Morning: Outdoor Adventure
Explore the great outdoors along miles and miles of beautiful coastline by choosing your own outdoor adventure. The sweet town of Half Moon Bay is one like no other. With beaches galore, great shopping and dining destinations, and scenic views at every turn, you’ll be sure to have the trip of a lifetime here.
With gorgeous weather, comes fun outdoor activities, enjoy a round of golf at picturesque Half Moon Bay Golf Links or do some whale watching along the beautiful coast.
Or visit our friends over at Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. in Pillar Point Harbor! They can help everyone from beginners to experts to get out on the water in the craft of their choice and explore the beautiful pacific coast.
At 11 a.m., the quiet and charming coastal town of Pescadero opens - just in time for a perfect mid-morning stop. This is when local shops and bakeries open their doors. Head straight to Arcangeli Grocery Co., where the iconic artichoke garlic bread is pulled hot from the oven. Warm, savory, and stuffed with local flavor, it’s a beloved treat that draws visitors from miles around.
Once you’ve grabbed your loaf (and maybe a few extras), take a short drive to Harley Farms Goat Dairy. Nestled in the rolling hills just outside town, this charming, award-winning farm is home to hundreds of Alpine goats and offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at artisanal cheese-making. Guests can tour the milking barn, visit with the goats, and browse the farm shop stocked with cheeses, skin care products, and seasonal specialties. It’s a peaceful, authentic slice of coastal life you won’t want to miss.
Then head to Año Nuevo State Park, a natural preserve home to one of the largest elephant seal communities and other wildlife or see Pigeon Point Lighthouse,one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast of the United States, standing at 115 feet tall.
Mid-Day: Cultural Attractions
Make your way to Pacifica’s Sanchez Art Center, which features exhibitions by emerging and established California artists in its three galleries and offers art classes and workshops. Pacifica is also home to Sanchez Adobe, the oldest building open to the public on The San Francisco Peninsula, going back to early Native American times. Sam’s Castle, which was built in 1908, also boasts a long and colorful history.
While in Pacifica, take a stroll along Linda Mar Beach, one of the most popular surf spots on the Northern California coast - it’s a perfect place to take in the ocean views. And right on the beach, you’ll find the Taco Bell Cantina, known as the most beautiful Taco Bell in the world - complete with a walk-up surfer window and oceanfront patio seating.
For a peaceful outdoor escape, hike the trails at Mori Point, a blufftop park with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific and seasonal wildflowers.
Early Afternoon: Shop and Dine
Head over to Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street, home to several stores and eateries such as Half Moon Bay Wine and Cheese Company, a wine store with a carefully crafted collection of boutique, family-owned and rare wines as well as a number of the world's finest artisanal and farmstead cheeses. Have a look inside other bookstores and gift shops to discover gourmet cookware, other local wine-tasting venues, fine jewelry, yarns from all over the world, home furnishings, and much more!
Enjoy a cold craft beer at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, craft cocktails at Jettywave Dostillery or a delicious dinner at Sam’s Chowder House. In the mood for something sweet? Make sure to pop over to Mazzetti’s Bakery in Pacifica, featuring delicious baked goods made fresh daily!
Late Afternoon: Sip and Savor Wines
No trip to California is complete without a little wine, and the coast is home to two exquisite wineries with tasting rooms. Half Moon Bay’s La Nebbia Winery is available for private tours and hosts entertaining events throughout the year. Enjoy lunch on their outdoor patio and play on the bocce ball courts. Half Moon Bay is also home to Barterra Winery, started by the grandson of an Italian winemaker, which offers wines, olive oils, and artisan chocolates.
Evening: Kick Back and Relax
End your day by being pampered at one of the area’s acclaimed spas. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is perched atop a scenic bluff with sweeping coastal vistas, and its spa features lounges with whirlpools and a candlelit, co-ed mineral bath with Tsunami showers. Don't miss out on the bagpiper performance on the terrace at sunset!
If you're looking for something more laid-back but equally special, head over to Jettywave Distillery, just minutes away in Pillar Point Harbor. This small-batch, coastal craft distillery is known for its sustainable, locally inspired spirits and beautifully designed outdoor cocktail garden. Sip on a seasonal craft cocktail surrounded by live music, and fire pits—perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
