Town

Half Moon Bay

12,308 people (2006)

A windswept coastal town perched on dramatic Pacific cliffs, famous for its world-class surf breaks, flower farms, and the legendary Pumpkin Festival each October. Fresh Dungeness crab, farm-to-table dining, and sunset walks along State Beach make it an effortless escape from the Bay Area.

Written by our AI

Scenic drivesSmall-town charmWeekend getawayOutdoor adventure

Our AI's themes

How long

1–2 days

Our AI's estimate of a typical stay.

Seasons to visit

Spring, summer and autumn

Our AI's estimate of the seasons people enjoy most.

Sightseeing weather

June, July, August, September and October

Weather only, worked out from the town's records.

On the map

Where it is, and the other places we have mapped around it.

Skip the map

View on OpenStreetMap

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Tiles by OpenFreeMap.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay

25 we list here

Written by our AI

1Redondo BeachBeaches & water·About 2h·Easy·Best at golden hourRedondo Beach offers expansive sandy shores and gentle waves, perfect for lounging, swimming, and beach games.

2Pillar Point BluffScenic drives & viewpoints·About 30m·Easy·Best at golden hourPillar Point Bluff offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, especially stunning during the golden hour when the lighting is perfect for photography.

3Thomas Fogarty WineryWine, beer & distilleries·About 1h·EasyVisit Thomas Fogarty Winery for a relaxing wine tasting experience surrounded by scenic vineyards with panoramic views of Half Moon Bay.

4Memorial County ParkHiking & trails·About 1h·Easy·Best in the morningMemorial County Park offers peaceful woods and diverse wildlife, perfect for a relaxing family hike.

5Half Moon Bay JailMuseums & galleriesA historic two-cell jail built in 1919, now a museum showcasing local history and artifacts.

6La Nebbia WineryWine, beer & distilleries·About 1h·Easy·Best at middayLa Nebbia Winery offers relaxing wine tastings of hearty reds, perfect for savoring California's rich viticulture.

7Miramar BeachBeaches & water·About 1h·Easy·Best at sunriseMiramar Beach in Half Moon Bay offers soft sands and scenic coastal views, perfect for a relaxing morning stroll as the sun rises over the Pacific.

8Poplar BeachBeaches & water·About 1h·Easy·Best at middayPoplar Beach offers a wide sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and relaxing by the Pacific Ocean.

9Francis BeachBeaches & water·About 2h·Easy·Best at sunriseFrancis Beach offers soft sandy shoreline with scenic views of waves rolling in—perfect for relaxing or surfing.

10Lemos FarmFamily & kids attractions·About 1h 30m·Easy·Best in the morningLemos Farm offers an interactive farm experience with pony rides, petting zoo animals, and seasonal activities that delight visitors of all ages.

11Mavericks BeachBeaches & water·About 1h 30m·Easy·Best in the morningMavericks Beach in Half Moon Bay is famed for its imposing left-breaking waves that challenge the world's top big-wave surfers, offering a dramatic and awe-inspiring seaside experience.

12Pillar Point Harbor BeachBeaches & water·About 1h·EasyPillar Point Harbor Beach offers panoramic coastal views and a relaxing sandy shoreline just outside Half Moon Bay.

13Manhattan BeachBeaches & waterManhattan Beach is known for its beautiful sandy shores and vibrant beachfront area.

14Venice BeachBeaches & waterVenice Beach is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic boardwalk, and stunning sunsets, making it a must-visit destination.

15Half Moon Bay State BeachWildlife & natureKnown for its stunning coastal views, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing.

16Half Moon Bay Golf Links - The Old CourseOutdoor adventureThis golf course is celebrated for its stunning coastal views and challenging holes.

17Half Moon Bay Golf Links - The Ocean CourseOutdoor adventureHalf Moon Bay Golf Links offers breathtaking ocean views and well-maintained greens, making it a premier golfing destination.

18Dunes BeachBeaches & waterDunes Beach provides a tranquil escape for sunbathers and surfers alike.

19Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space PreserveWildlife & natureThis preserve features majestic redwoods, lush trails, and diverse wildlife, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.

20Cowell Ranch BeachBeaches & waterCowell Ranch Beach is a picturesque and less-crowded beach perfect for relaxation and nature walks.

21Coastal Arts LeagueArts, music & nightlifeAn arts league showcasing local artists and hosting exhibitions.

22Seal Rock ViewpointScenic drives & viewpointsA scenic spot offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline, ideal for photography and relaxation.

23Elmar BeachBeaches & waterElmar Beach is a quaint spot to relax by the ocean, enjoy beach activities, and witness stunning sunsets.

24Light and ArtArts, music & nightlifeAn art installation featuring light-based artworks.

25Pise LookoutScenic drives & viewpointsPise Lookout offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it a great spot for photography.

Durations, effort and best times are our AI's estimates.

Places to eat in Half Moon Bay

11 we list here

Written by our AI

1Peet's CoffeeCoffee shop·Suits breakfast, brunch, lunch·$$A cozy spot near Half Moon Bay's beaches, offering high-quality coffee and friendly service.

2Dad's LuncheonetteBurger·Suits lunch·$$A unique dining spot housed in a historic train caboose, offering elevated roadside sandwiches and seasonal sides.

