Half Moon Bay

Travel Guide
Half Moon Bay showing a beach and general coastal views as well as an individual female
Hike through a scenic park and enjoy fishing, bird-watching and other outdoor activities in this beautiful coastal city.

Half Moon Bay is a laid-back coastal town with beaches, cafés, galleries and bookstores. Shop for organic fruit and vegetables, fresh flowers and locally produced honey at a farmers’ market. Relax on spacious sandy beaches with picnic areas and kayak, fish, cycle or even whale watch.

Most visitors to Half Moon Bay spend the majority of their time at the beach. Moon Bay State Beach is one of the finest beaches in the region. Head to the visitor center on weekends to learn about the history of this wonderful beach. This 4-mile (6-kilometer) sandy stretch is great for fishing, picnicking and lounging.

Drive from Half Moon Bay to Mavericks Beach in less than 20 minutes. Due to rare underwater rock formations and Pacific Ocean storms, this beach often produces large waves. Watch surfers take on the giant offshore swells from the top of the bluffs.

Back in town, visit the Barterra Winery and taste some of their award-winning vintages. Embark on a salmon fishing charter many boat trips depart from Pillar Point Harbor.

The Half Moon Bay Coastalside Trail is a scenic hiking, running and cycling trail that runs through the protected Wavecrest Open Space. Admire picturesque views of the ocean and spot birds such as hawks and herons.

Half Moon Bay is located in San Mateo County, California, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from San Francisco and just 30 minutes’ drive from San Francisco International Airport. The town is less than 15 minutes’ drive from numerous attractions, including the small coastal hamlets of El Granada and Moss Beach.

With its long golden beaches, oceanfront walking trails and wide range of outdoor activities, Half Moon Bay is a popular weekend escape for San Franciscans.

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay

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El Granada

El Granada is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Pillar Point Harbor or Pillar Piont Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

El Granada
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Princeton

While Princeton isn't home to many top sights, Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Princeton
King George Hotel
King George Hotel
3 out of 5
334 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €103 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€103
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,386 reviews)
Very good hotel
"Really great value for money. Perfect location for us. Easy access from BART station. Cable cars just around the corner. Pleasant walk to Fisherman’s Wharf. Room had everything you could need and a really comfy bed. Coffee and pastries included for breakfast which was great for early starts and long ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

King George Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is €135 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
€135
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,360 reviews)
"Great hotel and views! All employees were nice and make you feel welcome. Room service made the bed while we were gone exploring which is a plus. Only negative was that I wish I would have know that you have to pay to park which was $45/ day."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is €134 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€134
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,189 reviews)
"Breakfast was great!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beach Town Home w/Hot Tub - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and more
Beach Town Home w/Hot Tub - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and more
Half Moon Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a kitchen. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (29 reviews)
"It was a perfect place for a short get-a-way. The place has great lighting and the kitchen was really nice, with plenty of cooking utensils. Super close to beaches and downtown. Just wish the previous renters dog poop had been picked up! Would definitely rent again!"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Beach Town Home w/Hot Tub - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and more
One Bedroom Cottage
One Bedroom Cottage
Half Moon Bay
Stay at this cottage in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a Smart TV. Popular attractions Francis Beach and Elmar Beach are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Lovely cabin
"My girlfriend and I had a fantastic stay here for a long weekend. The cottage is bigger and nicer than I had expected. As other reviewers have said, it is fairly close to the main road so there is some pretty constant traffic noise."

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2024

One Bedroom Cottage
Beach Town Home - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and so much more...
Beach Town Home - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and so much more...
Half Moon Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a balcony. Popular attractions Poplar Beach and Half Moon Bay State Beach are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
Overall, enjoyed it.
"The place was clean enough, comfortable and had good amenities. The biggest complaint I had was the location on the map looks like it’s on the beach, not right on the highway. Please adjust the pin location on your posting for more accuracy. Thank you."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Beach Town Home - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and so much more...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Half Moon Bay

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 62.5%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 12.5%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Christian
20 Sep 2019

I don’t think there is any affiliation but I would highly recommend you DO NOT go to the restaurant next door. The hotel though is lovely.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Apr 2019

Great seafood. Went riding along the coast and was amazing.