Location: Half Moon Bay
Top Things to do in Half Moon Bay
What to do and see in Half Moon Bay, California (CA): The Best Beaches
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. Pescadero State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By sonofdragon - San Jose, United States
Lies along Pacific Coastline, Pescadero State Beach is reachable via State Route 1. It is about a mile-long shoreline connecting to San Gregorio and Pomponio state beaches. During low tides and calm waters, you can do your 10K steps challenge and walk the long beach, but remember, never turn your back on the ocean. There are rocky cliffs to walk up (not to rock-climb) and see the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. I see people walking on the offshore rocks and combing the tide pools. ‘though we didn’t see any fishing activity during this visit, fishing must be a fun thing to do here. Afterall, Pescadero in Spanish means “the place to fish”. Quickly, many do their photo shootings and bird-watching right above the parking areas without going down the shore. There are a few picnic tables, only good to use on a clear sky. Weather changes quickly in this place; with strong winds, king tides, constant salt-sprays blowing, fogs etc can deem the picnic area unsafe and unusable. Be careful of aggressive seagulls. Remember to pack it in and pack it out. Do not feed the birds. This place is a nature preserve along with Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, host to a natural marsh and wetlands for native wildlife and plants to flourish. Per the locals, drone not allowed here for the safety of both human and wildlife. No camping. No beach fires. No dogs allowed. Beach access is next to any of the 3 parking sites. North of the parking area, look for the self-registered parking fee kiosk. Touch Nothing. Take Nothing. Beach-coming is not allowed here, given the unpredictable high surf condition of this area. Please avoid taking any natural beach treasures such as sea shells, beach glass, driftwood, and so on. Just a warning: on Jan 10, 2021, a day before our visit, a couple were swept away by the strong wave while busy looking for mussels on the rocks here in Pescadero State Beach. The man was rescued and the woman remained missing. Everything is much easier to see in hindsight. Armor yourself with safety common sense. Watch out for high surf and king tide warnings. Check out weather conditions prior to visit.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Naples Beach
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Pelican Point Beach
10. Pomponio State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Scenic beach located a short distance from Pescadero on the San Mateo County coast.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
I enjoyed a walk by the Pacific Ocean at Pomponio State Beach Park. There is a small fee for parking. I used my annual state park pass to visit. The beach is just south of Half Moon Bay.
