Weekend Guide to Half Moon Bay - Ocean views from the cliffs above Three Rocks Beach next to the Ritz Carlton. — Ocean views from the cliffs above Three Rocks Beach next to the Ritz Carlton.

Dramatic nature sites and breathtaking ocean scenery – it is not difficult to see the allure of Half Moon Bay. If you wish to discover this unspoiled stretch of the Northern California coast, I've handpicked the best things to do and see in the area.

Thanks to its small-town charm combined with incredible vistas, Half Moon Bay has become a loved weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities, San Francisco and San Jose. From excellent surfing opportunities to great hiking spots – Half Moon Bay offers its visitors a wide range of experiences.

Half Moon Bay is my hometown, I was born and grew up here up until I moved away for college. This guide is composed from the perspective of a local with many revealed hidden gems. My blog post is also filled with many of my favorite photos taken over the last several years. Keep scrolling to find all kinds of inspiration for your trip.

Whether you wish to have a romantic laidback weekend with your loved one or a fun-filled getaway with the whole family, Half Moon Bay won't disappoint. But don't just take my word for it – book a trip and see the magic for yourself!

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Half Moon Bay?

Most of the year Half Moon Bay is foggy, overcast and has cooler temperatures averaging in the 60’s. During the months of May, June and July, the sky is mostly overcast and grey. In the winter you’ll see heavy fog, rain and dark skies.

The best time to head to the Coastside is in the fall, between the months of August and November, when the temperatures are warm and pleasant. The best chance you have for a sunny day is during the very late summer and fall season.

Beware that when there’s heat waves happening in the San Mateo and San Jose areas of the Bay Area, many people flock to Half Moon Bay to escape the heat and take advantage of cooler coastal weather. Unfortunately this also means that traffic on the one-way narrow roads of Highway 92 and Highway 1 tends to pile up. I advise you plan on driving in early in the morning and leaving late on Sunday night.

Top Things To Do & Areas to Explore in Half Moon Bay

There is no shortage of things to do in Half Moon Bay. Here is a list of ideas on the best places to see and how to spend your weekend in Half Moon Bay.

Pacific Coast Highway

If you are planning a trip from San Francisco, why not take the scenic route and drive the iconic Pacific Coast Highway? The 600-mile route features California's rugged and beautiful coastlines, including Half Moon Bay.

As you drive past mountains, expansive beaches, and incredible trees, you will be mesmerized by all the beauty. Cruising along the Half Moon Bay stretch of Highway 1 (another name for the Pacific Coast Highway) you’ll see sandy beaches, restaurants, farm stands and fields of wildflowers.

Kayaking in the Harbor

Those who enjoy an active way of traveling will have a blast kayaking in Half Moon Bay. For your adventure, the Pillar Point Harbor is the best starting point since it has very calm and easy waters to navigate. The Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. has been a long-standing locally owned business and we’ve rented equipment from them for over 10 years. Their business is located right on the sand at Pillar Point Harbor so you don’t need to haul any kayaks around with a car.

While in the kayak you are likely to see seals and sea lions swimming around in the water beneath you. They are harmless and friendly, and often very curious. I’ve had a few seals swim right up to my kayak to check me out. A friendly reminder, never try to pet a seal!

Scroll down in this blog post to see photos of our foggy 4th of July day of kayaking in the harbor in Half Moon Bay.

Downtown Main Street

Half Moon Bay is not all about beaches. Half Moon Bay's Main street has a rich history, and it is definitely one of the most charming downtown areas around. A long time ago Half Moon Bay was a western outlaw town and many of the historical downtown buildings have been preserved to maintain their character. Downtown Main Street has a fairly long stretch of scenic walkable blocks with plenty to see.

