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

Hiking

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.

Inland, the Half Moon Bay Coastside offers an incredible variety of trails winding through wetlands, historic ranch lands, and peaceful redwood forests, suited to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders of every ability. The Devil's Slide Trail traces a dramatic former highway carved into the cliffs, while Pillar Point Marsh draws birdwatchers to its wetland habitat and Purisima Creek Redwoods offers a shaded, forested contrast to the coast's open bluffs.

Farther south, Cowell Ranch State Beach and Año Nuevo State Park round out the region's variety, the latter known for its resident elephant seal colony. Along the way, keep an eye out for migrating whales, seabirds, and springtime wildflowers, and note that coastal weather can shift quickly—layers are always a good idea, no matter how sunny the morning looks.

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Half Moon Bay eBike Tour

Another great way to experience the coast is on two wheels with Ride California’s Half Moon Bay eBike Tour. This guided ride follows scenic stretches of the California Coastal Trail, giving you front-row views of the ocean while cruising past beaches, bluffs, and wildflower-filled meadows. Along the way, you’ll also get a feel for the town itself, from its laid-back downtown to surrounding farms and open spaces. 

Mavericks

As for Mavericks—the surf 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. 

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Family-Friendly Fun on Land

If you've got kids in your posse, Half Moon Bay makes it easy to turn a coastal getaway into a family adventure. Bike a stretch of the California Coastal Trail, saddle up for a ride at Sea Horse Ranch, or explore the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, keeping an eye out for harbor seals along the way. 

For a dose of farm life, meet the goats at Harley Farms, or head to Lemos Farm for pony rides, hayrides, train rides, and a petting zoo, along with goat yoga for parents looking to squeeze in a little wellness alongside the kids' activities. Though Lemos Farm is open year-round, October is an especially good time to visit, with live music, Halloween-themed festivities, and no shortage of pumpkins. 

Nearby, the Andreotti Family Farm's U-Pick Sunflower Field and Pumpkin Patch is just as photogenic, welcoming visitors each September and October to wander a sea of vivid amber blooms—reservations online are recommended ahead of time. When it's time for an easier outing, Devil's Slide offers a gentle coastal hike suited to all ages, and downtown Half Moon Bay rounds out the day with gelato, candy shops, and a retro arcade, plus family-friendly restaurants near the harbor. 

Looking for a specific recommendation for your sweet tooth? Duck into Small Town Sweets, a colorful candy shop on Main St. known for its playful gummy Sandsharks. Inside, you'll find nostalgic candy, novelty sweets, and sour favorites.

A different way of getting a feel for the town's character is the self-guided public art tour through downtown Half Moon Bay. Spanning four blocks, the walkable route highlights murals and mosaics celebrating the town's fishing, farming, and coastal heritage, including a towering Mavericks wave and a Pumpkin Festival mural honoring local farmworkers.

No matter when you visit or what’s on your San Francisco Peninsula bucket list, make time to stop by the California Welcome Center - Half Moon Bay. You'll find maps and brochures to help guide your trip, and the friendly local staff are ready to share insider tips on everything from scenic drives and coastal hikes to farm visits and must-try dining spots.

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.

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Shopping in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay's compact downtown is a rewarding place to browse, with independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops lining Main Street's historic storefronts. Many of these businesses aren't newcomers, either—several have been serving the Coastside community for decades, weathering the town's evolution from a quiet farming and fishing village into a beloved coastal destination while still holding onto their old-school charm. Take some time to explore some of Half Moon Bay's oldest and most storied shops, many of which double as local institutions in their own right.

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, making it an ideal spot for some rejuvenation.