I liked much your blog. The federally designated trail traverses pristine coastal habitats, including secluded sandy beaches, lush creeks, meadows, wetlands, and cypress groves. The seven-mile trail begins at Pillar Point Harbor, which happens to be great place to sample local cuisine. Visitors will be surprised by the size of the bull elephant seals, stretching to 16 feet and weighing an average of three tons each. As a result, portions of the trail are wheelchair accessible. The trail begins at the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot, which is east of Highway One. Although the lighthouse itself cannot be toured, guided history tours of the grounds are conducted daily each afternoon or by appointment. The Visit Half Moon Bay web site is jointly funded and maintained by the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. With an an inspiring coastal setting, accessible locale, and unique venues that will delight your teamand your budget officeThe Half Moon Bay Coastside provides a, Indoors or Outdoors, Coastside lodging venues offer great options for location and decor. They have a Fish Phone (650-726-8724) that you call to find out what will be for sale. Plan to have lunch here, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood. To bike your way from one end of this 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) stretch to another, you would need up to an hour if you dont take breaks, which you will inevitably do. A five-star resort hotel overlooking the ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a special place to stop for a gourmet meal. We have ridden our bicycles on the bike trail. Sightseeing and nature appreciation are the most popular activities on these beaches. Californias Half Moon Bay Coastside may not be that big in size, but it is loaded with bucket list worthy things to do. You can continue on the California Coastal Trail from Pillar Point Harbor to Miramar Beach, which is about a half-hour hike. A popular spot on Main Street for Italian cuisine is Pasta Moon Ristorante. Along the trail, hikers can see the stumps of the ancestral trees. On the way from Half Moon Bay to the quaint rural community of Pescadero, about 17 miles to the south, travelers are wowed by the picturesque landscapes. This small cove conceals Gray Whale Cove State Beach. The restaurant's chefs make use of seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby coastal farms and ranches and from local fishermen. Beautiful beaches, dramatic nature sites, and awe-inspiring ocean scenery provide a glorious backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding, birding, golfing, and (when the sun is out) sunbathing. Most of the California Coastal Trail is an asphalt-paved path that used to be the route for the Ocean Shore Railroad. Several waterfront restaurants offer fabulous bay views and excellent cuisine, especially seafood. Its brewed in house and with so many choices youre bound to fall in love with at least one. The seasonal bounty of artichokes, carrots, corn, strawberries, green beans, and pumpkins delight shoppers at the weekly farmers market. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. During the pumpkin season in October, traffic into the "World Pumpkin Capital" slows to a crawl as visitors from San Francisco and the South Peninsula make their way into Half Moon Bay on the two-lane country road. Though there are many shapes to choose from (like sea urchins, jellyfish and flowers), Half Moon Bay is well-known for pumpkins and their annual festival related to them, so making one would be an appropriate souvenir. Sometimes visitors may even see a mother seal giving birth. Want more information about the Half Moon Bay Coastside? The trail is lined with typical California coastal vegetation such as sagebrush and coyote bush, but also poison oak, so watch out for its three-pronged reddish-green leaves. During springtime, the Gray Whale Cove Trail blooms with colorful wildflowers, including blue Douglas irises, vibrant pink hollyhocks, and bright yellow buttercups. You can use this useful application to get in touch with fishermen, inquire whats on the menu for the day, and reserve your desired seafood. Sign up for our email newsletter to keep up with what's new on the Coastside, and get your free Coastside/365 Guide filled with activities, destinations, local events and much, much more. A bustling gathering spot since 2000, Half Moon Brewing Co. draws locals and visitors alike with killer views, brews, and grub., We're pleased to share the news that Coastal Living magazine has named Half Moon Bay one of the most stunning beaches in the country., With docks of colorful fishing boats and charming waterfront eateries, the cozy seaside hamlet of Pillar Point Harbor offers a taste of New England along the California coast. These four beaches represent several miles of wide, sandy coastline. More places to stay: Seal Cove Inn is perched on top of a bluff seaside, the Nantucket Whale Inn is another cute B&B and for ultimate luxury stay at the Ritz Carlton. Docents lead guided tours on the first and third