Some of our favorite go-to places on Main Street are:

San Benito House - The San Benito House was once a saloon and it still looks like one today. The downstairs deli sandwich shop is locally famous for baking amazing homemade bread. There’s often a line on the weekends but it’s worth the wait!
It’s Italia - Modern Italian restaurant.
Half Moon Bay Coffee Co. - Long-standing coffee house and bakery with amazing desserts.
Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel - A historical farm and western horseback riding store. Kids love going inside because they have live animals such as rabbits, baby chicks, Guinea pigs, fish and more.
Garden Apothecary - A newer addition to downtown, Garden Apothecary is a rustic modern wellness and botany store. It’s a very calming spot and hits all the marks for new age lovers.

I recommend during your weekend trip you do some boutique shopping to satisfy your inner shopaholic, try the fantastic eateries, visit the art galleries and take in the old-timey western scene.

Browse Our Favorite Half Moon Bay Hotels:

Beach House Hotel

The Beach House is located right next to Surfer’s Beach and the Coastal Trail. The popular seafood restaurant Sam’s Chowder House is also within walking distance.

Book Hotel

Mill Rose Inn

The Mill Rose Inn is a Bed and Breakfast located in the heart of downtown. They have beautiful gardens on their property. There’s plenty of shops and restaurants less than a 5 minute walk away.

Book Hotel

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

The Ritz Carlton sits on the edge of some very majestic oceanside cliffs. There’s sandy beaches right below and some of the prettiest stretches of the Coastal Trail run through the Ritz.

Book Hotel

Nantucket Whale Inn

I grew up around the corner from the Nantucket Whale Inn Bed and Breakfast. It’s located walking distance to downtown and is elegantly decorated for a sophisticated experience.

Book Hotel

Oceano Hotel and Spa

The Oceano Hotel is right in the harbor. You can walk down the Coastal Trail to the beach or go kayaking in the harbor. Popular restaurants Mezzaluna and Half Moon Bay Brewing Company are just down the road.

Book Hotel

Aristocrat Hotel

The Aristocrat Hotel is a decorated with a modern British theme. It’s walking distance to Redondo Beach and Cameron’s English Pub.

Book Hotel

Seal Cove Inn

The Seal Cove Inn is an English cottage style Bed and Breakfast located right above the beach. The property has gardens and beautiful landscaping.

Book Hotel

The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Visiting Half Moon Bay and not taking in all the sweeping views is a true crime. One of the coolest things to do in Half Moon Bay is to explore the Coastal Trail.

Offering awe-inspiring vistas of the Pacific Ocean, this 3.7-mile trail is considered a fairly easy route for hiking or biking. Since the area is quite popular, you will most likely encounter other people exploring. I have walked this trail many times on my own without any issues, it’s very safe.

My favorite places to start walking on this trail are both Poplar Beach and Francis Half Moon Bay State Beach. Both of these beaches are located near the middle of the trail so you can either head left or right down the path and you’ll have plenty of walking trail ahead of you.

Pumpkin Season in Half Moon Bay

Fall and the month of October are especially magical in Half Moon Bay. This quiet farming community comes alive in the autumn season. As Halloween approaches, many family farms are converted into festive pumpkin patches, which are open for the public to enjoy. So if you are wondering how to spend your Halloween weekend in Half Moon Bay, consider paying a visit to one of these estates!

Lemos Farm will be an excellent choice for families with young children since it includes a petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, and much more. For adults, trying the Goat Yoga would be a fun experience. Another great place to discover is the Andreotti Family Farms Pumpkin Patch. Located close to the beach, you can sunbathe in the morning and grab pumpkins in the afternoon!

Every year during the second weekend of October, the city puts on the enormous Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival which completely takes over the entire downtown area. Thousands of people come from all over the Bay Area to partake in the cherished autumn traditions such as eating pumpkin-flavored foods, a Halloween parade, pumpkin carvings, live music, haunted houses, local vendors selling handmade art and more.

