By far the most special? Whether you live in the Bay Area or are just visiting, a day trip to Half Moon Bay is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday or Sunday. Our favorite time to visit, because of the beautiful wildflowers. Theres even a small petting zoo for the kids! For more details and to register, please use this link www.bayareaolderadults . Beach House Half Moon Bay. There is plenty of parking in the lot and along the side of the road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Park at the end of Redondo Beach Road, then start walking to your left to reach the path! For those of you traveling from San Francisco - play it by ear! A Perfect Weekend in Half Moon Bay, California - JetsetChristina Just like in nearby Pacifica, theres a whole bunch of hiking trails in Half Moon Bay! Other activities to do at Pillar Point Harbor include: The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is the perfect spot to grab a drink, some yummy snacks, and sit around a cozy fire pit with views overlooking the bay. I know I wanted to see a little bit of everything, so if youre tight on time, then this guide is for you. Looking out you can see the Pillar Point Harbor, which sits on the right with the fishing boats lined up and docked at the port. Im happy I did because I caught a great sunset, but I dont know that I fully maximized my route. Summer: brings in the beachgoers, but can have foggy days. Probably my favorite way to get around! Photo courtesy of Tablet Hotels. Half Moon Bay Day Trips | 1 day in Half Moon Bay | Half Moon Bay On our first time at Half Moon Bay, I was blown away by all of the beauty and charm this small town had to offer. Farmers, surfers and tourists arent the only ones who roam these parts. Date: Friday July 14, 2023 from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. So, if youre just getting started, let the pros ride these massivewaves, and save your board for another beach. Located on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay is surrounded by magnificent nature and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views. We went with my then-2-year-old nephew a few years ago and it was so much fun! all my favorite stops on the Pacific Coast Highway, Read about my stay at the Ritz Carlton HMB here, theres a whole bunch of beaches in Half Moon Bay. Required fields are marked *. And the ones in Half Moon Bay are some of the best Ive seen in the Bay Area. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips. The waves must be at least 20 feet for the competition to occur. A few of my favorites- Poplar, Mavericks, and Miramar. After a winter storm, waves can grow to be as large as 60 feet, which makes for a popular location for surfers. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is one of the premier northern California resorts. The hatchery was constructed to replace the salmon and steelhead runs blocked by Nimbus and Folsom dams. READ NEXT: Our beachy-chic stay at the Ritz Carlton! Get your bucket list ready for the top destinations in California that look and feel like foreign countries. There is something for the adventure seeker, foodie, dog lover, and beach bums alike. Website. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. Do note this access to see the elephant seals requires a moderate hike, so bring your sneakers and leave your sandals in the car. AND corn stalks to wander through! Zach had no problem in flip flops, but we went slowly. THE 5 BEST Half Moon Bay Tours & Excursions - Tripadvisor Half Moon Bay Day Trips. Youll see beautiful views along the drive so I fully encourage you to stop wherever and whenever youd like. Things to Do in Half Moon Bay, CA - Half Moon Bay Attractions Things to Do in Half Moon Bay Popular things to do Top Picks Tours & Sightseeing Beaches Private & Custom Tours Day Trips & Excursions Cultural & Theme Tours Mountain Bike Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Ports of Call Tours Ways to tour Half Moon Bay Day Trip to Half Moon Bay, California | The Wandering Blonde To truly know what I am talking about you will have to experience it for yourself and come visit! Sam's Chowder House This Half. The green fees are pretty high though, at around $250 in peak season (they do go lower, so just keep on checking!). Locals only: These are our favorite Bay Area day trips - SFGATE Now, I dont really know how to do this, but if thats your thing, go for it! Seriously - the cliffs are amazing! Drive south out of San Francisco on Hwy. For visitor information, the Visitor Center is located at 235MainStreet, HalfMoonBay,CA94019 Photo by Yuval Helfman, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz County, Arcangeli's Garlic Herb & Artichoke Bread. HMB is full of charming farms and nurseries, so theres no better place to check it all out than at the Farmers Market! The Half Moon Bay Coastal trail is also a popular location for birdwatching and other various collections of wildlife. Copyright 2023 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Day Trip to Half Moon Bay & Santa Cruz A restored home located at the south end of Main Street. Some that are better for dipping your toes into, others which are awesome for tide pooling, some that are great for sunbathing, others with dogs running around, and some with awesome walks from atop the bluffs. Photo courtesy of Tablet Hotels. If youre doing this drive July through October and youve got kids in tow, pull in atAratas Pumpkin Farm,15 minutessouth of Half Moon Bay, for some wholesome fun (think hay maze, haunted house, petting zoo, and pumpkins in every size). 