So you're planning a trip to Half Moon Bay? Good choice. I've been visiting this coastal gem for over a decade – sometimes for quick weekend escapes from San Francisco, other times for longer stays when I need proper ocean therapy. Most people think it's all about the beaches (and yeah, the beaches are great), but there's so much more. Let me walk you through the real Half Moon Bay experience.
The Beaches You Absolutely Can't Miss
Half Moon Bay beaches aren't just pretty postcard spots – they've got distinct personalities. I learned this the hard way when I showed up at Francis Beach with my kayak only to realize it's better for surfing than paddling. Whoops.
Must-Visit Coastal Spots
| Beach | Best For | Parking Fee | Dog Policy | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poplar Beach | Walking, sunset views | $10 (free street parking if you find it) | Leashed dogs allowed | Best sunset spot but gets crowded by 4pm |
| Francis Beach | Surfing, camping | $10 (campsites $25-75/night) | Dogs prohibited | Campground bathrooms are cleaner than most |
| Mavericks Beach | Big wave watching | Free (limited street parking) | Leashed dogs allowed | Not for swimming – seriously, don't even try |
Pro tip: If you hate paying for parking like I do, arrive before 9am. Most lots are free until then. Also, pack layers – I've made the mistake of wearing just a t-shirt too many times. That coastal fog rolls in fast.
Now let's talk about something crucial: tide pools. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Capistrano Rd) is the star here. Check tide schedules religiously – low tide under 0 feet is when the magic happens. I once saw a kid try to pry an anemone off a rock (don't be that kid). Ranger-led tours are free and surprisingly fascinating.
Outdoor Adventures: More Than Beach Walks
If you think Half Moon Bay activities begin and end with beachcombing, you're missing half the fun. Literally. The inland areas hold some treasures.
Hiking Trails Worth Your Time
Purisima Creek Trail (wooded canyon) vs Coastside Trail (ocean views) – both great but different vibes. Last November, I got caught in sudden rain on Purisima Creek Trail without a raincoat. Mistake. Here's what you need to know:
- Coastside Trail: Flat, paved 3-mile path from Pillar Point to Poplar Beach. Perfect for families. No restrooms midway though – plan accordingly.
- Purisima Creek Redwoods: Moderate 5-mile loop. Parking is $6 but worth it for the redwoods. Trail gets muddy after rain – wear proper shoes.
- Wavecrest Open Space: Easy 2-mile loop with wildflowers in spring. Free parking on Venice Blvd.
Unique Ways to Explore
Horseback riding at Sea Horse Ranch (Hwy 1) sounds romantic till you're two hours in with sore thighs. Still, trotting along the surf at sunset is unbeatable. $90/hour seems steep but includes guides like Carlos who knows every seabird species.
Kayaking at Pillar Point Harbor (Johnson Pier) is my personal favorite. Rentals from Half Moon Bay Kayak Co ($45/2 hours). Check swell forecasts though – I learned this after an unexpectedly choppy paddle session.
Town Charm: Main Street & Beyond
Main Street looks like a movie set – in a good way. But skip the tourist traps. After multiple visits, here's where I actually spend my money:
Free parking tip: Use the library lot behind Main Street. Most visitors circle endlessly for spots right on the street.
Essential Downtown Stops
- Half Moon Bay Coffee Co (520 Main St): Their pumpkin spice latte actually tastes like real pumpkin. Open daily 6:30am-6pm. Gets packed by 9am weekends.
- Garden Apothecary (604 Main St): Locally-made soaps and candles. Pricey but lasts forever. My lemon verbena soap still smells after 6 months.
- Cunha's Country Store (448 Main St): Operating since 1921. Don't laugh at their cowboy hats – they're surprisingly high quality.
Farmer's Market happens Saturdays 9am-1pm at Shoreline Station (Hwy 1 & Kelly). The artichoke bread from Andreotti Family booth sells out by 10:30am. Arrive early.
Seasonal Happenings Worth Planning For
Half Moon Bay transforms completely during events. I accidentally booked during Pumpkin Festival once – could barely move on Main Street but the giant pumpkin weigh-off was oddly compelling.
| Event | When | Best For | My Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Festival | Mid-October weekend | Families, foodies | Arrive before 10am or you'll park miles away |
| Mavericks Surf Contest | Winter (variable dates) | Thrill-seekers | Check official site – false alarms happen |
| Coastside Farmers Market | Saturdays year-round | Local produce lovers | Try the "ugly" heirloom tomatoes – cheaper and tastier |
Eating & Drinking: Beyond Tourist Traps
I've had mediocre $35 fish tacos here. Also mind-blowing $15 clam chowder. Let me save you the trial-and-error.
Can't-Miss Food Experiences
- Barbara's Fishtrap (281 Capistrano Rd): Looks like a shack but their cioppino ($28) is legendary. Cash only! Lines wrap around by noon.
- Sam's Chowder House (4210 N Cabrillo Hwy): Tourist central but that lobster roll ($42) justifies it. Request patio seating 30 mins before sunset.
- Dad's Luncheonette (225 Cabrillo Hwy S): Tiny spot with insane breakfast sandwiches ($12). Closes at 2pm – don't sleep in.
Microbrew alert! Hop Dogma Brewing Co (390 Capistrano Rd) has a chili beer that sounds weird but works. Live music Fridays get loud – go early if you want conversation.
Practical Stuff: What Visitors Actually Ask Me
Working at the visitor center years ago taught me what people really struggle with. Here are the big ones:
Weather Real Talk
"But it's California!" tourists wail in shorts as fog rolls in. Summer highs average 65°F – I always pack:
- Light puffer jacket
- Beanie (that wind is no joke)
- Chapstick (seriously)
Getting Around Without Stress
Ubers exist but might take 20+ minutes. Driving? Coastal parking tips:
- Beach lots charge $10 but accept cards now
- Neighborhood street parking has 2-hour limits
- Free shuttle during Pumpkin Festival (use it!)
Personally, I think finding unforgettable things to do in Half Moon Bay CA comes down to balancing iconic spots with hidden gems. Skip the crowded photo ops sometimes. That quiet bench overlooking Pillar Point Harbor at dawn? That's the real magic.
Beyond the Obvious: My Personal Finds
After dozens of trips, here are experiences most visitors miss but shouldn't:
Secret Gardens & Farm Stands
Half Moon Bay isn't just coast – it's farmland. Harley Farms Goat Dairy (205 North St, Pescadero) lets you pet baby goats Fridays 3-5pm. Their chèvre won national awards. Worth the 15-minute drive.
Andreotti Family Farm stand (800 N Cabrillo Hwy) has "ugly" veggies at half price. Their bruised strawberries make perfect jam.
Strange But Wonderful Stops
- Nursery Trail: Walk through flower fields at local nurseries like Half Moon Bay Nursery (11691 San Mateo Rd). Free and fragrant.
- Ghost Trees: Eerie cypress groves near Pigeon Point Lighthouse (20 mins south). Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots.
- Cemetery Walk: Historic cemetery at 1100 Kelly Ave. Victorian-era graves with ocean views. Peaceful at golden hour.
Final Thoughts: Making It Your Own
Look, I love Half Moon Bay – but it's not perfect. Weekend crowds can feel like Disneyland, and some restaurants coast on location alone. Still, when you find that empty stretch of sand at dawn, or taste farm strawberries still warm from the sun... that's the stuff.
Your best things to do in Half Moon Bay CA will depend on what you love. Surfers live for Mavericks. Foodies stalk the farmer's market. I'm happiest with coffee from the roastery, watching fishing boats bob in the harbor. Find your version.
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