Pro Tip: The traffic and parking gets really crazy during Pumpkin Festival weekend. If you want to experience it, I suggest you book a hotel within walking distance of Main Street. If you’re staying at the Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton, they have a dedicated Pumpkin Festival shuttle for guests.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve

Half Moon Bay is an excellent place for hiking. Head to the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve to walk among redwood giants. With over 25 miles of trails, you are sure to get your daily dose of cardio (and endorphins). Start at the bottom of the trail (Higgins Canyon Rd) and move towards the top of the mountain to enjoy the best views. The hike won't be easy, but the effort is well worth it! The vistas really are unbeatable.

Sunflower Picking at Andreotti Family Farms

Like many of my fellow Instagrammers, I have a bit of an obsession with sunflower fields. The Andreotti Family owns several farms in Half Moon Bay and during the month of September they have a sunflower field in full bloom. This is one of the rare farms that not only allows visitors to walk in the fields, you can actually cut your own flowers and pay by the bunch. In the fall season check their website and Instagram for opening dates of the sunflower fields.

Christmas at the Johnston House

As you drive along Highway 1 near Redondo Beach you’ll see rolling hills with green grass and yellow flowers. High up on the hill you’ll see a lone standing big white house that looks like it came straight out of a history book. This is the historical James Johnston House which was built in the 1850’s.

In present day the house has been restored to its former glory and is open to the public. During the Christmas season the house is decorate and there’s often a holiday bazaar where you can shop locally made gifts. Scroll down to see photos from our visit to the Johnston House.

Devil’s Slide Trail

Growing up in Half Moon Bay we had to drive the treacherous Devil’s Slide road to go north up to Pacifica. This narrow and windy road is located right at the edge of a huge cliff and every winter giant boulders and mudslides would block cars from crossing.

Eventually this road was closed off to cars and a much safer tunnel was built through the mountain to reach Pacifica. The old Devil’s Slide road has now become a walking and bike path open to pedestrians. The ocean views are truly stunning, especially during the sunset hours.

Weekend Guide to Half Moon Bay - Fields of wild blooming yellow mustard flowers in Half Moon Bay. — Fields of wild blooming yellow mustard flowers in Half Moon Bay.

Montara Mountain

Ready to break a sweat and get a solid workout? The Montara Mountain Trail is perhaps, the most challenging oceanside hike in Half Moon Bay. It has some steep vertical inclines that will really work your calf muscles. Combining stunning ocean views and green scenery, it will be a pleasant surprise even for the most experienced travelers.

On a foggy day you will actually get so high in altitude that you’ll climb up higher that the fog line into the sunshine. It looks like you’re standing on the clouds.

The mountain has three main trailheads – one is at the Martini Creek entrance, another one at the Grey Whale Cove parking area, and the last one at San Pedro Valley Country Park. On maps I’ve seen this done as a loop trail but I’ve hiked this route a dozen times as a up and back trail.

Pro Tip: Parking at the Grey Whale Cove entrance is very limited and I suggest you arrive early. You can park across the street at the beach parking lot and carefully cross the highway to the trailhead.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

As far as cool things to do in Half Moon Bay go, staying overnight at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the best. Established in 1872, the lighthouse is perhaps the most photographed in the whole country. They have a fully operating hostel onsite with bunk beds and comfy accommodations. As kids we attended a summer camp annually at the lighthouse.

From Half Moon Bay you drive south on Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) towards Pescadero. The lighthouse is located at 210 Pigeon Point Road, Pescadero, CA 94060.

Weekend Guide to Half Moon Bay - U-pick strawberries at Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport. — U-pick strawberries at Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport.

Strawberry Picking at Swanton Berry Farm

U-picking fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers is one of my favorite past times. Every summer growing up we would pick fresh berries at the Swanton Berry Farm in Davenport. It’s a lovely scenic drive south on the Pacific Coast Highway to Davenport from Half Moon Bay. The ripe season for the berries is usually around the month of June. Check their website to see if they are open for the season.

Arcangeli Grocery Country Store / Norm’s Market in Pescadero

Pescadero is another cute and historical town along the Pacific Coast Highway. It is located just a 25 minute drive south on Highway 1 from Half Moon Bay. There’s many popular beaches along this drive including the Pescadero State Beach and the San Gregorio State Beach.

