Half Moon Bay

Travel Guide

Half Moon Bay showing general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a small group of people
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as children
Half Moon Bay which includes a sandy beach as well as an individual male
Half Moon Bay which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

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
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is S$191 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
S$191
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,211 reviews)
"Would recommend."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,509 reviews)
"Noisy room on the ground floor. You could hear every word if someone walked by and the generator from the parking lot across the street kept we awake half of the night. Definitely not what I expect from a RIU Hotel. Very disappointed. Maybe you should invest in new windows. However, location and ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
Fully refundable
The price is S$146 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$146
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,850 reviews)
Nice Top Golf
"Great"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
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.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,756 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
4 out of 5
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, memory foam beds, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Pier 39 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Great amenities and good location
"The location is great, but very expensive. We like having a kitchen and laundry facility. There is no fan provided, so be prepared in warmer months. The bathroom door is frosted glass and does not reach the ceiling."

Reviewed on 26 Apr, 2025

Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
2 out of 5
5 Santa Ana Ave, Daly City, CA
Stay at this apartment in Daly City. Popular attractions San Francisco Zoo and Serramonte Center are located nearby.
6.4/10 (24 reviews)
"Overall a great place to stay. It was very clean and the bad was very comfortable. Having a private bathroom is a luxury. My only dislike was the paper thin door which didn't block out any sounds in or out."

Reviewed on 13 May, 2025

Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
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 63%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Christian

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

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