Location: Half Moon Bay
Top Things to do in Half Moon Bay
The 8 Best Sights & Landmarks in Half Moon Bay, California (CA)
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. 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.
2. Arata Pumkin Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went and picked out our Halloween 2020 pumpkins at Arata Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay, Staff does a great job of offering many adventures for the family, This includes finding your pumpkin One can take a ride on the train. There is an intriguing hay maze to find ones way through, There are cute animals to see such as chicken, goats, and pigs, There are pony rides for the young ones. All in all, this is a wonderful place to go at Halloween time.
3. Pillar Point Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By AutonomousBIG - Vallejo, United States
There is a lot going on at Pillar Point and you can get your fill of a variety of water-based activities. You can fish or go crabbing from the pier or rent a kayak to explore the harbor area on nice days. No luck fishing or crabbing? Check the board at the harbor office and see which boats are selling their catch right from the holds of their boats. For a romantic weekend getaway, book a room at the Oceano Hotel & Spa & request a room overlooking the harbor. Beware that parking can be a challenge on the weekends but, if the lot is full and you're patient, you can catch someone leaving fairly easily. There are a handful of restaurants at the harbor as well as others withing a very short drive if you don't have your own catch to cook for dinner!
4. Pastorino Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to Pastorino Farms, which is a collection of nursery shops in Half Moon Bay, They are all very interesting to visit. Some of the shops include succulent shop, carniverous plant shop, drought resistant plants and so far. These shops are open year round. They also do annual events such as the pumpkin farm in October for Halloween and also have special events for the Christmas Season. For the history of the farms - .Enrico (Henry) Pastorino was born in Cogoleto, Italy in 1910. He moved to Half Moon Bay. In 1957 he opened Pastorino Farms.
5. City Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We were in Half Moon Bay and did a pleasant walk down Main Street, On Main Street is the historic city hall We talked to a staff member This is a very nice town and well managed.
6. Lemos Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We had a fun time at a friend's of our child's birthday party at Lemos Farm. We all had a great time. The kids in particular liked the pony rides, The staff was so great in making this a good day for all.
7. Dinosaurs of Spanish Town
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to look for some treasures for our home at Dinosaurs Spanish Town. Of course, we also loved having a close look at the intriguing metal dinosaurs Staff is very helpful and informative.L
8. Ghost Town of Purissima
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By KSB_2 - San Francisco, United States
Having lived in half moon bay and having passed by this unknown, long forgotten cemetery many many times without ever knowing it existed, we were quite surprised to find that it was brought back to “life”. It’s worth a trip if you’re into learning about the history of Purissima, a town that disappeared around 1900. It’s a very mysterious place, with just a bit of creep factor thrown in. Very beautiful setting with an odd combination of stones that are dated from the 1800s to the more recent burials that are completely natural (wood or wicker caskets, no vaults, no embalming, hand dug graves with mounds of earth as their markers). On our visit, there was a burial taking place on the back end of this 5-acre remote setting. If you go at sunset, you just might be lucky enough to catch a photo like this. And if you’re a little skittish, I suggest you bring a friend.
