5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Half Moon Bay ASAP

Jon Miksis Jon Miksis clock Updated September 17, 2024 tourism Dream Destinations
by Jon Miksis
Why to visit Half Moon Bay as your next dream vacation
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Tucked between pristine coastline and rustic mountains, Half Moon Bay is a beautiful vacation destination that you should add to your bucket list in 2025! This coastal community offers an array of unique excursions, accommodations, and dining options that make for the perfect vacation. Though just 20 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a hidden gem vacation spot that most seasoned travelers have not yet had a chance to visit.

Given its close proximity to San Francisco and San Jose, HMB is the ideal seaside retreat from the hustle and bustle of these nearby cities. Here are 5 reasons why you should plan a Half Moon Bay vacation!

5 Reasons to Visit HMB At a Glance

Here’s a snapshot of why you should Half Moon Bay, which I will cover in more detail below.

  • Awe-inspiring views: Enjoy breathtaking scenery with the coastline on one side and the Santa Cruz Mountains on the other. Perfect for photography, hiking, and even weddings. #JUMP TO HERE
  • Exquisite seafood and local cuisine: Indulge in fresh, sea-to-table dining with dishes like oysters, clams, and mussels, along with delicious desserts, while overlooking the Pacific. #JUMP TO HERE
  • Beautiful accommodations: Stay at luxurious hotels like the Beach House or the Ritz-Carlton, both offering stunning ocean views and convenient access to coastal trails. #JUMP TO HERE
  • Extraordinary excursions: Experience unique activities like horseback riding on the beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, and watching world-class surfers tackle massive waves at the Maverick’s Challenge. #JUMP TO HERE
  • Be one of your first friends to visit Half Moon Bay: This hidden gem is still relatively under the radar, offering a peaceful, less crowded coastal retreat that’s just starting to gain popularity. #JUMP TO HERE
Half Moon Bay scenic views

1. Awe-inspiring views

When people envision California’s picturesque coastline, the Big Sur is probably the first place that comes to mind.

But only a couple hours north lies the hidden gem of Half Moon Bay, which boasts equally breathtaking views. Encapsulated by the Golden Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains, it’s an idyllic enclave that is every photographer’s dream.

On some days, the landscape is blanketed by the same mystical fog that notoriously covers the Golden Gate Bridge. On sunny days, Half Moon Bay emits a vibrant, rustic terrain that is ideal for biking, hiking, swimming, and even horseback riding. Scenic views of the mountains on one side, and the beach on the other, undoubtedly leave its visitors in awe. For these reasons, HMB is also a wonderful wedding destination.

(Check out Bree and Stephen Photography, a pair of local wedding photographers who capture epic romance and exotic landscapes)

With its seaside charm and countless tourist attractions, Half Moon Bay is truly an enchanting destination to visit during all times of the year!

Half Moon Bay is a dream vacation.

2. Exquisite seafood and local cuisine

Half Moon Bay’s oceanfront restaurants have mastered the art of Sea-to-Table dining. On a daily basis, fresh fish from Pillar Point Harbor make their way onto the most delectable seafood dishes. Sam’s Chowder House, a popular locale that blends with the coastal landscape, has some of the most delicious oysters, clams, and mussels found outside of New England.

Half Moon  Bay cuisine.
Mussels in house-made Marinara sauce

This seaside restaurant also offers some enticing dessert dishes, such as Key Lime Pie, which has local celebrity status. It’s just as good, if not better, than the key lime pies you’ll find in the Florida Keys. The warm chocolate cake is also every chocolate connoisseur’s dream. Add to that stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and you’ll never want to leave this a slice of a heaven.

Best Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie

Another trendy, waterfront restaurant is Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. Known for its house beers and local, pub-style grub, this restaurant offers the perfect California culinary experience with scenic views. Its most tasty dishes include the Fisherman’s Stew, Strip Steak, and fresh seasonal oysters.

