16 THINGS TO DO IN HALF MOON BAY FOR COASTAL FUN
Formerly referred to as Spanishtown when based within the mid-1800s, Half Moon Bay, CA has change into a vacation spot celebrated for its stunning coasts, browsing tradition, mountain climbing trails, and extra. This Northern California vacation spot is a sizzling spot for day journeys from San Francisco and San Diego to flee the busy cities and immerse into the Bay Area’s pure magnificence.
From browsing a few of California’s largest waves at Maverick’s Beach, to mountain climbing beneath among the world’s largest bushes on the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, to recognizing one of many largest species of seals at Año Nuevo State Park, there are many issues to do in Half Moon Bay, drawing guests from around the globe.
PIGEON POINT LIGHT STATION STATE HISTORIC PARK
Clear skies on a fantastic day in Half Moon Bay is the proper time to go to Pigeon Point Light Station Historic Park. The sound of the fog sign doesn’t drown out the serenity of the waves colliding towards the rocky cliffs. Spend just a few moments within the shadow of one of many tallest lighthouses on the West Coast, and soak up countless views of the Pacific Ocean.
Pigeon Point Light sits on the cliff edge, whose slender white physique towers 115-ft above the bottom. Paved pathways lap round this Nineteenth-century lighthouse, the place you possibly can take dramatic lighthouse photos. After, spot the trail main right down to the secluded seaside to see the waves up shut.
Details: Website
HARLEY FARMS GOAT DAIRY
The stuttered laughs from roughly 200 alpine goats resound as if an alarm, letting the employees at Harley Farms Goat Dairy know that new guests have arrived to tour the farm. See the rolling pastures the place these pleasant livestock roam, whose peaceable farm life exhibits proof of how the farm produces award-winning cheeses.
Daily excursions take teams round sections of the farm’s 9 acres to see authentic constructions from when it was in-built 1910, see the manufacturing course of, and meet the farmers behind the farm’s long-running success.
Witness how liquid goat milk turns into scrumptious blocks of feta, chevre, ricotta, and different types of cheese. Taste-testing is the spotlight of visiting the goat farm. You’ll get a real farm-to-mouth eating expertise.
Details: 205 North St, Pescadero, CA 94060 | Website
J V FITZGERALD MARINE RESERVE
Bring out your internal naturalist when exploring the J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Somewhere between navigating the shaded nature trails or strolling alongside the seaside, you’ll discover what makes visiting these preserved landscapes among the best issues to do in Half Moon Bay.
J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a spot to find distinctive wildlife residing on the California coast. Begin the journey with a hike alongside trails extending beneath a pure cypress grove tree tunnel. The route results in a clearing on the summit, overlooking panoramic views of Moss Beach’s three-mile stretch of golden sand and the native harbor seals sunbathing within the heat California sunshine.
During low tide, tide swimming pools close to Moss Beach reveal among the reserve’s various marine life, together with sea stars, crabs, octopuses, and sea sponges.
Details: 200 Nevada Ave, Moss Beach, CA 94038 | Website
CALIFORNIA COASTAL TRAIL
Wake up within the morning for a scenic jog alongside the California Coastal Trail, or spend a night going for a leisure stroll to look at the waterfront sundown. Whether for leisure or train, this is among the well-liked trails that draws everybody.
Park your automobile on the Half Moon Bay Visitor Center for simple entry to the path. It extends for 4.7-miles between Seymour Bridge and Pillar Point Harbor Blvd, however experiencing solely a tiny part of it should make you respect its attraction.
An asphalt path is reserved for walkers and joggers, whilst you’re more likely to hear horse hoofs arising behind you on a separate equestrian dust path, so that you simply by no means must take your eyes off Pacific Ocean views.
Details: Website
BURLEIGH MURRAY RANCH STATE PARK
You’ll really feel like a real explorer as soon as arriving at Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park. Its off-the-beaten-path appeal makes it one of many hidden gems close to Half Moon Bay reserved for true adventurers.
See the stays of a historic farmstead constructed within the mid-1800s, largely left because it was when it was deserted. The outdated wood barn is a spotlight attraction on the farm, standing erect in its authentic place. Right outdoors, rusted farm tools sits untouched as if left behind by the unique homeowners after a protracted workday.
After admiring the man-made constructions, see what nature constructed with a hike on the paths winding by the close by woodlands.
Details: 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | Website
DEVIL’S SLIDE TRAIL
It’s arduous to take your eyes off Pacific Coast views as seen from the Devil’s Slide Trail, which is one in every of two explanation why it was a foul thought to be part of the PCH Coastal Highway. Now a pedestrian path, this former freeway was continuously closed attributable to rockslides and different accidents confirming its identify.
