Day Trip to Half Moon Bay | 6 Great Things to Do
Take a day trip to Half Moon Bay and discover this hidden treasure in the Bay Area. Find the best beaches, best distilleries, and the best hot spots.
Take a day trip to Half Moon Bay and enjoy the sunshine, trail walks, and great foodie scene. Half Moon Bay is a smaller town to the south of San Francisco along the coastal peninsula. It can feel like a sleepy town until the beaches fill up in the summertime.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Half Moon Bay since moving to California. My sister-in-law lives here and is always giving me great tips on where to eat and what to do. That means I have the inside scoop on how to visit Half Moon Bay like a local.
This guide for your day trip to Half Moon Bay will tell you the best places to eat, the best trails to walk along, what to do, and where to stay.
Short on time? Here are the main stops!
- Take a stroll to the famous Maverick’s Beach
- Relax at Ross Cove
- Go shopping along Main Street
- Stay at the Ritz-Carlton
- Get a drink at the historical Moss Beach Distillery
- Walk the Shoreline coastal trails
How’s the weather in Half Moon Bay?
Half Moon Bay is often overcast because of its proximity to the ocean. Even when it’s warm, it’s not uncommon to see cloud cover and fog off in the distance. I love this as it creates such a vibe. But you can’t go to Half Moon Bay expecting sunny San Diego-like days.
Where is Half Moon Bay located?
Half Moon Bay sits on the peninsula’s west coast in the Bay Area, about 45 minutes south of San Francisco. It can take 50-60 minutes from San Jose to Half Moon Bay. It’s in a long and thin area, stretching from Pillar Point Bluff in the north to Manhattan Beach in the south, and several amazing beaches and restaurants in between.
The famous Highway 1 passes right through the center of Half Moon Bay. The stretch of Highway 1 from Santa Cruz to Half Moon Bay is my favorite. It is full of wild nature and hidden gems.
In my opinion, Half Moon Bay gives off similar vibes to those of Pacifica, California. They are both small, quiet beach towns along the Bay Area peninsula.
Day Trip to Half Moon Bay Map
Day Trip to Half Moon Bay
If you’re in the mood for good food, a relaxing atmosphere, and good vibes not far from San Francisco or San Jose, then you need to take a day trip to Half Moon Bay. There are a ton of free things to do in Half Moon Bay since the main attractions revolve around nature. Here are the things you can get up to in Half Moon Bay.
1. Walk along the coastal trails
With Half Moon Bay’s coastal location, there are so many great trails to walk along, with fantastic views. The best place to park is at the parking lot near Maverick’s Beach. From there, you have short trails along the shoreline to Maverick’s, Ross Cove, and Pillar Point Bluff. There is also a parking lot at Pillar Point Bluff.
You can check AllTrails to find the best trails near Half Moon Bay. These Half Moon Bay coastal trails (and the parking) are free. You can bring your dog on the trails as long as it’s leashed. There are bathrooms at the trailhead as well.
I use AllTrails Plus when I go hiking. I highly recommend it as you can download offline maps, and send out “lifelines” to friends and family to let them know exactly where you are. You can rate trails, and get inspired to try new ones. The membership is $35/year, but with this discount, it is just $25 for the year. That’s barely $2/month.
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There is also a trail that goes the entire length of Half Moon Bay, all along Highway 1. If you complete all the coastal trails in Half Moon Bay, then consider heading north to the Presidio in San Francisco, where there are dozens more nature trails to satiate yourself.
2. Go out on the water
The Half Moon Bay Kayak Company rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It’s a great way to get out onto the water and spend a relaxing day in Half Moon Bay. They also rent bicycles if you prefer to stay on land. It’s best if you reserve your gear in advance, especially in the summer months.
If you would like to try your hand at surfing, Maverick’s Surf Company offers surfboard rentals.
3. Go Fishing
In the Pillar Point Harbor, you can find both the New Captain Pete Sport Fishing and the Mooch Better Fishing – Sport Fishing Charter, which offer chartered fishing trips into the Half Moon Bay waters. The latter also does crabbing, whale watching tours, Mavericks’ wave viewing, birding, eco-tours, and ash scattering.
4. Relax at the beach
Half Moon Bay lies along the coast, so it’s a no-brainer that it would be known for its beaches.
Mavericks Beach
One of the more famous beaches in Half Moon Bay is Maverick’s, which was featured in the 2012 film Chasing Mavericks. You need to walk about 10 minutes down a coastal path to reach Mavericks Beach. I was there in early May, and the beach was covered in seaweed and little critters that got washed up.
At the end of Mavericks Beach is Pillar Point. There are several large rocks that go out into the water, but there is no more beach access, as the sand ends here.
Ross Cove
In the same peninsula as Mavericks, but on the other side of Pillar Point, you can find Ross Cove. It is usually pretty quiet with fewer people than at Mavericks. The beach is much nicer as well, with clean white sand. That said, there isn’t easy access to the beach. You need to hike down a small trail to reach the beach below the cliffs.