35 (Skyline Blvd. *October weekends can also have slowdowns due to Half Moon Bay having so many great places to get pumpkins! Fancy a pile of Alaskan King Crab legs? Pigeon Point Lighthouse (my favorite and where I take ALL visitors) and more tide pools are nearby too! As noted, there are SO MANY worthy beaches all along the coast, so make a day out of it and explore as many as you can (or do as we do and just keep going back ). There is no right option, it really just depends on your preference and the sights you prioritize. Address 12320 San Mateo Rd. Always pack a jacket and other layers for your trip. The Visit Half Moon Bay web site is jointly funded and maintained by the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. Visiting in winter? Nimbus is more than just a spawning ground for our finned friends. From Mavericks, the legendary surfer's beach (which is dog friendly), to Pomponio State Beach (easily accessible for all from the parking lot), there are endless options as you drive along Highway 1. Theres absolutely nobetter way to spend a chilly evening/afternoon in the area. Website. Day trips, tickets & tours. We love spending our weekend mornings strolling by the beach, coffee in hand, feet in the sand. Youll find fruit jams, fresh pies, locally sourced coffee, and a plethora of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. If youre super into the sport and local, make sure to keep tabs on when the Mavericks Challenge will happen. Shhhhhh!!! Shark Fin Cove is without a doubt my favorite stop along this route. Should I rent a car? With an an inspiring coastal setting, accessible locale, and unique venues that will delight your teamand your budget officeThe Half Moon Bay Coastside provides a, Indoors or Outdoors, Coastside lodging venues offer great options for location and decor. While theres lots of sea life along the coast, dont miss these top two spots: TheJV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a marine protected area, where you can see lots of different creatures, including starfish, crabs, barnacles, mussels, sea urchins, and more. Moment Editorial/Getty Images There used to be an international surfing competition over here, but its been cancelled the past few years (due to the waves not being large enough). Its best to arrive around low tide. Coastal Arts League. I recommend this for warmer months so you can spend more time on the beaches and Boardwalk near Santa Cruz during the day. How do the waves get so large? Looking for one of the most unique things to do in Half Moon Bay? This means that some features may not work as intended. Reservations can be made in advance. If you pick this way, youll walk past a few beautiful golf courses as well! Early bird rides start at 8:00 a.m. and are a great way to beat the crowds during the busy summer. If you visit during crab season, you can purchase live crab right from the fishermans boat. Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Hoping to go again soon! Location: Meeting location: San Jose 95129. Once you park and walk towards the entrance, you'll notice some old train tracks that are fun to walk along. It gets super crowded during the fall months, but worth it at least once. Theres really no bad time for a drive down the coast. Zach and I went in early November and in December and loved both months, but we're looking forward to going in the Spring and seeing healthier greenery and wildflowers. This is the route I took during my first visit. But theyre still worth the splurge and this place is a classic along the coast in Half Moon Bay. July 4 4th of July HALF MOON BAY LIONS Pancake Breakfast City Hall Parking Lot Discover the Half Moon Bay Coastside What's New in Half Moon Bay Summer 2023 Indulge in a relaxing summer getaway in captivating Half Moon Bay, located a mere 30 miles south of San Francisco, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle. It is located in Moss Beach, which is about a 10-15 minute drive from Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. It also offers some nice opportunities for wine and food lovers. Sams Chowder House, 4210 N Cabrillo Hwy. I always suggest bringing along a light jacket or sweater in order to deal with the crazy, constantly changing, California coastal weather. However, (of course theres a however), it typically feels a lot warmer in the sun. Mavericks is located one-half mile off the coast by Pillar Point Harbor. There is plenty of parking available for a $10 fee outside of the trail. MICHELIN Plate restaurant Caf Capistrano. Your email address will not be published. The trail starts at the end of the parking lot. It's a little rocky and uneven, but fine for most cars. Visiting both in one day is absolutely possible if your plan is to see the highlights of all locations and not linger too long in one spot. Barbaras is one of the best places to eat in the area. Oh my god. Something still on my Half Moon Bay bucket! Every bite of the flaky croissant was filled with delicious chocolate. 18 Awesome Things to do in Pescadero: Only a 24-minute drive from Half Moon Bay is the charming and beautiful town of Pescadero. 1.5h). Charming waterfront eateries. Make your first stop at Moonside Bakery and Caf for some fresh coffee and baked goods. Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: August 19, 2022california half moon bay highway 1. Ive seen daylight and sunsets in both places, and I really loved them both. Its takes a few minutes to get used to, but once you have it, youll never want to walk again! Cant find what youre looking for on the boats? And then theres the perpetual fog/marine layer. And dont miss our annual Farm + Fish + Flowers event which takes a limited number of lucky visitors to historic sites, farms, and nurseries not usually open to the public. The path to reach the beach isn't super obvious, but you'll notice it once you get closer to the views in the middle of the cove. A cozy beach town located on the Northern California coast, Half Moon Bay is the perfect little getaway for an eventful day or a rejuvenating afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Along the coast there are temperature changes throughout the day, you are going to want to dress in layers to be more comfortable. Needless to say, we were not happy, but it later made for a funny story and picture. Comment below or, Follow me to see my latest posts + stories. If youre lucky enough to be visiting Half Moon Bay on a clear day, MAKE SURE you stay to watch the sunset. If you want to spend the night in Half Moon Bay, heres where to book: The 54 rooms at this oceanfront hotel are designed to look like homey beach cottages, with living room areas that open onto a balcony or patio.