Sundays of the month. The region wont make it easy for you to decide where to lay your head, because there is a wealth of romantic escapes to choose from. The Inn at Mavericks, with its 6 suites in Pillar Point Harbor, offer a front-row view of the serenity of harbor life. If you love a cozy old-fashioned B&B then the Mill Rose Inn is your place! Sheltered by rocky cliffs, Pescadero State Beach is a quiet, sandy beach with unspoiled natural scenery and a small picnic area. Note: Make sure to go on the weekend when the small shop is open and you can buy products made from their goats milk, beehives and berries. amzn_assoc_rows = "1"; San Gregorio Country Store is pretty much out in the middle of nowhere, but the random tchotchkes for sale inside are impressive. When the right conditions conspire, Mavericks waves rise to massive peaks reaching 15 to 30 feet in height. Perpetually covered in dense fog that obscures visibility, this coastal site was in dire need of a lighthouse when the Pigeon Point Lighthouse was built in 1871 after a series of shipwrecks. Pillar Point Harbor overlooks the famous waves of Mavericks Beach, where the legendary annual surfing competition takes place. The Francis Beach Campground offers 52 campsites with hot showers; campsite reservations must be made in advance. Not a kayaker or want more adventures? The combination of the two flavors is delicious! A sunset over the ocean while youre walking on the beach with your sweetheart is high on the list of those searching for romantic experiences. Web design by Crucial Creative. Montara State Beach, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Mavericks Beach are popular with tide-pool seekers. The fish is the star of the show! Definitely stop by Oddyssea to shop for science, nature and art products. Plus, Bay Art Glass is conveniently located right next door to the wine tasting at La Nebbia Winery (I recommend blowing glass before drinking!). There is also a two-mile hiking trail that follows the meandering Mills Creek and continues into a narrow valley and brush-covered open space. This picturesque (and fun!) Nestled in a valley about three miles from the Half Moon Bay downtown, Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park delights visitors with its pristine rural landscapes. Want to book a class? Visitors will enjoy browsing the unique locally owned clothing boutiques, bookstores, home decor shops, and other specialty shops. Tourists should keep in mind that the weather tends to be cool and windy, even during summertime, when thick fog often blocks the sun. The Coastside encompasses the cities of Half Moon Bay, Miramar, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, San Gregorio, La Honda, and Pescadero. The most anticipated local event, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival in mid-October, draws big crowds. Arcangeli Grocery (also known as Norms Market) is not only a cute little market in Pescadero, it is famous for their warm artichoke bread. This classic 18-hole course features a parkland links design, cypress trees, and sensational views of the Pacific Ocean. From Miramar Beach, the California Coastal Trail follows along Half Moon Bay State Beach. And here are my top 30 bucket list picks. So, it is definitely a must-try on the Half Moon Bay bucket list. The property is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the rooms are romantic (there was a fireplace in mine!). Lemos Farm | James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com. If you are not renting a car, Lyft and Uber are available all over the city. We are not talking like little specks of minced artichokes mixed in, we are talking about huge chunks throughout the bread. This portion of the trail is about an hour hike. Lemos Farm is a popular tourist attraction for families, especially those with younger kids. It is a fully operational family-run farm with resident pigs, goats, sheep, and bunnies, which kids can meet in the petting zoo. Renting a car in Half Moon Bay is the best way to really experience the city and. Getting There: SFO (San Francisco International Airport) is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. Either watch it indoors from the Ocean Terrace Bar while sipping a glass of wine or if the weather permits head outdoors and sit on one of the benches along the California Coastal Trail. Often blanketed in misty fog, the hillsides sloping down to the Pacific Ocean are covered with fragrant eucalyptus trees and a patchwork of farms, ranches, and flower nurseries. Grab a loaf (or two) and some other goodies to take to the outdoor picnic are at La Nebbia Winery for an afternoon of food, wine and bocce ball. The B&B owner takes advantage of Half Moon Bay's cool, misty climate, which allows an abundance of colorful roses and other flowers to thrive in the garden. