Just a short drive from the bustling city of San Francisco, the picturesque coastal town of Half Moon Bay offers a number of fun activities and attractions to explore. From pristine sandy beaches where you can soak up the sun and ride the waves, to awe-inspiring nature reserves teeming with marine life and breathtaking hiking trails, Half Moon Bay has it all.
When I went to Half Moon Bay for a day trip from San Francisco, I didn’t know what to expect. I found some of the most incredible beaches, cute shops, and fun restaurants. And to top it off, I stumbled into a real British pub and very haunted distillery and restaurant!
Throughout the year, Half Moon Bay hosts a variety of festivals The most popular time to visit is in the fall during the Pumpkin Festival. Another popular time to visit is during the whale migration season. Whenever you visit, there are so many things to do in Half Moon Bay that you will keep busy and enjoy your time.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark: Staff of Ja
- Best park: Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park
- Best free activity: Visiting the beaches!
- Best activity for kids: Lemos Farm
- Best activity for adults: Half Moon Bay Brewing
- Best food: Sam’s Chowder House
- Best nightlife: Cameron’s Restaurant, Pub & Inn
- Best place to stay: Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Fun Things to Do in Half Moon Bay
As you’re driving down the Pacific Coast Highway from the San Francisco Bay Area to Half Moon Bay and wondering what types of things to do in the area, think about what type of trip you’d like to have.
If you are staying for a weekend, there are a lot of great nature preserves and whale-watching opportunities. Only coming for a day trip? There are a few great places to visit in and around Half Moon Bay where you can enjoy your time and see the sites without rushing.
1. Wander Around Half Moon Bay Main Street
There are plenty of things to do in Half Moon Bay, but I recommend starting your visit by walking around downtown Half Moon Bay on the historic Main Street. Here you can enjoy that small-town charm that you can’t get when you’re visiting the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Main Street is lined with boutiques and independent shops. I stopped in a children’s store covered in cute clothes and toys for kids of all ages. I also picked up a National Parks tote bag from a card store with cute souvenirs.
There are a few tours of Half Moon Bay you can do. We recommend the Hidden Gems Guided e-Bike Tour, which takes you around the whole town while you learn about its history.
Aside from the shops, there are lots of restaurants in downtown Half Moon Bay. And right on Main Street is the beautiful Mill Rose Inn.
Gardens and antiques surround this lovely hotel. Staying at the Mill Rose Inn is like stepping back in time and into a luxurious experience. You can book your stay right here.
2. Go to the Half Moon Bay Beaches
Half Moon Bay became a popular destination for the Bay Area to surf and enjoy the beaches in the summer. At Half Moon Bay State Beach, you can picnic, play games, surf, and relax.
So bring your beach bag and settle in for the day. The current and waves can be quite strong though, so it is important to be aware of the Northern California conditions!
I highly recommend walking the nearby paths lined with flowers and butterflies. You can listen to the waves on your walk and then head down the stairs to the beaches.
When I visited, I was blown away by how big the Half Moon Bay state beach was. It is actually composed of a few different beaches that are all connected. Some beaches on the Half Moon Bay state beach stretch are Francis Beach, Venice Beach (different from Venice Beach in LA), Poplar Beach, Naples Beach, and Elmar Beach.
Francis Beach is the easiest state beach to access from Half Moon Bay’s downtown. It has a campground, picnic areas, and well-known surfing conditions. It has a long stretch of sand makes it one of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay with kids, and it’s connected to the Coastal Trail.
I stopped at Poplar Beach to get a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Poplar Beach is walkable from Main Street, but I drove and parked in the nearby parking lot. I walked along the trails from the parking lot and climbed some steps down to the beach.
The state beach was incredible! Tall rocky cliffs seem to cut off onto large stretches of sand, and giant waves crash against the shore every few seconds. It is the perfect place to spend a few hours and take in the ocean views.
See Related: Northern California vs Southern California: What’s the Difference?
3. Have a Pint at Cameron’s Restaurant, Pub & Inn
Address: 1410 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
One of my favorite fun things to do in Half Moon Bay is to stop at Cameron’s Pub for a pint of London Pride. Visiting Cameron’s Pub is a must. It’s an American’s take on an English pub, and the entire restaurant is covered in British trinkets and souvenirs.
The pub has multiple beers on tap, including several from the UK. If they don’t have your favorite on tap, they are sure to have it in the bottle.
They offer a full menu with British and American classics. They even have a British store with traditional mince pies and other British goodies you can’t buy elsewhere in the States.