Pescadero is much smaller than Half Moon Bay, but there’s a couple spots of interest. The Arcangeli Grocery Company (also known as Norms Market) is famous for their fresh baked breads and especially the Garlic Herb & Artichoke Bread. People love to pick up deli sandwiches and snacks here for a beach picnic.

There’s also a popular Pescadero Farmer’s Market and adorable vintage barn on Pescadero Creek Road and Stage Road.

Surfing Lessons in Half Moon Bay

Besides being a farming town, Half Moon Bay is also a big time surfing destination. The world famous Mavericks surfing competition takes place in Half Moon Bay with giant 80 foot waves.

But don’t worry, there’s plenty of easy and calm waves for beginner surfers. I’ve been to surf school both in Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz and I can tell you that it’s much less intimidating than it sounds. The instructors are great at helping beginners feel safe and confident.

Book your tickets to surfing class in Half Moon Bay here.

Ocean views from the Devil’s Slide Trail.

Best Places to Eat in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay may be a small town, but within the city limits you can find some world class dining. From casual eats to fine dining, I’m giving you all my favorite foodie spots that I’ve frequented often in the last 30 years.

Pasta Moon

Pasta Moon is an upscale Italian eatery located at the very end of Main Street. It’s been in business since I was very young and is still one of the top choices for fine dining. I always order the butternut squash ravioli and anything with artichoke.

Sam’s Chowder House

For sustainable ocean-fresh seafood, there is no better place in Half Moon Bay than Sam's Chowder House. Voted as 'Best Seafood in the Bay Area”, the restaurant will be a pleasant discovery for lobster, crab, calamari, oysters, and fish and chips fans. The oceanfront dining is surprisingly casual, which makes the experience much more laidback and relaxing.

Pro Tip: Sam’s Chowder House gets really busy on the weekends and during any holiday. They only allow reservations on weekdays and you can’t reserve a spot on the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. I would plan to put your name down and expect a long wait. Luckily there’s plenty of pretty views to enjoy while you wait.

Cameron’s English Pub

Cameron’s English Pub is all about the fun and quirky ambiance. The decor is vintage British themed with off-the-wall knick knacks from ceiling to floor. There’s a red double decker bus that you can go inside, a British black taxi cab, a karaoke bar, a sports bar and billboard and arcade games.

The food is standard greasy pub food including burgers and fries, pizza and meat entrees. They do serve a lot of traditional English foods such as fish n’ chips and bangers and mash.

Cameron’s is very family-friendly and you can feel comfortable bringing kids of all ages.

Barn Burger

If you’re planning to cruise along Highway 1 then I recommend you stop for lunch at the Barn Burger. This modern rustic restaurant is located inside a renovated vintage barn. The burgers are delicious and they also serve hot dogs, salads and sides. Don’t skip the dessert menu, their milkshakes are awesome!

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company

The HMB Brewing Company is located in the harbor. This is a popular hangout spot for both locals and visitors alike. They have a very welcoming outdoor patio with fire pits and harbor views. On the menu I love their fried artichoke hearts and the Brew Burger. They have lots of fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and more. Beer fans can try their on-site locally brewed beers and ales.

Granola’s Coffee Shop

Granola Coffee Shop is a casual cafe located along Highway 1 near the Safeway shopping center. They have a vintage Airstream on their patio and patrons can hangout and enjoy a cup of coffee and small bite inside the Airstream. While sitting in the Airstream it feels like you’re camping and kids especially love it.

Best Beaches in Half Moon Bay

Northern California has many stunning beaches with dramatic cliffs and rock formations. One question I get asked often is if it’s warm enough to swim in the ocean water. In Southern California the water gets warm enough to swim, but not in Northern California. Surfers love to surf in Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, but they need to wear wetsuits to stay warm in the water.

