Are you looking for the perfect weekend getaway in the Bay Area? If so, Half Moon Bay, a small coastal town on the California Coast, is the perfect getaway for the weekend. It is about 29 miles from San Francisco and 40 miles from San Jose. It had a population of 11,324 as of 2010 census. Despite being a small coastal town, there are plenty of things to do here such as beautiful beaches, interesting shops and restaurants and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, fishing, golfing and surfing.
Things to do Half Moon Bay
Andreotti Family Farm
At Andreotti Family Farm, you pick your own sunflowers for $3 a stem. We were given a pair of gloves and a pair of flower cutting shears to cut the flowers. The sunflowers were about 6 feet in height and they were beautiful. This was definitely an added bonus for our trip.
Dinosaurs of Spanish Town
Letβs talk about dinosaurs. Donβt worry. We are not talking about real dinosaurs here. We are talking about life-size dinosaur statues in front of the shopping center. When driving down highway 92 to Half Moon Bay, it will be on the left side before reaching the downtown area. You canβt miss them.
Coastal Trail
The 7.5 mile stretch of the California Coastal Trail that passes through the Ritz-Carlton property is the perfect spot for a morning strolls, run or bike ride.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Hike to the Cypress grove known as the βenchanted forest,β which is a blufftop section of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve containing a century-old cypress grove.
When to go to Half Moon Bay
September is the perfect time to visit when the temperatures are the warmest and skies are the clearest. The warm season lasts from late June to late October with an average daily high temperatures in the mid 60F.
Where to stay in Half Moon Bay
Spoil yourself by staying at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. Itβs a 5-star luxury resort located on bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has 261 rooms, a 16,000 square-foot luxurious spa, two fine dining restaurants, six lighted tennis courts and two championship golf courses.
We redeemed two free nights from Ritz-Carlton Rewards credit card to stay here. Unfortunately, this card is no longer open to new applicants. For extra comfort and privacy, we stayed in a Guest House. It is located just a short walk from the main building of the resort. The Guest House offers four Ocean Front guest rooms with fire pits on the ground floor. Our room faced the ocean and had a beautiful view of the golf course and pacific coastline. Our kids enjoyed playing on the front lawn. In the evening, we enjoyed sitting around the fire pit to roast marshmallows and makes sβmores. We brought our own sβmores kit, but you can purchase it from room service.Β
When we first checked in at the Front Desk, we were offered a complimentary glass of wine and our kids were offered cookies plus a chance to go on a scavenger hunt to collect wristbands along the way, which leads up to a prize at check-out once theyβve completed all the items. It was a fun way for ourkids to have fun and explore all the hotel has to offer.
Where to eat in Half Moon Bay
Navio
Located in the Ritz-Carlton, Navio offers a panoramic ocean view dining experience featuring coastal California cuisine.
Sam Chowerβs House
Favorite seafood restaurant in Half Moon Bay with oceanfront dining experience. Lobster rolls and New England clam chowder are a must! Itβs always crowded here so reservations arehighly recommended.
Barbaraβs Fish Trap
Lunch or dinner at this seafood restaurant is a must-do on your trip. Overlooking the pier, Barbaraβs Fish Trap offers some of the best local seafood around.
Those of you whoβve visited Half Moon Bay, what are your favorite restaurants, activities or hidden gems?