Other beaches
Going further south from Mavericks and Ross Cove, you have all the beaches that line the coast in the southern part of Half Moon Bay. They have wide white sand beaches and get crowded in the warmer months. You do have to pay to park near the beaches. There are usually picnic tables and BBQ areas.
The beaches are:
5. Go shopping on Main Street
In Half Moon Bay, they don’t say “downtown,” they say “On Main.” This is what would be considered the center of commerce and hospitality. Main Street is several blocks long and is very cute. There are dozens of boutiques, cafes, and local restaurants. You can often find local events here, like author readings and yoga classes.
6. Ride Your Bicycle On the Nature Path
If you can rent a bike or bring your own, one of the most fun things to do in Half Moon Bay is to ride your bicycle along the path that goes almost the full length of town. The best thing to do is start at the Ritz-Carlton, ride to the marina for lunch, and ride back. You’ll enjoy some beautiful views and the fresh ocean breeze.
Where to eat and drink in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is full of amazing places to eat and drink, not only with great food but a lot of history as well. Here are the best spots recommended by HMB locals to me.
Moss Beach Distillery
This distillery sits on top of the cliffs at Moss Beach. It was once a hotspot for Canadian gin during prohibition.
HMB Brewing Co
The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is a fantastic brewery near the harbor with a great outside patio.
Jettywave Distillery
This distillery also sits near the harbour, with outdoor dining and ocean views. Only open on weekends.
San Benito Deli
This is an old-school deli that makes fresh homemade bread daily. You can get soup, salads, and sandwiches. They have an outdoor dining area only.
Dad’s Luncheonette
Dad’s Luncheonette is inside an old train car. It is open Thursday-Sunday for breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. It’s a small place with a lot of character.
The OLP Public House
The Old Princeton Landing is a great hidden gem with some of the best food in the city. They have $1 tacos on Tuesdays and a great outdoor space in back.
Granola’s
Granola’s is the cutest little cafe with fantastic homemade food and drink options. It’s a good place to work or relax.
Johnny’s Diner
Johnny’s is a popular spot for locals. They are closed on Mondays. Expect lines on weekends.
The Barn
The Barn is another local joint with solid food. They offer breakfast on weekends and are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Sam’s Chowder House
Sam’s Chowder House is a staple in the area. Fresh seafood and great clam chowder. They are open every day and crowded.
Barbara’s Fishtrap
Barbara’s Fishtrap is a seafood restaurant right at the harbor serving fresh fish daily. They have tables with great views.
Ketch
Ketch is a small restaurant right at the Harbor serving fish dishes, breakfast, and happy hour.
Where to stay in Half Moon Bay
In Half Moon Bay, you can find several types of housing options, from high-end luxury to simple guest houses and inns.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
If you’re looking to treat yourself in Half Moon Bay, stay in the Ritz-Carlton that sits right along the cliffs on the city’s southern edge. You are just steps from the beach. Even if you don’t stay here, you can come enjoy the breakfast buffet.
Stay in the glamorous Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, BOOK NOW
Half Moon Bay Inn – Main Street Downtown
This is a charming old brick hotel on the corner of Main Street and Mill Street in Half Moon Bay. You are right in the center of town. The hotel has a lot of character.
BOOK NOW to stay in the center of town in charming Half Moon Bay
Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor
This is the ideal hotel to stay near the harbor and breathe in the fresh salty scents. You are just steps from great restaurants, coastal trails, and beaches.
Stay in the Oceano near the harbor, BOOK NOW
Half Moon Bay FAQs
What is Half Moon Bay known for?
Half Moon Bay is known for its fantastic array of fish restaurants and Maverick’s Beach.
If you’re in Half Moon Bay around Halloween weekend, there is a very well-known block party in Montara, which is only slightly north of HMB. You can find roadside raves, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, a mushroom house, and more. It’s seriously the best Halloween party you’ll ever attend.
How many days should I spend in Half Moon Bay?
You can easily see the majority of the sights in Half Moon Bay in just one day. But if you’re looking to spend real time here, getting to know it, then you should spend at least 2-3 days. Lovely coastal walks, beaches, and kayak trips await you!
Is Half Moon Bay dog-friendly?
You can find signs about dogs all over the place. In general, restaurants are open to having dogs on their outdoor patios but not inside. They are allowed on the majority of trail walks with a leash, but cannot go onto the white sand beaches.
Is Half Moon Bay worth visiting?
Yes! Half Moon Bay is beautiful. If you’re looking for constant activity, then it may not be the place for you, but if you’re looking to relax, eat well, and enjoy nature, then it’s the ideal location for a weekend trip from San Jose or a day trip from San Francisco.
Final Thoughts on Day Trip to Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is easily one of my favorite towns along the Bay Area peninsula. It doesn’t feel massive and chaotic like San Francisco and San Jose can feel at times. I can feel myself slow down when I’m here. I just want to spend hours on the beach or walking along the coastal bluffs, and I hope you will too!
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