A beach day in Half Moon Bay consists of picnics on the sand or at the top of the cliff. On a hot day you may want to dip your toes in the waves. Come prepared with clothing layers because it gets unexpectedly chilly, especially on the beach where the winds are blowing.

Francis Beach

The first time most people come to the beach in Half Moon Bay, they end up going to Francis Half Moon Bay State Beach. It is the most well known and the closest to the main city entrance of Highway 92. While there’s nothing wrong with Francis Beach, I personally recommend avoiding it during peak weekends and holidays because it will get crowded. There’s also beachside campgrounds located at Francis Beach.

Poplar Beach

My childhood home was walking distance to Poplar Beach and I’ve been to this spot more times than I can count. Dogs are allowed on the sand at Poplar Beach, but they must be secured on a leash. The Coastal Trail runs right through here and you can easily walk on the cliffs and see ocean views. There’s a decent amount of parking available, but you do have to pay a fee to park in the lot.

Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch in Half Moon Bay.

Bean Hollow State Beach

I wrote a blog post about hidden gems along the Pacific Coast Highway and I included Bean Hollow on the list because it truly is a hidden place. When all the other beaches in Half Moon Bay are packed with visitors, Bean Hollow is usually nice and quiet. It’s about a 20 minute drive south on Highway 1 just past the exit to Pescadero.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is considered one of the best Marine life habitats in Northern California, it is an excellent destination for marine life enthusiasts. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is among the best places to explore tide pools because it is home to a colorful variety of sea creatures, including sea urchins, hermit crabs, sea stars, and others. We may not have an aquarium in Half Moon Bay, but you can see so many sea life living in their natural habitat.

Pro Tip: The tide must be low to be able to walk on the rocks where the tide pools are located. It is dangerous to try and walk on the slippery rocks at high tide. There’s also very limited parking so I suggest you visit early in the morning.

Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach is another hidden gem mostly only known by locals. Driving along Highway 1 there’s an inconspicuous and easy to miss exit road called Redondo Beach Road. When I was younger this path was a bumpy dirt and gravel road that led to a parking lot on the edge of a high cliff (it may now be a normal paved road). You then had to ascend down the cliff to the beach. You’ll find plenty of sandy beach and tide pools to explore.

Año Nuevo State Park

Another great place that should be on your Half Moon Bay itinerary is the Año Nuevo State Park. The area is the site of the largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. During winter, all curious visitors can spot the enormous and intriguing animals.

But even if you visit during the spring, summer or autumn months and don't see the seals, it is a great opportunity to enjoy stunning ocean views. This beach is usually much more quiet and less crowded than other popular beaches.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Gray Whale Cove State Beach is technically in Montara which is just north of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1. What makes it unique is the fact is set in an area of steep cliff erosion between Pacifica and Montara. The beach has great sandy shores for laying out a picnic blanket and having a relaxing beach day.

As you can guess from its title, gray whales can often be seen migrating close to the shore. On-site, there is a small picnic area available, so don't miss out on the opportunity to have a delicious lunch overlooking the ocean.

Montara State Beach

Whether you wish to surf, sunbathe, or enjoy a simple stroll, the Montara State Beach won't disappoint. The wide, mile-long beach features sculpted sandstone cliffs that are the perfect photo backdrop. The water tends to be especially pretty with turquoise blue colors at Montara Beach. I have a clear memory of swimming in the waters at this beach on one rare hot day in Half Moon Bay.

Three Rocks Beach at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

It’s no surprise that the Ritz Carlton sits adjacent to some of the most scenic beach trail views and well maintained beach. Many people incorrectly believe that the coastal trail and Three Rocks Beach is private hotel property because it’s so close to the Ritz. But in fact this is public property and open to anyone.

The struggle with Three Rocks Beach is that there’s no easy public parking, valet at the Ritz is the closest parking available. If you’re willing to take a longer walk, I have a hack to avoiding paying for expensive valet parking. If you park at Redondo Beach, there’s a public trail that connects to the Ritz property.