Things to do & places to visit in Half Moon Bay, California, United States

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.

Half Moon Bay city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 13:13.

Top things to do (13)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Half Moon Bay Distillery (131 reviews)
- Interesting, informative, good vodka and great gin!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Distilleries

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. See more..
5.0 Wavecrest Open Space Reserve (4 reviews)
- Every Bird Watchers Dream
Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Beaches • Hiking Trails
This large protected open field is home to tons of birds including red tailed hawks, cooper's hawks, barn owls, pelicans, peregrine falcons, white tailed kites, and many others. It has a few areas with beautiful trees where the birds enjoy hanging out. It is best accessible by bike or foot, although its a bit of a walk. See more..
4.5 Half Moon Bay State Beach (663 reviews)
- Good View, Good Beach, Cost A Little Bit High, Need you to do something to arrive[doge]
Beaches

Broad and sandy beach stretching more than four miles features campground facilities and trails for hikers and horseback riders. See more..
4.5 Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail (296 reviews)
- Nice bike trail with fantastic view
Hiking Trails

Easy and scenic hiking trail along the Pacific coast that measures six miles round trip. See more..
4.5 Mavericks (215 reviews)
- Go At Low Tide for the Reef
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Beaches

Popular beach in Half Moon Bay that is known for superb big-wave surfing. See more..
4.5 Pescadero State Beach (170 reviews)
- One of my favorite places to drive to and spend some time
Beaches

As you drive to Pescadero Beach you can stop in the quaint little town just a few streets long. You have a small store with a restaurant counter that services brick oven cooked pizza or have one of their sandwiches. Often we get a pizza and take a sandwich to split later on our drive. Next to that is a butcher and bread shop is what I call it. You will find fresh hot baked garlic bread or garlic and artichoke and it is so delish it is impossible not to grab a chunk and eat some right away. You can also buy some really good salami and cheese and make your own sandwiches at the beach. The beach itself is lovely. I love sitting there and having our lunch while we watch the waves. It is really relaxing and the ocean air is divine. See more..
4.5 Miramar Beach (134 reviews)
- Great for Hanging Out.
Friday: 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Beaches

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. See more..
4.5 Pillar Point Harbor (111 reviews)
- Lunch and Walk at Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We went to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, We had lunch at Ketch Joanne We then went and looked at the boats. We also saw a number of people fishing, It was interesting as they all brought ladders to stand on. One can also kayak. See more..
4.5 Gray Whale Cove State Beach (76 reviews)
- Wonderful Swim Suit Type of Day - Gray Whale Cove State Beach, Half Moon Bay, CA
State Parks • Beaches

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. See more..
4.5 Pomponio State Beach (37 reviews)
- Pristine With Beautiful Sea Glass Finds
Beaches

Scenic beach located a short distance from Pescadero on the San Mateo County coast. See more..
4.5 Cowell Ranch State Beach (36 reviews)
- Half Mile Walk + 100 Steps = less crowded beautiful beach.
Beaches

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. See more..
4.5 Pelican Point Beach (30 reviews)
- a wonderful, scenic stroll
Beaches

Scenic beach on Half Moon Bay that features RV sites with hookups and tent sites. See more..
4.5 Venice Beach in Half Moon Bay (28 reviews)
- Fun Times at Venice Beach, Half Moon Bay
Beaches

We had a fun time at Venice Beach in Half Moon Bay. We enjoyed watching the waves roll in. We had a nice beach walk. People were fishing. Some had their dogs. I also enjoyed watching the sea gulls. See more..
4.5 Francis Beach (26 reviews)
- AKA Half Moon Bay Main Beach / Kelly Beach
Beaches

Definitely the main beach of Half Moon Bay. Great camping, great views, and directly connected to the Coast-side Trail (7 miles total length of paved or mostly paved walking and biking trails - oceanfront). Beautiful views, very clean, very safe, very fun. See more..
4.5 Naples Beach (23 reviews)
- Nice beach great sunset
Beaches

We had a great day at Naples beach. Clean beach. I could not find washrooms. Parking was on the street and paid. When your meter gets low you get a text. Cool! See more..
4.5 Arata Pumkin Farm (20 reviews)
- Fun Place for Finding Halloween Pumpkins - Arata Pumpkin Frm
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Farms

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. See more..
4.5 Dunes Beach (13 reviews)
- Dunes Beach (Half Moon Bay State Beach)
Beaches

A beautiful & peaceful beach, lined with cliffs.Looks well maintained. Ample Parking & benches to sit & chill around. There's nothing special to commend about. It's just another beach along the West coast. See more..
4.5 Barterra Winery (11 reviews)
- Wonderful find!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