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in California, 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles, 23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Palo Alto, CA, Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Areas & Hotels, San Francisco with Kids: 12 Top Things to Do, 16 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Francisco, San Francisco Walking Tour: 10 Top Sights, 14 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco, CA, 1-Day, 2-Day & 3-Day San Francisco Itineraries for Travelers, 13 Top-Rated Hiking Trails near San Francisco, CA, 14 Top-Rated Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA, From San Francisco to Yosemite: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe: 4 Best Ways to Get There, 11 Top-Rated Beaches in the San Francisco Area, 15 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in the Bay Area, CA, 20 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 20 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods, English country-style gardens surround the romantic, Another excellent bed-and-breakfast hotel is the three-star, Located at the edge of the Ritz property's golf course, the three-star, If you want both the B&B experience and a beachfront lodging, the four-star, For a dependable budget-friendly hotel located close to the beach and several restaurants, the two-star. To complete the trail, which winds up at The Ritz-Carlton hotel, takes approximately one more hour. Many visitors also enjoy fishing and picnicking at the Half Moon Bay beaches. Within the park is a 1930s bungalow and a run-down historic barn that dates to the late 1800s. Now it is a photogenic site, beautified with graffiti, to admire from a distance because regulations concerning trespassing through a private property still apply. Offering a special dining experience occasionally with live music, Sam's Chowder House has an outdoor terrace with sweeping ocean views. Instead of swimming, visitors come here to appreciate the gorgeous scenery and to breathe in the refreshing sea air. For a spectacularly scenic hike with panoramic coastal views, head to the community of Pacifica (about 10 miles north of Half Moon Bay). amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; For those staying in San Francisco, there are plenty of things to do with kids, and many of the city's top attractions can be visited on a walking tour. About Annette Photo Gallery My Bucket List Press, SFO (San Francisco International Airport), is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. Several pumpkin farms offer activities designed for little ones, such as pumpkin carving contests, mazes, pony rides, and petting zoos. Right between the two on the coast is Sams Chowder House, with its outdoor lounge chairs that let you slow things down a little. The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay perches on the bluffs at the south end of town, and is an ideal place to be whatever the weather. The boutique, 10-room Seal Cove Inn sits on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean and overlooks a lush garden. Even more challenging, the newer Ocean Course opened in 1997 and was designed by renowned landscape architect Arthur Hills. Yet, its not just visitors, Please note: This is an older article that was, Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; All rights reserved. San Francisco Sights: Half Moon Bay is about 45 minutes south of San Francisco, making a day trip into the city and even the surrounding area a great option for tourists. I dont know about the miles, but it is about 45 minutes to an hour from Palo Alto. From digging your toes in the sand to enjoying coastal cuisine to relaxing in a cozy home-away-from-home, theres romance all around. Just off Main Street on a quiet side street is the Mill Rose Inn, a luxury bed-and-breakfast hotel with a delightful English country-style garden. Official site: www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The Half Moon Bay Coastside is just an hour and a half from my hometown and stretches along Northern Californias Highway 1 (from Montara to Pescadero) and inland, for a total of 280 breathtaking square miles. At the North Ridge Trailhead on Skyline Drive (Hwy 35), visitors will find the most convenient access to the 4,711-acre Purisima Creek Trail, which traverses the length of the Redwood Open Space Preserve. Pescadero's farms and ranches supply local markets and grocery stores with a wide variety of fresh produce and high-quality meat. Every winter, an incredible event occurs here: Thousands of enormous elephant seals arrive on the shores for breeding season, from December through March. The coastal areas and rocky reefs around the lighthouse are full of marine life, and this is a great spot for wildlife viewing. About 27 miles south of Half Moon Bay, the Ao Nuevo State Park is a nature reserve featuring wetland marshes, dune fields, coastal scrub, and beaches. During winter and springtime, it's sometimes possible to spot gray whales just offshore. On Easter Sunday, Lemos Farm hosts two Easter Egg Hunts that will delight the little ones. Another place to dine with a view is La Costanera, with its contemporary Peruvian cuisine. The dinosaurs of Spanish Town are right off Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay, and definitely the perfect chance for a cheesy photo op. On weekends