The best part? The pub is attached to a quaint inn with cozy rooms. And yes, the rooms follow the British theme. There is an RV Park too, making it an easy stop for people who are driving the famous Pacific Coast Highway.
When you visit, look for Cameron. The pub’s owner sat down with us for a chat and told us all about how he developed his collection of over 2,000 beer cans as well as stories from some notable visitors (including icon Daniel Radcliffe, yes, the real Harry Potter). You can watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.
You can’t miss it, as you drive along Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) heading south from downtown Half Moon Bay you’ll see the famous red double-decker bus. If you stop, tag us on Instagram and let us know!
4. Play Golf On A Coastal Golf Course
Before or after your stop at Cameron’s Pub, go for a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in Half Moon Bay. The nearest public course is Half Moon Bay Golf Links, which is nearby the Ritz Carlton.
Golfing is one of the most popular things to do in Half Moon Bay because you often overlook the Pacific Ocean and get to enjoy the fresh sea air. The golf courses are absolutely beautiful. Located along the California coast, the courses have lush vegetation and flowers.
Being so close to the beautiful beaches makes the golf game a bit trickier. You have to play with the wind so your ball doesn’t get lost at sea!
See Related: Best Golf Bachelor Party Destinations to Visit
5. Hike the California Coastal Trail
The California Coastal Trail is a beautiful path that winds through Half Moon Bay and to the surrounding coastal towns. The trail takes you along the Pacific coast and is lined with flowers and beautiful ocean views.
You don’t have to be a professional hiker to add the California Coastal Trail to your list of things to do in Half Moon Bay. The trail is paved and relatively easy to hike. There are hills, though, so you will get a good workout!
Another good reason to add the California Coastal Trail to your list of things to do in Half Moon Bay is that it is an easy way to see all the different state beaches as well as the towns along this stretch of coast. Instead of driving from beach to beach, you can hike too.
While hiking you can watch for coastal wildlife. On the trail, you might see little lizards, deer, rabbits, foxes, and birds. There a lot of different types of birds to look for on the trail too, from ospreys and hawks and the occasional bald eagle to swallows and geese.
Depending on where you are on the trail, you can look out over the ocean and spot dolphins and whales. There are several spots to see sea lions and harbor seals sunbathing on the rocks. Bring your camera to Half Moon Bay to get snaps of all the fun wildlife!
6. Visit the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Address: 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Want to add some luxury while visiting Half Moon Bay? Then look no further than the Ritz Carlton. This beautiful hotel is perched on the rocky cliffs of Manhattan Beach, just a short drive from Main Street.
The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay has wonderful amenities. There are two championship golf courses, a luxurious spa, and an outdoor bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The ocean terrace bar is the perfect place to watch the sunset. The rooms are lovely as well.
I mean, I’ve always enjoyed my stays at Ritz Carlton hotels, but this one has stunning ocean views and a sense of tranquility. It is hard to find a tranquil place in San Francisco, but the Ritz, just 20 miles from the airport, is a relaxing spot to stay when you visit Half Moon Bay. You can book your stay at Booking for the best rate.
Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, visiting the terrace bar or the golf course is still one of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay. It is just a short drive away, so add it to your list! Book your room here; you won’t be disappointed.
See Related: Best Vacation Rentals in California
7. Visit Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Just outside Half Moon Bay, you’ll find the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, a stunning forest area located in the mountains. It is known for the majestic Purisima Creek Trail, which winds through the towering trees.
The preserve is smaller than some National Parks in California, but it is still quite large as it is nearly 5,000 acres, and it is covered with dense, ancient redwood forests. There are a number of trails that wind through these towering redwoods where you can hike and walk or go mountain biking. You can also go horseback riding.
Along the trails, you can see creeks and wildlife at every corner. Be careful about bobcats! Bobcats are known to roam in this area.
8. Walk The Gray Whale Cove Trail
One of the top things to do in Half Moon Bay is to hike the Gray Whale Cove Trail. This picturesque trail has everything you need to enjoy the nature of the central California coast and, if you’re lucky, the chance to see some whales!
The trail begins at the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot. As you start out on the well-maintained path, you’ll venture through a diverse ecosystem with lush central California coastal vegetation, including wildflowers and coastal shrubs. The Gray Whale Cove Trail is about 1.5 miles and has a lot of photo opportunities and scenic viewpoints of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the highlights of the Gray Whale Cove Trail is its prime location for gray whale sightings during their annual migration. From December to April, lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a few whales as they make their way along the coastline.
