If you’re looking for scenic views and delicious fresh seafood, look no further than Half Moon Bay. With year-round activities and special seasonal events, this charming coastal city 30 miles south of San Francisco is always worth a stop during a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway.
In the fall, Half Moon Bay comes alive with the local harvest, as pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and sunflower fields take over the landscape. The town is also known for its top-notch golf courses, including the renowned Half Moon Bay Golf Links, offering spectacular coastal views. For those who love the outdoors, the Coastal Trail provides excellent hiking opportunities with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean along scenic cliffside paths.
For the full experience, consider booking a stay in the area—check out Half Moon Bay Hotels for the best accommodations and enjoy everything this coastal city has to offer!
Food & Shopping in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a foodie’s paradise, offering fresh seafood and locally crafted drinks. Visit the charming downtown area on Main Street for a stroll through boutique shops and delicious dining options, from casual eateries to spots perfect for special occasions. Local favorites like seafood at Sam’s Chowder House or a farm-to-table dinner at Fattoria e Mare showcase the area's coastal flavor. Grab some picnic items and head over to the iconic James Johnston House for sweeping views of the area.
Seafood doesn’t get much fresher than on the California coast, and Half Moon Bay has several places to try a taste. Pillar Point Harbor, homeport to the vital commercial fishing industry, offers fresh fish right off the dock! The Fishline App lets you know the type of fish available to purchase.
Try the Dungeness crab, seasonal oysters, or fish and chips at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Overlooking Pillar Point Harbor, the heated outdoor patio is a great spot for lunch or dinner, and is pet-friendly!
For an incredible seafood feast, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, and dine on their outdoor Ocean Terrace, which is open daily from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM for both overnight guests and non-overnights guests. The seafood tower includes delectable oysters, poached prawns, Dungeness crab, tuna tartare, and octopus salad. Visitors can make a reservation online for this unique experience.
Family-Friendly Experiences in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a fantastic day trip destination for families, offering a blend of outdoor adventures and educational activities for all ages. Whether you're enjoying the seasonal fun at Lemos Farm, where kids can take train rides and visit petting zoos, or picking fresh produce at local farms like Andreotti Family Farms, there’s something for everyone.
Half Moon Bay has some of the best beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area, with opportunities to swim, hike, explore tide pools, or simply relax. Located right off of scenic Highway 1, this area is made up of four small beaches that form the two-mile curve of fine, white sand and relaxing coves. The waves here make for a great surfing spot! Grab your picnic basket and enjoy a stunning sunset at Poplar Beach. Or head to Half Moon Bay State Beach, Venice Beach, Dunes Beach, and Roosevelt Beach, which offer perfect spots for families to relax, or take a scenic walk along the trails.
Experience the coast firsthand on the water! Paddle among seals, birds, and marine wildlife in protected Pillar Point Harbor with Half Moon Bay Kayak. Their fleet includes single, double, and triple kayaks as well as paddle boards and bikes to rent. If you’re looking to make your outing special, consider one of their guided trips.
Local Farmers' Markets
From April through December, explore the Coastside Farmers Market for a variety of fresh produce and goods from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. The Coastside Farmers Market in Half Moon Bay is on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For a sweet treat to take home, purchase a variety of raw honey from Half Moon Honey. Owners Teri and Gary Butler are incredibly knowledgeable and focus on fresh honey, pollen, and bee rescues.
To get to know the local farmers, be sure to sign up for a farm tour to learn more about the food grown on The San Francisco Peninsula.
Wineries & Distilleries in Half Moon Bay
To wind down, head over to a local winery or distillery. La Nebbia Winery provides a wide sampling of grape varietals. Their gardens and picnic areas are also the perfect spot to relax and play bocce ball. This winery is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog or cat and relax on their patio.
Stop by Barterra Winery’s tasting room in downtown Half Moon Bay for fine wines sourced from California’s top vineyards, including Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Mendocino.
For a craft cocktail, head to Jettywave Distillery to sit by one of their fire pits and enjoy the coastal breeze and live music.
Decided You Would Like To Stay Longer?
Half Moon Bay offers a variety of sophisticated accommodations for a longer visit. For magnificent views, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Oceano Hotel & Spa, and Beach House Half Moon Bay will not disappoint. Looking for more options? Check out all of the other hotel options in Half Moon Bay! For more assistance in planning these activities, check out Half Moon Bay Coastside Tours.
Explore the Itinerary
