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Sunset on Manhattan Beach in Half Moon Bay

San Francisco Bay Area

Half Moon Bay & The Coastside

Seaside Villages and Coastal Escapes

Just south of San Francisco, the San Mateo Coast is a spectacular stretch of Highway 1, bordered by windswept bluffs and sandy beaches. Rolling farmland reaches toward the Pacific, and small coastal communities offer laid-back charm. The Coastside offers a refreshing escape filled with outdoor adventures, fresh seafood, and small-town character.

exterior of a shop wine in downtown Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Co.

Half Moon Bay

At the heart of the region, Half Moon Bay combines historic charm with a laid-back coastal spirit. Its inviting Main Street is lined with independent boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved buildings. Nearby, Half Moon Bay State Beach offers miles of sandy shoreline and scenic coastal trails. In autumn, the surrounding farms and pumpkin patches draw visitors for seasonal harvest celebrations.

Pumpkins at Lemos Farm
Lemos FarmPhoto courtesy of Vito Palmisano and Visit Half Moon Bay
Kayaking at Pillar Point Harbor
Kayaking at Pillar Point HarborPhoto by Kevin Henney courtesy of Visit Half Moon Bay

Pillar Point

Just north of town, Pillar Point Harbor is a bustling fishing port and waterfront gathering place. Watch fishing boats return with their daily catch, then enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the harbor. Coastal paths lead toward Pillar Point’s dramatic bluffs, where the legendary Mavericks surf break lies just offshore. When powerful winter swells arrive, some of the world’s most accomplished big-wave surfers come to challenge its enormous waves.

Cypress forest at Fitzgerald Marine Preserve
Cypress forest at Fitzgerald Marine PreservePhoto by Kevin Henney courtesy of Visit Half Moon Bay
Tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Preserve
Tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Preserve

Moss Beach

Farther north, Moss Beach is known for its rugged shoreline and remarkable marine life. At Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, low tide reveals colorful sea anemones and other fascinating creatures in the rocky tide pools. Follow the nearby coastal trails for sweeping ocean views and opportunities to spot harbor seals and migrating whales.

Beyond the shoreline, quiet country roads wind past flower farms and agricultural fields. Nearby redwood forests offer a peaceful contrast to the open coast.

For more inspiration and local travel information, visit The San Francisco Peninsula and Visit Half Moon Bay.

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay

9 Hotels

Guestroom at Mill Rose Inn with crisp white bedding, a dark iron bed frame, wood and marble top side table with brass lamp, soft pastel floral wallpaper with floral themed artwork hung and behind the bed, a window is dressed in elaborate, ruffled cream valance curtains and floral drapesGuestroom at Mill Rose Inn shows a dark iron bed frame, pastel bedding and light pastel wallpaper with antique side table, lamps and sconce lighting and a large windowGuestroom at Mill Rose Inn shows a dark iron bed frame, pastel bedding and light pastel wallpaper with floral themed artwork hung on either side of a large window with a door open to living space that shows an antique table and chairGuestroom at Mill Rose Inn featuring a black iron bed frame, antique and vintage furnishings and decorated with ornate wallpaperGuestroom at Mill Rose Inn showing a small wood table and two vintage chairs with artwork on both walls and window looking out on the property

Mill Rose Inn

Half Moon Bay$$$

Blooming roses, European antiques, and richly layered rooms create an intimate English country-style escape in Half Moon Bay.

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The European-style exterior of the Seal Cove Inn with a stucco exterior and weathered wood-shingle roofs, teal-painted doors and matching trim accents beautifully landscapedSeal Cove InnGuest room at Seal Cove Inn in natural hues with a cream colored tufted headboard, light wood side tables, an upholstered bench and side chair with a gold framed mirror and artwork on the wallsSuite bathroom at seal Cove Inn with a soaking tub and connected showerGuest room at Seal Cove Inn with high arched ceiling, white upholstered bed and bedding with dark furniture, accent chairs and table and a stone fireplace

Seal Cove Inn

Moss Beach$$$

Nestled among towering cypress, this intimate, European-style manor offers fireside rooms and garden paths leading to secluded beaches and tide pools.

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Guestroom fireplace with white accent chair and mirrored side table and lampCoastal themed guestroom at Nantucket Whale Inn, custom wood bed fram and matching dresser, a accent pillow with a whale, sailboat artwork hung, an antique chandelier and stained glass insert on wall into the guest bathroomGuest room at Nantucket Whale Inn with an antique bed frame and side tables, clear lamps, a velvet side chair and coastal artworkGuestroom at Nantucket Whale showing two armless accent chairs with a throw pillow, a small accent table with a lamp shaped like coral, antique furnishings and tile front fireplace and coastal artwork hung aboveNautical themed lobby at Nantucket Whale Inn shows a grey sofa, blue and white upholstered accent chairs, wood and glass top tables, with sailboat artwork hung and displayed with two floor to ceiling windows and French doors

Nantucket Whale Inn

Half Moon Bay$$$

Housed in a restored 1898 Victorian, seven elegant rooms, gourmet breakfasts, and a cozy garden patio bring a taste of New England to Half Moon Bay.

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Lobby seating with vaulted ceiling with dark grey wooden exposed trusses and beams, four curved, barrel-back accent chairs with dark frames facing each other with a leather ottoman, a fireplace with candles lite inside and two sets of matching, dark-framed arched windows flank the fireplaceThe front exterior at sunset with lush grounds, flowers and buildings lit upFront desk with natural wood and stone, exposed truss and large dark framed windowsLobby of the hotel with vaulted ceiling with two chandeliers, a large floor to ceiling fireplace plush sofas and chairs and a pianoLarge guestroom with two queen beds, modern dresser holding the television, a colored tile fireplace and large draped windows

Half Moon Bay Lodge

Half Moon Bay$$

Spacious, newly refreshed rooms, resort-style amenities, and a peaceful golf-course setting offer a relaxed getaway south of San Francisco.

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Jetty Patio at the Inn at MavericksThe Jetty at the Inn at MavericksMontara Room bathroom at the Inn at MavericksFirepit views from the Inn at MavericksExterior at the Inn at Mavericks

Inn at Mavericks

Half Moon Bay$$$

An intimate coastal retreat in Half Moon Bay offers six spacious waterfront suites with panoramic views, private decks, fireplaces, and soaking tubs.

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