If you don’t spot any whales on your hike, there are plenty of whale-watching tours to join that make it easier to spot a whale. The most recommended tour is this whale-watching cruise, which includes a marine biologist as your guide!
9. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach
Address: 200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038, United States
Near Half Moon Bay and north of Pillar Point Harbor, is the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, a wonderful area on the coast. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is known for its tide pools and the ecosystems that thrive there. At low tide, the tide pools show off the incredible sea life that is hidden at high tide.
You can see colorful anemones, scurrying crabs, stunning sea stars, and other sea creatures. Walking through the tide pools and naming the different species is so much fun! The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is one of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay for families.
In addition to the tide pools, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve has a coastal trail that winds through the scenic bluffs and cypress groves.
During your visit, take steps to be accountable to the environment to preserve the fragile marine ecosystem here. The reserve has guidelines posted to follow to keep the area protected.
10. Visit the Haunted Moss Beach Distillery
Address: 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach, CA 94038, United States
Overlooking Seal Cove nearby the reserve is a little-known historic landmark, the Moss Beach Distillery. This distillery has a fascinating past that dates back to prohibition. And it is one of the most haunted places in the state!
The distillery has a lot of fun tales, from bootlegging to secret passageways to famous patrons, there seems to be a story about every corner of this place. Their most famous paranormal resident is the “Blue Lady,” a ghost who is rumored to have been murdered on the beach below.
Today the Moss Beach Distillery is a restaurant with stunning ocean views and great food. You can choose to sit inside the dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows or the 1920s bar area with stained glass.
There is also a dog-friendly outdoor patio overlooking the bluffs. And if you have a bit too much “fun,” you can stay at the nearby Seal Cove Inn, an adorable inn with a lot of charm.
When I visited, I sat in the dining area and enjoyed a glass of rose and the ocean views. I spoke with the staff, who reported lots of eerie sightings! Make sure to add this to the list of things to do in Half Moon Bay, and let us know if you see the Blue Lady!
See Related: Most Haunted Hotels in the U.S.
11. Have Another Drink at Half Moon Bay Distillery
Address: 103 Harvard Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
If the haunted distillery wasn’t enough, stop by the Half Moon Bay Distillery, which takes pride in its high-quality, handcrafted spirits. They use locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible, making for some superb beverages.
You can enjoy a distillery tour and tasting here, go behind the scenes and watch the spirit-making process up close. The guides will explain the distillation process and help you identify flavors during the tasting.
There are several signature cocktails to try made from their vodka and gin. Try the cosmic coast or royal sunset, especially if you visit in the fall!
12. Go Beer Tasting At Half Moon Bay Brewing
Address: 390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
If the distillery wasn’t enough, head over to Half Moon Bay Brewing, a popular place to try west coast beers. And its dog friendly!
Half Moon Bay Brewing is a craft brewery known for its excellent beer selection. They have hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, and a refreshing Kölsch, which I found to be quite moreish. Their tap list is constantly changing, so you can try all different types of beers and try something fresh on return visits! And if beer isn’t your thing, they also have wine and cocktails.
The brewery is along the coast, so make sure to enjoy a beer from their outdoor patio and soak in the sea air. They have a great restaurant with truffle fries, nachos, and some pretty excellent fresh seafood.
What I liked most about the Half Moon Bay Brewing team is their focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Stop by and enjoy a beer and feel good about it!
13. Visit The Animals At Lemos Farm
Address: 12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
If you are looking for things to do in Half Moon Bay with kids, head to Lemos Farm. This family-run farm has pony rides, train rids, hay rides, a petting zoo, and more. You can even try goat yoga!
Lemos Farm is just outside of downtown Half Moon Bay. It is really fun to visit during the Pumpkin Festival in the fall as they have a haunted house and pumpkin patch. It’s even pretty close to the U-Pick sunflower farm if you’re considering outdoor day trips.
See Related: Best States to Visit in the USA
14. Learn about Ranching at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park
Address: 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
For the history buffs looking for things to do in Half Moon Bay, you must stop by the Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This historic park is nestled in the coastal hills and is a great place to learn about the history of the local ranching community in the 1800s.
Our favorite part of the park is the well-preserved historic buildings. You can visit the ranch house built in the late 1800s, which is now a visitor center. You can learn about Burleigh Murray’s family and agriculture here.
