This coastal town along California's Highway 1 has sandy beaches, pumpkin farms, and a historic Main Street dating to 1869. The waves draw surfers to Mavericks Beach.
Half Moon Bay, a coastal city 25 miles south of San Francisco, curves along the Pacific Ocean. Surfers ride waves over 50 feet tall at Mavericks, and the town’s Main Street includes 19th-century wooden buildings. Pumpkin farms here supply festivals across the country, and in October, giant pumpkins line the streets during the Art and Pumpkin Festival. You can hike trails at Half Moon Bay State Beach, play golf on oceanfront courses, or watch harbor seals at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Temperatures rarely drop below 50°F or rise above 70°F, making it possible to visit year-round.
Beaches, Tide Pools, and Coastal Walks
Half Moon Bay State Beach includes four areas connected by Highway 1. At Francis Beach, campers use sites with electric hookups and hot showers, and a visitor center operates on weekends. Venice and Dunes Beach have picnic tables facing open sand areas where people fly kites or watch for whales in migration seasons. Walk or bike the three-mile Coastside Trail, which runs alongside the ocean and allows leashed dogs. Visit Fitzgerald Marine Reserve north of town during low tide to see anemones, crabs, and starfish in the exposed tide pools. Bring $10 cash for parking at state beaches, and arrive early on summer weekends to secure a spot.
Surfing Mavericks and Water-Based Activities
Between November and March, professional surfers ride winter swells at Mavericks near Pillar Point Harbor. Rent a stand-up paddleboard from Mavericks Surf Company to explore calmer waters inside the harbor. Guided kayak tours take you past dock pilings where sea lions rest, or you can cast a fishing line from the pier at Barbara’s Fishtrap. In Princeton-by-the-Sea, eat oysters at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company or try clam chowder at local seafood spots. Families with children often visit Lemos Farm for pony rides or seasonal activities like goat yoga.
Main Street Shops and Local Farms
Main Street’s wooden buildings from the 1860s now hold clothing boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants like Pasta Moon. Pumpkin farming drives the local economy, with fields along Highway 92 growing pumpkins shipped nationwide. During October’s World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, farmers compete with pumpkins weighing more than a ton. At Andreotti Family Farm, cut your own sunflowers or pick pumpkins directly from the field in autumn. Use the San Mateo County Farm Trail guide to locate u-pick berry farms and vegetable stands within a 10-mile radius.
Golfing and Group Events
Half Moon Bay Golf Links has two courses along the ocean. The Old Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, challenges players with narrow fairways framed by cypress trees. The Ocean Course uses natural slopes and tall grasses to mimic Scottish links-style play. Both courses host corporate events and weddings, with Mullins Steakhouse handling catering. The Ritz-Carlton’s cliffside lawn serves as a wedding venue, overlooking the Pacific and equipped with fire pits. Book tee times at least three weeks ahead, particularly for late-afternoon slots when fog tends to lift.
Where to Stay and When to Visit
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay sits on a bluff with stairs leading down to the California Coastal Trail. Half Moon Bay Lodge, a cheaper option one mile from downtown, includes breakfast in room rates. Hotels reach full capacity during the Art and Pumpkin Festival in October and Mavericks surfing events in winter. Expect foggy mornings from June to August, clearing by noon, and prepare for cooler temperatures after sunset. San Francisco International Airport is a 30-minute drive north via Highway 101, and renting a car simplifies trips to nearby state parks.