PCH Highway was rerouted, leaving us vacationers a wonderful place to get pleasure from recreation. The 1.3-mile path is all the time busy with walkers, cyclists, and even horseback riders trotting the picturesque shoreline. The graffiti-covered WWII bunker set atop a cliff close to Pacifica is among the details of curiosity. Visit the seaside beneath, referred to as Gray Whale Cove, or sit down on the path benches for just a few moments of breathtaking oceanfront views.
Details: 5929-5981 California Coastal Trail, Pacifica, CA 94044 | Website
MONTARA STATE BEACH
Montara State Beach hardly ever will get as crowded as a few of its well-liked neighbors, but it surely’s among the best seashores to take a look at in Half Moon Bay. It’s residence to a serene setting, whether or not you’re planning on sunbathing on the seaside, stepping into the water, or discovering its Instagram-famous picture spot.
Walk previous Californians laid out on colourful seaside blankets as you discover the proper location on the tan sand. Grassy bluffs sitting on both aspect of the seaside create a secluded environment as frothy waves roll gently onto the regularly sloped seaside.
Grab your board and head out to catch the day’s surf or search the tide swimming pools to see what marine life was left behind with the tide. Make positive to go to the pink flower fields blooming vibrantly subsequent to the seaside.
Details: Website
HALF MOON BAY STATE BEACH
No journey to Half Moon Bay, California is full with out planning a seaside day. But if you happen to’re caught on which seaside is the very best, Half Moon Bay State Beach provides you many choices to discover a appropriate stretch of pristine shoreline.
Choose from one in every of 4 seashores prolonged for 4 miles alongside the coast of the state park. Francis Beach and Dunes Beach are two go-to locations, with rolling sandy dunes lining the seaside and mild waters for swimming. For a bit extra motion, head over to the close by Mavericks Beach to see the world’s greatest expertise competing within the annual Mavericks Surf Contest, or view the creative energy of nature creating pure arches at Pescadero State Beach.
Details: Website
STAGE ROAD SCENIC DRIVE
Half Moon Bay is a photographer’s dream with magnificence in each route. Go for a experience on the Stage Road Scenic Drive to specific your solution to immersing in California’s various landscapes.
Stage Road is a straight shot between Pescadero and San Gregorio, passing immediately by Half Moon Bay. The drive is lower than eight miles a method however stuffed with pure sights. Some vacationers make the roundtrip experience there and again, but when there’s time, get out for a couple of minutes in both small city to discover earlier than returning.
Keep an eye fixed out for the aspect of the street as a result of it’s additionally a well-liked loop path for cyclists looking for scenic vista whereas peddling the route.
TUNITAS CREEK – PURISIMA CREEK SCENIC DRIVE
Taking a scenic drive between Tunitas Creek and Purisima Creek seems like cruising by a transition picture, remodeling from a coastal oasis to woodlands, set beneath among the world’s tallest bushes. Although solely roughly 4 miles lengthy, this route reveals the dramatic adjustments within the panorama seen throughout the state.
Hop in your automobile, let the home windows right down to catch the ocean breeze, then benefit from the sights as you begin the drive close to the steep, rocky sandstone cliffs rising at Tunitas Creek Beach. Sounds of the ocean waves fade into the background as you enter the redwood forests at Purisima Creek, shading the paths beneath an enormous cover stuffed with singing birds and rustling forest creatures.
Details: Higgins Canyon Rd & Purisima Creek Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | Website
SEA HORSE RANCH
As the solar peaks over the horizon, arrive early on the Sea Horse Ranch for his or her particular morning experience. Experience a singular SoCal sundown from the saddle of your light steed, awaiting your subsequent command to proceed the journey.
Join a information on a 90-minute gallop by the sandy coastal equestrian trails. Colorful flowers bloom on the aspect of the path as you start the trek in the direction of the coast. Hold on tight as you descend the cliff to Poplar Beach, the place you’ll witness the attractive brown mane of your horse flowing within the sea breeze whereas splashing alongside the water’s edge.
Whether it’s your first time driving a horse, otherwise you’re a self-proclaimed cowgirl at coronary heart, Sea Horse Ranch has well-trained horses to accommodate all ability ranges.
Details: Website
AÑO NUEVO STATE PARK
Melodies of elephant seals barking, pelicans shrieking overhead, and excited vacationers “awing” at each animal sighting, orchestrate the proper environment of Año Nuevo State Park. Experience the biodiversity of this preserved coastal space.