After learning about Half Moon Bay’s ranching history, you can enjoy the park’s picnic areas or educational programs. If you look online at the schedule, you can plan for a workshop or demonstration that brings history to life. And dogs are allowed, so you can bring the pup!
See Related: Most Famous Landmarks in California to Visit
15. Watch the Surfers at Mavericks Beach
Address: Pillar Point, Princeton-by-the-Sea, Calif., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Half Moon Bay is well known for its surfing conditions. Whether you like to surf or not, Mavericks Beach, which is just outside of Half Moon Bay, is a sight to see.
The waves at Mavericks Beach can get as high as 60 feet! The extreme conditions make it a necessary stop for experienced surfers.
Surfing here is not for the faint of heart. In fact, it is one of the most challenging (and dangerous) surf breaks in the world.
Outside of the adrenaline seekers, the beach is truly a beautiful sight to see. Rugged cliffs and crazy waves surround the beach. If you aren’t an experienced surfer, it is best to watch the fearless surfers from the beach with a picnic.
16. Watch the Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
Address: 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, United States
Año Nuevo State Park is home to one of the largest mainland breeding colonies of elephant seals in the world, which is why it makes our list of best things to do in Half Moon Bay.
At Año Nuevo State Park, you can take a guided tour led by a park ranger to see the elephant seals mate, molt, and give birth. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see. You can hike along the trails to see the elephant seals from different vantage points.
While the elephant seals are the main reason to visit the park, there is a lot of other wildlife around. There are hundreds of seabirds and shorebirds, as well as other swimmers like harbor seals and sea lions. If you are lucky, you may spot a gray whale during migration season.
The park has an interesting history. At their interpretive center, you can learn more about Native American history as well as local geology and ecosystem history.
The park is about a half-hour drive from Half Moon Bay. You can easily visit the park for a leisurely morning or afternoon stroll while staying in Half Moon Bay. You can also camp nearby if you’d like to stay longer.
17. Try Award-Winning Clam Chowder at Sam’s Chowder House
Address: 4210 CA-1, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
Sam’s Chowder House is one of the most famous things to do in Half Moon Bay. The restaurant is renowned for its commitment to using sustainable, locally-sourced seafood. You’ll find it nearby Pillar Point Harbor.
The most well-known dish on the menu is their award-winning clam chowder which is served in a sourdough bread bowl and topped with herbs. Pair it with some local craft beer or wine, or even a cocktail, and dig in!
Sam’s Chowder House has more than great food. It has great views too!
The outdoor patio overlooks the Pacific Ocean, making it an excellent spot for dinner. Also, did we mention the staff? The staff is super friendly and welcoming, and they might even give you a few tips on things to see and do in the neighborhood.
See Related: Best Restaurants in San Francisco, California
18. Pick your own at the Sunflower Fields in September and October
Address: 329 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, United States
The Bay Area locals know that the one of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay is visit in the fall for the Pumpkin Festival and sunflower fields. In fact, Half Moon Bay is home to the only farm in California that lets you pick your own sunflowers right from the field, Andreotti Family Farm. And yes, dogs are allowed!
That’s right, you can pull right up and walk into the sunflower fields and pick your own bunch of sunflowers. They even have a step ladder to help you reach the top of the tall sunflower stems! It costs around $10 to visit and pick the flowers.
Half Moon Bay’s foggy climate makes for an excellent sunflower season in late fall. The sunflowers are best in September and early October, so if you are visiting Half Moon Bay around then, make sure to add this to your list of things to do.
See Related: The Most Beautiful Sunflower Fields in Minnesota
19. Pescadero State Beach
Address: California 94060, United States
Just south of Half Moon Bay is Pescadero State Beach, a long sandy beach with rugged cliffs and outcrops. It’s home to the Staff of Ja, a spiritual site of worship and artwork implanted in the sand.
The Pescadero State Beach is a great thing to do in Half Moon Bay because of the views and the less-crowded atmosphere. The beach is much less crowded than some of the nearby beaches, so it is ideal if you want a more tranquil beach experience.
The surrounding area, also known as Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, is known for its tide pool ecosystem filled with starfish, crabs, and sea anemones. It is a great place to visit during low tide. And unlike some other areas of Half Moon Bay, you can beach comb, fish, and even make bonfires, although you’ll need a permit.
It is an excellent place for bird-watching. The wind is less blustery than Maverick’s Beach, so birds can freely fly. Watch for pelicans, gulls, sandpipers, and herons.
