Beautiful San Francisco Bay Area Beaches Await In Half Moon Bay

The coastal character of Half Moon Bay is as diverse as California itself. From miles of sandy surf to imposing rocks and bluffs, you will encounter stunning views, fantastic surf, breathtaking sunsets, and endless recreation. A Half Moon Bay beach vacation truly has something for everyone. Hop into a kayak and enjoy a leisurely paddle into the sunset on the tranquil Pillar Point Harbor, gliding past harbor seals and abundant flocks of sea birds as afternoon light fades around you. Watch world-class surfers tame 40-foot winter swells during a Half Moon Mavericks surfing competition. Or enjoy a driving tour of the California coastline. Don't plan it, just see where the road takes you. No matter which direction you head, you are certain to come across charming seaside towns, authentic farmer's markets, and truly breathtaking scenery.

Ever wonder how Half Moon Bay got its name?

• Oceanfront dining, savor the coastal lifestyle while enjoying a romantic waterfront meal as the sun dips into the Pacific Ocean and the tides lap at the shore just beyond the deck.
• Surfing, Surfing Lessons & Surf Camps, hang ten all year long on the legendary waves of Half Moon Bay. Sign up for private lessons, group classes, or surf camps run by experienced, fun counselors.
• Kayaking & Canoeing, glide silently past Pillar Point on a sheet of glassy water or sign up for a class or workshop to learn everything from basic skills to kayak surfing, navigation, and open coast strategies.
• Scenic Drives, cruise along the coast, past windswept beaches and majestic 30-foot bluffs, through quaint coastal towns, all while enjoying some of the most mesmerizing scenery in the country.
• Pescadero State Beach & Natural Preserve, drop a line into the surf on the pristine line of shore that literally means "the place to fish" in Spanish. Explore sandy coves, rocky cliffs, and tide pools, or spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with the family.
• Pomponio State Beach, make the commitment to get to this hard-to-reach spot and you'll be rewarded with a nice, quiet little cove, gently-sloping sand at the base of high sandstone bluffs, and a small lagoon extending into the roaring surf.
• San Gregorio State Beach, pack up the family for a day at the beach at this easily accessible state beach. The views are simply incredible, and the sand is fine and soft. Don't you dare leave before sunset.
• Humpback Whale Watching, witness the magnificent parade of gray whales each December as approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south from their Arctic feeding grounds en route to their Baja California breeding and calving grounds.
• Half Moon Bay Golf Links, test your handicap on two of the most gorgeous oceanfront courses in the world. The Old Course weaves around lakes, through cypress and coastal pines, while the Ocean Course is a true links layout with an authentic Scottish soul.
• Coastside Farmers' Market, reap the bountiful abundance of produce from the most fertile farmland in the West. Take home tasty breads and pastries, artisan goat cheese, super-fresh local fruits and veggies, eggs, fresh caught fish, and regional honey.
• Lighthouse Tours, visit these historic shoreline structures and learn about the people who dedicated their lives to keeping vessels from succumbing to a watery grave on the jagged coastline of Half Moon Bay.
• Yachting, drop anchor at the Half Moon Bay Yacht club and learn to sail, ride the ferry, or just mingle with like-minded folks who have fallen in love with life on the water.
• Mavericks Event Center, minutes from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the Mavericks Event Center provides a unique setting for meetings, weddings, and other special events.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, discover a truly magnificent destination for the perfect Northern California coast vacation or business trip. Enjoy innovative cuisine in ocean-view restaurants, two championship golf courses, and miles of walking trails at the most romantic setting in Northern California.

The Best Half Moon Bay Beaches Are Only Minutes Away