Location: Half Moon Bay
Top Things to do in Half Moon Bay
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10 Free Things to do in Half Moon Bay That You Shouldn't Miss
A mere 45-minute drive from San Francisco lies Half Moon Bay, an idyllic enclave and truly the perfect place to spend some time away from the big city. Horseback ride along a scenic beach, play golf on a spectacular course overlooking the ocean or browse through the numerous shops and art galleries in the historic section. If you decide to stay, as many do, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at any of the town's fine restaurants. Then check into an enchanting bed and breakfast, a charming inn or boutique hotel. Your Half Moon Bay experience will not be soon forgotten.
Restaurants in Half Moon Bay
1. Oddyssea
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 1VoiceInTheCrowd - Hudson River Valley, United States
My husband and I were passing through town for the day and stopped into the shop. I had to resist buying all sorts of interesting items (we already had too much to take on the plane home), though even if you aren't planning to buy (but why wouldn't you?), it's great fun to browse here. Outside there is an area for daily fun creative craft activities that are geared toward kids, but I would have been happy to join in, as well, had we more time and luggage space. If I was local, and my nieces and nephews were younger, I would definitely have planned to spend some time here!
2. Half Moon Bay Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
We are a craft distillery on the coast of Half Moon Bay, California. We make small batch, hand crafted distilled spirits. We are open for tastings of our craft distilled vodka and gin.
Reviewed By PotreroHillLady - San Francisco, United States
As you drive down to Half Moon Bay from San Francisco, Route One will wind through an array of cypresses. It is fitting that at HMB Distillery you should sample some of the best things about a member of the ancient cypress family, the juniper berry, which according to Drunken Botanist author Amy Stewart, puts them on earth at the same time when most of our current continental configuration was a single continent---that's why the juniper thrives on so many continents. It's fitting that the owners of Half Moon Bay hail from different parts of the world but they speak a common language, the juniper... On this distillery tour you will watch a video about the distillery's origins and sit at the foot of their still, but the hallmark of the tour is just enjoying the HMB take on vodka and gin. The tour really encourages you to discover what ingredients they use in their blends to make it special. No turnstiles, no heavy handed sale pitches, no beard oil on the shelf. You just delight in their innovative take on vodka and gin and then take a nice walk on Princeton by the Sea. Done and done,
3. Cowell Ranch State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
The kind of place only the locals know about, this scenic state park is just south of Half Moon Bay and features a sandy beach and a seal preserve, plus trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Reviewed By pollto - Stanford, United States
Wanted to take a trip to a beach, this seemed to be the nicest one around. It's a half mile walk from the parking lot to the site and then many uneven steps down to the beach (definitely need to be mobile). View was amazing, no one was there except us. Dead seaweed kind of made a bad smell, and we should have brought a chair or blanket, but overall it was great. There are even portable restrooms.
4. Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Gray whales can often be spotted close to the shore of this scenic beach. Surrounded by high cliffs, it features a clothing-optional section during the spring.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We were in Half Moon Bay on one of the hottest days of the year. People were actually in swim suits way into the early evening. People were swimming. It was more like a Southern California beach scene. This is not the norm, as often one needs a jacket here. It was a delight to be here on such a nice day Of course many others were there too enjoying the stellar views of the Pacific Ocean and the nice sandy beach.
5. Mavericks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Popular beach in Half Moon Bay that is known for superb big-wave surfing.
Reviewed By naji79 - San Francisco, United States
Once a year, the best big wave surfers on earth have 24 hours notice to reach Half Moon Bay, CA. Their goal is to compete in a surfing competition with one of the biggest paddle-in waves in the world!!!!! The date of the event is unpredictable. Usually January or February. I have to say, 50ft waves rank up there with any of the wonders of the world. The water is cold. The rocks are treacherous. The Great Whites are plentiful. Probably one of the most dangerous competitions ever! WORTH IT!!!! Considering this year, most people are traveling domestically, I can’t think of anything else that’ll top this experience. Just know that it gets insanely crowded for this event and parking is horrendous. You’ll probably have to trek a bit after finding a spot. The area is stunning with typical Northern California rocky beach views. Catch the competition, take a beautiful coastal road drive on HWY 1 and dine on any of the amazing seafood spots that dot the entire coast. You will NOT forget this experience.
6. Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Easy and scenic hiking trail along the Pacific coast that measures six miles round trip.
Reviewed By PastyPerson - Sacramento, United States
At about 5 flat miles(?), this is an easy bike ride with lots of beautiful scenery. Bring a windbreaker.
7. Miramar Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By NBoyer_Photography - Half Moon Bay, United States
This beach is relatively protected, and almost always has nice small waves, prefect for beginner surfers or just playing in the ocean. Across the road is a nice restaurant that offers a nice view and amazing food. I bike past there every morning and am always stunned by how nice it is.
8. Naples Beach
9. Dunes Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalViajer0 - Sacramento, United States
Ironically amid covid, really enjoyed the isolation from other people on the beach, hardly anyone here on a weds afternoon. Blissful strokes of the waves and open scenery makes this a great spot.
10. Francis Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to Francis Beach. This is part of Half Moon Bay State Park We enjoyed the views of the Pacific Ocean from this popular state park. We liked watching the birds. Its very popular. Its also a popular place to camp. There is a visitor center. There is a display of whale bones as well.
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