Mussels and Clam dish with Marinara Sauce and garlic bread
Fisherman’s Stew

The local restaurants strike an optimal balance between seafood delicacies and farm-fresh produce. Dining is certainly a central part of the HMB experience.

3. Beautiful accommodations

The Half Moon Bay experience wouldn’t be complete without staying at one of its extravagant hotels and vacation rentals. Many of the stays in town offer unparalleled views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Two accommodations that stand out are the Beach House and Ritz-Carlton.

The Beach House at Half Moon Bay is a charming, seaside haven with luxurious suites and breathtaking balcony views.

Beach House ocean-view terrace in Half Moon Bay
Beach House at HMB

With its delightful spa and beach, the Beach House is the perfect romantic getaway. For the avid hiker and nature enthusiast, the Beach House has convenient access to the Bay’s scenic coastal trails. It’s a much cheaper alternative to the Ritz-Carlton that straddles the coastline nearby.

Read next: Unique tips for traveling as a couple

Facade of the Beach House in Half Moon Bay

Even more secluded, yet also extraordinarily beautiful, is the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay.

Overlooking the rugged cliffs and surrounding mountains, the Ritz-Carlton is a premier hotel that exhibits superior elegance and ambiance. It majestically watches over the California coast, offering some of the best views in town. For those who are weary of the ritzy price tag, perhaps stop by for a picture or drink instead.

Ritz Carlton HMB with a view of golf course and ocean-view terrace
Ritz-Carlton at HMB

Wherever you decide to stay in Half Moon Bay, be sure to choose a hotel room with a balcony overlooking the waterfront. Even on a foggy day, you will not regret it!

4. Extraordinary excursions

What makes Half Moon Bay particularly suitable for all kinds of travelers are its unique and exciting excursions. Whether its horseback riding on the beach, biking along the rugged coastal trails, kayaking and paddle boarding, surfing those maverick waves, or playing a round of golf…there is certainly something special for everyone to enjoy! For these reasons, I consider Half Moon Bay to be one of the best destinations for multigenerational outings and vacations.

Sea Horse Ranch that offers horseback riding along the beach

Horseback riding along the beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Half Moon Bay. It’s truly a surreal experience that everyone should try at least once during their visit to Half Moon Bay. Seahorse Ranch offers an exceptional guided tour that seamlessly meshes coastal trails with impeccable views of the beach. The horses were well-behaved, and based on what I saw and heard, they are well-treated.

Sea Horse Ranch in Half Moon Bay offering horseback riding along the beach
Sea Horse Ranch

When visiting Half Moon Bay, one should also consider exploring the myriad of oceanside trails on a bike. Bike Works offers bike rentals within close proximity of the Bay’s most scenic hiking trails.

Bike with beautiful view of Santa Cruz Mountains and dream biking and hiking trails in the background of Half Moon Bay
Santa Cruz Mountains in the distance

If you are contemplating a trip to Half Moon Bay during the winter months, be sure to check out the Maverick’s Challenge surf contest that occurs during January and February. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in Half Moon Bay due to its international acclaim. This past year, waves exceeding 60 feet were recorded here!

5. Be one of your first friends to visit Half Moon Bay!

Ready to start planning your Half Moon Bay vacation?

Unless you are native to California or a veteran traveler like Rick Steves, you probably haven’t visited Half Moon Bay. In the age of social media crazes and fads, popular destinations such as Iceland and Croatia are becoming over-saturated, which leads us to an important question: what will come next? Would you like to start a new trend and be an early adopter? By visiting this coastal escape, you will be doing just that; visiting a cool and exotic destination that will undoubtedly be every traveler’s top choice in the coming years. Half Moon Bay is far too accessible and beautiful to remain uncharted territory for much longer.

It is truly astonishing that HMB’s pristine beaches have remained a hidden gem for so long. Will Half Moon Bay be your next dream vacation?

Read next: Unique Airbnbs near Muir Woods, California

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1 comment

Joanne May 16, 2018 - 23:23

Great write up! I’m ready to go!

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