Barterra offers the finest wines from Northern California’s top vineyards. We feature Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sparkling Wines from Carneros, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Vermentino from Lodi, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, French Colombard from Mendocino, and special dessert wines from Madera County. We are constantly looking for the very best California wines from the finest AVAs…you will taste the difference! Come to visit us and enjoy beautiful downtown Half Moon Bay and experience the very best of California wines all in one place! See more..
4.5 Coastal Repertory Theater (8 reviews)
- Live show
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

"Find me a Tenor" was playing and provided a really great evening of live entertainment. Area is small so you can't miss a thing. The acting was full of great laughing moments. Lovely evening of family fun. Forget the movies this was great See more..
4.5 Pastorino Farms (4 reviews)
- Delightful Shops with Teak Furniture, Succulents, and Lavendar!
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

I always enjoy stopping at Pastorino Farms and strolling in the shops. I particularly like finding new and unique succulents and picking up a lavendar soap/pumice bar, too! See more..
4.0 Sea Horse Ranch (361 reviews)
- Beautiful scenery
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Horseback Riding Tours

Beautiful guided coastal trail and beach horseback rides on dramatic Coastal Equestrian Trail and Half Moon Bay's Poplar Beach. Minimum riding age is 7 years old. All rides appropriate for first time, moderately experienced and very experienced riders. Online reservations required, height/weight restrictions available online, check before booking. Barbecues available for groups of 10 people or more. Closing time ends with seasonal changes. Always open for early bird ride at 8:00 a.m., by reservation. See more..
4.0 Poplar Beach (65 reviews)
- Barren Paradise!
Beaches

This is my favorite beach in HMB. It is always deserted. I think the horse poop keeps most people away, but not me! I love it! My wife and I like to build castles out of it, throw it at each other then rinse off in the ocean. See more..
4.0 La Nebbia Winery (54 reviews)
- Sip sip hooray time!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

The La Nebbia Winery, located in coastal Half Moon Bay, was originally bonded in 1979 under the name Obester Winery. Since its beginning, the winery has offered a selection of award wining wines which are sampled daily in the tasting room. Visitor's can also find gourmet food products and locally produced items, including smoked salmon, gourmet cheeses, honey and more. La Nebbia offers a personal and fun-filled experience. See more..
4.0 Lemos Farm (45 reviews)
- Fun Birthday Party at Lemos Farm
Friday: Spent 1-2 hours Farms

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. See more..
4.0 Dinosaurs of Spanish Town (41 reviews)
- Spanishtown near Half Moon Bay - a delightful collection of garden sculptures
Points of Interest & Landmarks

About 1 mile from Hwy 1 toward San Mateo on 92 is Spanishtown. Here there is a huge collection of garden scuptures and other pottery items. Look for the huge Metal sculptures of Dinosaurs by the road and turn in. Walk around and take wonderful pictures. Great for Kids. Roger See more..
4.0 Ghost Town of Purissima (11 reviews)
- College Days Adventure
Spent 2-3 hours Ghost Towns

It was during the early 1970's when I first discovered the little cemetery which at the time was pretty overgrown. We stopped at a store and had a few snacks so found a place to eat. After that I started looking at the many different head stones newer ones 1960 era and older ones. One in particular has always stuck with me. "We came to this land of toil and grief". They seemed to be from Norway. There were a lot that seemed to pass around the same time also younger children and babies. I have been back a few times in the 80's and 90's Serene place but with a mystery. I have since left the area. See more..
4.0 Roosevelt Beach (11 reviews)
- Loved the View from the Parking Lot!
Beaches

Scenic beach that serves as an access point off of Highway One to Half Moon Bay. See more..
4.0 Trojak Knier Winery (10 reviews)
- Wine tasting they old fashion way in Pillar Point
Wineries & Vineyards

We stumbled across this out of the way warehouse turned winery 3 years ago and have been regulars ever since. Not only do they make wonderful wine, sitting across the table with the winemakers Jim & Eric, you get insight into why the wines taste so good. Casual, warm and friendly- a must if you enjoy wine tasting. See more..
4.0 McNee Ranch State Park (7 reviews)
- A must hike for everyone!
State Parks • Parks

A small 4 space lot along Highway 1 is a good starting point for this enjoyable hike. Extra parking at Montara Beach. My favorite 2.5 hour loop trip goes up Old San Pedro Mountain trail, a mostly paved trail heading above a peaceful canyon. Hawks and raptors soaring above break the silence. Once you reach the first summit, you are rewarded with views towards Devils Slide and the rugged Pacific shoreline. Take the narrow Grey Whale Cove trail down for more coastal breathtaking views .Great route to take on sunny days, especially in the spring. Fog expected in most mornings. This area is very exposed to the weather. Check weather beforehand for dressing up in appropriate layers. The views here make this trip definitely worth the hike. ENJOY !! See more..
4.0 Land And Sea Farmers Market (4 reviews)
- Wonderful Farmers Market!
Flea & Street Markets
Beesy Brothers Honey and candles was the best! Cheese. Herbs. Bread. I'd go every weekend if I lived there. See more..