid amber at the Andreotti Family Farm’s U-Pick Sunflower Field and Pumpkin Patch, which welcomes visitors during the months of September and October. It’s recommended to make reservations online ahead of time.

Where to Eat and Drink in Half Moon Bay

The dining here is steeped in tradition: Sam’s Chowder House is famous for its lobster roll sandwiches and cioppino, as well as views that look out over the harbor and to Pillar Point. 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. There’s also great eating (and shopping) on Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street: Pasta Moon sources from area farms and fishermen for its spaghetti puttanesca, which features day-boat sea scallops, clams, and mussels. If your thoughts run more toward imbibing, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company has been serving the community with local handcrafted beers since 2000, and two distilleries—Jettywave Distillery and Half Moon Bay Distillery, both woman-owned—have been receiving accolades for their lines of small-batch spirits. Half Moon Bay Distillery offers private in-store tastings; Jettywave’s pet-friendly garden, The Swell Lounge, serves up cocktails as well as food.

Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay

A few of Half Moon Bay’s standout lodging options include the Inn at Mavericks, a dog-friendly inn overlooking the Pacific, within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, and the ocean. If you’re looking for some ultra-luxe pampering after a day exploring the coast, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay commands a bluff overlooking the ocean. Its spa features treatments inspired by the area’s natural setting—it’s an ideal spot for some rejuvenation.