20. See Sea Lions at Bean Hollow State Beach
Address: Bean Hollow State Beach California, United States
Next up on the things to do in Half Moon Bay is the hidden gem of Bean Hollow State Beach. This area is south of Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a quiet beach at the end of the sandy strand.
The nature around Half Moon Bay’s coastside is really incredible. Thanks to the rocky areas, you can often spot sea lions and harbor seals basking on the rocks. There are a lot of birds picking out goodies from the tide pool, like sandpipers and pelicans.
The area is a great spot for photographers. The unique rock formations and vibrantly colored tide pool options offer endless photo opportunities. And the sea lions are fun to photograph too, but don’t get too close to them!
21. Stroll along Pillar Point Harbor in Pacifico
Address: 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, California, United States
We’ve learned that Half Moon Bay’s main attractions are seafood, nature, and outdoor activities. Pillar Point Harbor, near Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, has all of these, and it’s home to the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and the Maverick’s Surfing Competition.
Pillar Point Harbor is connected to the California Coastal Trail (among a lot of other trails). These trails help you access beautiful views and the coastal wildlife of Northern California and alongside cliffs and beaches such as Miramar Beach and Surfer’s Beach.
After you walk the trails, enjoy Pillar Point Harbor’s true fishing community. There are several seafood restaurants that offer the “catch of the day” fresh from the ocean. One of the best restaurants at Pillar Point Harbor is, of course, Sam’s Chowder House which I mentioned earlier.
There are some great places to stay overlooking Pillar Point Harbor. We’ve heard that the Beach House Half Moon Bay is an excellent spot because the rooms are cozy and the terrace overlooking the ocean is unmatched! You can book your stay here.
22. Visit the Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Address: 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060, United States
If you have a bit of time, driving to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is another one of the most popular things to do in Half Moon Bay.
Located on the scenic coast of Pescadero and about a half hour from Half Moon Bay, or an hour from downtown San Francisco, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a fascinating place to visit. The area has a robust history dating back to 1871 when it was first built.
While here, you can check out the 115-ft tall lighthouse (one of the tallest on the West Coast) with a bright red roof. There is a Lighthouse Museum to visit, which has pictures and stories about the lighthouse keepers and tells about the importance of lighthouses in maritime navigation.
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is also a great place to go whale watching. During the migration season it is pretty easy to spot gray whales passing by the lighthouse. It is easier to see the whales here versus Half Moon Bay because of the elevated vantage point from the lighthouse.
You can even stay at the base of the lighthouse at the HI Pigeon Point Hostel. It is super relaxing and the coastal views make for an excellent cup of morning coffee!
23. Get Spooked at Devil’s Bunker
Address: Pacifica, California, United States
If you are visiting Half Moon Bay on a day trip from San Francisco, you’ll pass this creepy-looking bunker on your way. Known as the Devil’s Slide Bunker, this former military bunker is now a hiking trail and viewpoint.
To get here, you pull off the coastal highway and park near a crazy cliff drop. Then, you have to walk along the road briefly to get to the hiking trail that takes you to the bunker. I was a little scared over here; the cliffs do drop off sharply and are quite high, so it is important to watch where you step!
Visiting the Devil’s Slide Bunker is creepy. It was part of the coastal defense system during World War II but is now abandoned.
The bunker is covered in graffiti, making it a great spot for photos, and a great place to take in some panoramic views of the ocean and the nearby ragged cliff drops.
The bunker made the list of things to do in Half Moon Bay because it is a different experience than what you will find at the beach or a historical building. Practically empty, this spot is a great place to relax and unwind in peace.
Full Travel Guide: Day Trip to Half Moon Bay
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FAQs
Are there any family-friendly activities in Half Moon Bay?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails, beaches to play in, and even a petting zoo with goat yoga. Most places are pet friendly, too so the whole family can join.
What are the best beaches to visit in Half Moon Bay?
The best beaches are Poplar Beach, Manhattan Beach, Maverick’s Beach (for surfing), Miramar Beach, and Pescadero State Beach.
What are some popular restaurants in Half Moon Bay?
Our favorite is Cameron’s Pub. Other local favorites are Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay Brewing, and Moss Beach Distillery.
Where should I stay in Half Moon Bay?
If you want a luxury, tranquil experience, stay at the Ritz Carlton. If you want a local, quaint experience, try the Mill Rose Inn near Main Street. You can also stay in nearby towns like Seal Cove or Pacifico.
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