3Cafe CapistranoMexican, Mayan·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$A Mexican and seafood restaurant serving Mayan and Yucatán specialties like fish tacos, cochinita pibil, and poc chuc in a homey setting.

4Miramar Beach RestaurantSeafood·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$An American restaurant in Half Moon Bay offering ocean views and a variety of dishes.

5Capo Mediterranean KitchenGreek, Mediterranean·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$A Mediterranean restaurant offering a variety of dishes, including kebabs and falafel, in a casual setting.

6Brothers CafeSuits breakfast, lunch·$$A café offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches and salads, in a cozy setting.

7Joe'sAmerican·Suits lunch, dinner·$$$Offers a variety of American dishes, known for its hearty portions and casual atmosphere.

8California Pizza KitchenPizza·Suits lunch, dinner·$$A pizza restaurant in Half Moon Bay offering a variety of pizzas and pastas.

9Round Table PizzaPizza·Suits lunch, dinner·$$A popular pizza chain serving a variety of specialty pizzas, pastas, and salads.

10The Flying Fish GrillSuits lunch, dinner·$$A seafood-focused eatery in Half Moon Bay offering a variety of dishes in a relaxed setting.

11Pressed JuiceryJuice·Suits breakfast, brunch·$A juice shop in Half Moon Bay offering a variety of fresh juices and smoothies.

Cuisine from OpenStreetMap. "Suits" and price bands are our AI's estimates.

Places to stay in Half Moon Bay

13 we list here

Written by our AI

1Rosewood Sand HillHotel·Good for couples, families, business·$$$$A luxurious hotel in Menlo Park, California, offering spacious, modern rooms with mountain views.

2Grand Hyatt at SFOHotel·Good for business, couples·$$$$A resort hotel located near San Francisco International Airport, offering luxurious accommodations and amenities.

3Seal Cove InnHotel·Good for couples, families, business·$$$A cozy hotel located near the beach, offering comfortable accommodations and a complimentary breakfast.

4Francis Beach CampgroundCamp site·Good for families, groups·$A campground located in Half Moon Bay State Park, offering tent and RV camping sites near the beach.

5The Westin San Francisco AirportHotel·Good for business, budget travelers·$$$An airport hotel providing comfortable accommodations and easy access to San Francisco International Airport.

6Sequoia Flat CampgroundCamp site·Good for families, groups·$A campground located in Memorial Park, offering tent camping sites in a forested setting.

7Grand Bay Hotel San FranciscoHotel·Good for business, families·$$$A hotel located in San Francisco, offering comfortable accommodations and convenient access to local attractions.

8Half Moon Bay RV ParkCaravan site·Good for families, groups·$$An RV park located in Half Moon Bay, California, offering full-hookup sites near the beach.

9San Francisco RV ResortCaravan site·Good for families, groups·$$An RV resort located in Pacifica, California, offering full-hookup sites with ocean views.

10Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Airport NorthHotel·Good for budget travelers·$A budget-friendly hotel near the San Francisco International Airport, offering basic accommodations and a complimentary airport shuttle.

11Azalea Flat CampgroundCamp site·Good for families, groups·$A campground located in Memorial Park, offering tent camping sites in a forested setting.

12Pillar Point RV ParkCaravan site·Good for families, groups·$$An RV park located in Half Moon Bay, California, offering full-hookup sites near the beach.

13Hyatt Regency San Francisco AirportHotel·Good for business, budget travelers·$$$An airport hotel providing comfortable accommodations and easy access to San Francisco International Airport.

Type of stay from OpenStreetMap. "Good for" and price bands are our AI's estimates.

Each place opens our booking partner, where you can check prices and book. We may earn a commission if you book.

The weather you'd get

Typical daily high and low, and the share of days with rain, from historical records (2011-2025). Average weather for Half Moon Bay, not a forecast.

58°

46°

28%

58°

46°

28%

59°

47°

35%

61°

48°

18%

62°

50°

66°

53°

67°

54°

69°

56°

71°

56°

69°

54°

11%

63°

49°

23%

58°

46°

31%

Warmest month: September, highs around 71°F, 22°C. Wettest: March, rain on about 35% of days. Driest: August.

Sightseeing weather. The mildest, driest and calmest months for sightseeing are June, July, August, September and October. That is weather only. It says nothing about ski seasons, beach days or festivals, which is often why people go.

Nearby towns

Daly City · 16 mi San Francisco · 22 mi Sausalito · 27 mi San Jose · 31 mi

From Wikipedia

Half Moon Bay is a coastal city in San Mateo County, California, United States, approximately 25 miles south of San Francisco. Its population was 11,795 as of the 2020 census. Immediately north of Half Moon Bay is Pillar Point Harbor and the unincorporated community of Princeton-by-the-Sea. Half Moon Bay is known for Mavericks, a big-wave surf location. It is called Half Moon Bay because of its crescent shape.

Sources and credits

Names, place details, opening times and addresses © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence.

Text: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Facts: Wikidata (CC0).

Weather: Open-Meteo historical weather data.

Airports: OurAirports, public domain.

Photo: 2009 aerial view of Pillar Point Harbor and Bluff by Doc Searls, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Descriptions, themes and estimates are written by Journey Builder's AI.