Stop by the customer heart to fulfill with pleasant rangers who will information you thru the park for the Seal Walk Tour. The tour takes you to statement platforms overlooking Cove Beach to see these outsized seals exhibiting you the way a “lazy beach day” is definitely achieved. Chit-chat along with your information to find out how this website is residence to the most important colony of elephant seals breeding on the U.S. mainland, and different enjoyable details about them.
The greatest time to see elephant seals in Año Nuevo Park is April and August.
Details: 1 New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060 | Website
BEAN HOLLOW STATE PARK
Live within the second by staring into the Pacific Ocean from the shores of Bean Hollow State Park because the cool waters wash towards your ft. Let go of all of your ideas and let views of this scenic strip of coastal splendor engulf your thoughts.
Step throughout the rocky ledges earlier than sinking your ft into the nice and cozy, mild tan sands at this tranquil seaside. Low tide reveals rocky tide swimming pools stuffed with sea urchins and sea anemones ready to clean away when the tide returns.
Plan a stunning afternoon picnic at Bean Hollow State Park with offered seating atop overlooks of the coast.
Details: New Years Creek Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060 | Website
PURISIMA CREEK REDWOODS OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
Sunlight peeking by the dense cover on the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve gives simply sufficient mild to search for on the big redwood bushes with out hurting your eyes. It’s an otherworld setting as you stroll the pure paths set on the ft of nature’s giants.
Thrilling hikes alongside the signature Purisima Creek Loop Trail or Whittemore Gulch Trail supply distinctive experiences to see the massive bushes. The forest playlist options hits just like the trickle of Purisima Creek heard whereas stepping over wood bridges and tree-dwelling creatures shaking the leaves whereas leaping between branches overhead.
After your hike, reward your self with a snack break on the park picnic tables.
Details: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | Website
HALF MOON BAY BREWING
Indulge within the native craft brew scene with eating places like Half Moon Bay Brewing, which cultivates a neighborhood of beer lovers. Lines are positive to stretch out the entrance door, however because of your reservations, you’ll get essentially the most coveted eating seat—the waterfront patio.
Sample home beer favorites to ship a scrumptious hoppy sensation to your palette with the Full Swing IPA or the Calf-eine Coffee Milk Stout with a taste of recent espresso roast. In between rounds, fill your stomach with a heat, creamy bowl of clam chowder or style the day’s catch within the Fisherman’s Stew.
As the night rolls round, the string lights overhead illuminate the patio, as roaring fire-pits within the desk centerpieces maintain you heat on a cold night time.
Details: 390 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | Website
PILLAR POINT HARBOR
There’s all the time exercise afloat at Pillar Point Harbor — from the early morning, fishing boats file in line, able to get the primary catch of the day, till the night when sundown chasers collect alongside the harbor.
Don’t simply stand on the sidelines of Pillar Point Park, and as a substitute put your self within the stunning surroundings that you simply’ve been admiring a lot. Rent a ship from the Hall Moon Bay Kayak Company to paddle the bay, the place pleasant sea otters are by no means shy to strategy your boat to say “hello.” Whale watching excursions are well-liked from March to May when pods of grey whales migrate close to the shore en path to Alaska.
Enjoy sundown views over Mavericks Beach from the outside eating deck at Sam’s Chowder House to style the lobster rolls, crab muffins, and different dishes from its award-winning menu.
Details: 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 | Website
MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO CALIFORNIA
WHERE TO STAY IN HALF MOON BAY
Follow us right here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube
All articles belong to 365 Atlanta Family LLC, and all photographs belong to us as nicely, until in any other case famous. It’s all copyrighted. Please don’t repost something elsewhere with out asking me first. All rights reserved. This website makes use of cookies to reinforce your expertise.
We make no ensures of any value listed on our website. We aren’t accountable for content material on exterior web pages linked from ours, together with linked sources, an exterior weblog put up, any companion website, resort property websites, or affiliate websites. We solely write about locations we love in an try that can assist you in your adventures, however we will’t assure you’ll love them, too.
Posts could comprise affiliate hyperlinks without charge to you. Several of our journeys are additionally compensated by the respective tourism boards for the town or state we’re visiting. This by no means impacts how we share the vacation spot with you – opinions are all the time our personal and we pleasure ourselves on that. United States Copyright, 365 Atlanta Family, LLC
View our Privacy Policy | Subscribe to our Newsletter | Contact Site Owner | View Terms & Conditions | About Us