at sundown, bagpipers play on the course in the Scottish tradition. Towering coastal redwood trees are the defining feature of the lush Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Hikers may also spot gray whales during the migration season. Locals' favorite spots include Barbara's Fishtrap, a casual eatery with beachside tables overlooking the fishing harbor, and Sam's Chowder House, a New England-style seafood restaurant known for its fish dishes prepared from fresh local catches. The Old Course was designed in 1973 by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane. Cycling along the California Coastal Trail, which starts next to Pillar Point Harbor and ends at the Ritz Carlton, is one of the top things to do in Half Moon Bay, and for good reason. The center of town brims with old-fashioned hotels, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, casual cafs, and locally owned eateries. This beautiful stretch of countryside encompasses wooded rolling hills and small farms, as well as marshlands and beaches. Written by Lisa AlexanderUpdated May 26, 2022, We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). If you are not renting a car, Lyft and Uber are available all over the city. Anemone in the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach. Coastside parks include the mighty redwoods, delicate ferns, and rushing creeks of the Purissima Creek Redwoods Preserve. You can get them two ways: Dressed or Naked. After a short briefing, you are set to create your personal showpiece with the aid of a personal artist (Emily expertly assisted me in making my masterpiece!). Established by a gift from the Save-the-Redwoods League, the 5,412-acre Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve has nearly 25 miles of trails, many of which are suited for experienced hikers. Also in downtown Pescadero, the old-timey Duarte's restaurant (202 Stage Road) prepares delicious meals mainly using locally grown vegetables and fruits and fresh-caught fish. The rest of the year, visitor permits are required. Escape into the mountains and walk among the vineyards at Thomas Fogarty Winery on a guided tour, or just hang out in the tasting room to enjoy local wines. You can easily check for the best fare deals at. Seals regularly swim from the shore beyond the surf, and gray whales can be seen during the migration season (January through March) while on their journey traveling down the Pacific Coast. With further inspection you will see the layers of flavors staring with a smoked chipotle-garlic aioli, followed by a 1/2 pound Harris ranch patty, crispy fried pickles, one sunny side up egg smoked applewood bacon and Gouda. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park features a visitor center, bookshop, and accommodations. There are four hiking trails within the 235-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, as well as opportunities for kayaking. has some great deals. If you ever wanted to know how to blow a glass pumpkin heres a video of my instructor doing it: At Harley Farms in Pescadero you can book a fun dairy dinner in a hayloft (sold out months in advance! Experienced surfers can brave the Half Moon Bay swells, but generally, the ocean in this area is not safe for swimming. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; There are many eateries to choose fromget your pasta fix at Its Italia or Pasta Moon, get a burger and beer at Sacrilege and grab some Japanese at Sushi on Main. Theres nothing quite as romantic as seeing a gorgeous orange sunset across the Pacific ocean from a luxury resort-like The Ritz Carlton. *If you happen to be there in winter, dont miss to watch surfers riding up to 80-feet high waves on Half Moon Bay State Beach (home of Mavericks big-wave surf competition). amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Instead, it is large chunks of warmed lobster meat lightly tossed with butter on a toasted bun. - Fri. 10am 2pmor By Appointment | Phone:(650)726-8380. For a fresher take on romance in Half Moon Bay, check out this newer article: Three Days in Half Moon Bay for Romantics. Mills Creek Barn at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park | bgwashburn / photo modified. Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. is located right at Pillar Point Harbor and you can get one by the hour or sign up for a tour. The rusty life-size statues line the street in front of a little shopping village and countless people visit them daily for the perfect selfie (myself included!). Despite being so close to San Francisco, the town feels much farther away because it's only accessible by a winding two-lane country road. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Other culinary highlights on Main Street include the house-made gelato and waffle cones at Gulino Gelato, whose owner was trained in the craft of Italian gelato at a culinary school in Bologna, Italy; Keith's Chicken-N-Waffles, which serves country-style breakfast and lunch; and Panificio, an artisanal pizzeria that specializes in traditional Italian-style wood-fired pizza prepared from seasonal California ingredients. In the neighboring community of Princeton-by-the-Sea, the picturesque Pillar Point Harbor features fishing boats bobbing in its sheltered waters and an old wooden pier jutting out to sea. Check out Bay Art Glass class schedule here. For something on the less expensive side, try The Lighthouse Hotel located in Pacifica. , which also has the option to choose cheapest month as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. The trail extends along coastal bluffs and above expansive stretches of shoreline. Expansive chaparral-covered rolling hills and shady eucalyptus groves give the place a peaceful quality. A short walk from Venice Beach, the Sweetwood Group Camping provides facilities for tent camping and is ideal for groups (reservations are required). amzn_assoc_linkid = "a24a7161f394fc5ef403e7c533641531"; A dozen or so baby goats wander the space as participants practice yoga. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "northern california road trips"; The rewarding drive offers views of rolling fields dotted with bright orange pumpkin patches, country barns, and scarecrows overlooking the ocean. Visit the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau website here. It is rumored that surfers, who want to catch a giant wave at Mavericks Beach, store their surfboards on the ceiling at Old Princeton Landing. Families with small children have fun visiting the farms and picking out the perfect Halloween pumpkins. The best part is that you can go there to buy some straight off the boat! The trees you will see here are over 100 years old. My favorite was the Full Swing IPA. The beach is two miles from the town of Pescadero, which is east of Highway One on Pescadero Road. Copyright 2001 - document.write(new Date().getFullYear())Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District. Surfers Beach blends into the quartet of Roosevelt, Venice, Dunes and Francis Beaches that make up the Half Moon Bay State Beach. Its the perfect warm weather thing to do! Also, try a cup of their New England clam chowderit was selected by The Food Network as one of the best clam chowders outside of New England. There are also ponies here, each happy to give rides to smaller kiddos. Not sure how wheelchair friendly the beach is. The San Mateo County Coastside is made up of over 300 square miles of beautiful California countryside, with easy access to sandy beaches, redwood forests, and open spaces. Picturesque Gray Whale Cove State Beach is sheltered by steep cliffs. The Half Moon Bay Distillery is a grassroots operation, just a couple rooms, but if you have any interest in the distilling process their 45-minute tour explains it well. If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to. Start at Cork Wine Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, which features Vintner Series wine tastings and expert sommeliers to help you navigate more than 5,000 bottles of wine. With the San Pedro and Montara mountains in the background and the Pacific Ocean crashing against granite outcrops, the setting is truly inspiring. Discover the best places to visit on this unspoiled stretch of Northern California coast with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Half Moon Bay. The downtown is quaint, but packed with delicious restaurants and cute shops. Or get the Fishline App for your phone to quickly browse todays catch and purchase seafood. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner, which also has the option to choose cheapest month as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. Reservations are required. Even if you happen to be the most discerning traveler, wandering here wont disappoint. Leafy ferns, wildflowers, and berry bushes also thrive within the forest's shady understory. After a slight incline from the parking lot, the Gray Whale Cove Trail winds around the hillsides and continues south at a gentle grade (for about one mile) alongside ocean bluffs until reaching Montara State Beach, a stretch of sandy shoreline tucked away behind steep cliffsides. Beyond the dinosaurs, stroll through the courtyard to shop for all your outdoor statue and fountain needs. Every hole of this course offers sea views, and the final four holes are considered some of the finest anywhere. Plus when weather permits, Oddyssea Outside has creative projects and fun events to participate in (like building your own terrarium or kite). Its not on the menu, but do as the locals do and order a bowl of half & half. Elephant seal pups at Ao Nuevo State Park. Facilities include a public restroom and a picnic area that is wheelchair accessible. Ask for the fruit & cheese delight and a banana-orange juice, both are their specialties! For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. area is also a part of the classic Pacific Coast Highway road trip that gets you from San Francisco to Orange Countys Dana Point. They also have paddleboards and bicycles for rent. Along the way down to this sandy beach, visitors will find a picnic area perched on an ocean bluff.
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