Half Moon Bay is the quintessential California coastal town — the kind of place where ocean mist clings to the cliffs, surfers chase legendary swells, and farm stands spill over with pumpkins and local produce.
Tucked just 30 miles south of San Francisco, this small community manages to feel worlds away.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-fledged coastal retreat, here are the top 10 things to do in Half Moon Bay — from biking along windswept coastal trails to savoring fresh seafood and soaking up the easygoing charm of this quintessential California seaside town.
1. Conquer the Coastal Trail by Bike or Foot
The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is one of those rare treasures that lets you trace the edge of California’s dramatic shoreline from start to finish.
Stretching roughly 10 miles, the mostly paved pathway winds along the bluffs from the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay near Miramar down to Pillar Point and Poplar Beach. It’s perfect for cyclists, joggers, or anyone looking to trade city noise for crashing waves.
Along the way, you’ll pass beach access points, picnic spots, and lookout benches where migrating gray whales sometimes breach offshore.
Bring layers — the coastal breeze can be brisk, even on sunny days — and a camera, because the views are nothing short of spectacular.
2. Seek Out the Giants at Mavericks Beach
This is one of the things to do in Half Moon Bay, California, you must add to your itinerary, even if you’ve never surfed a day in your life.
This world-famous surf break, located just north of Pillar Point Harbor, is legendary for its massive winter waves, some reaching over 60 feet.
Only elite surfers dare take on Mavericks, typically during the powerful winter swells between November and March.
Visitors, however, can safely enjoy the spectacle from the cliffs above the harbor or during the Mavericks Challenge, a by-invitation-only event that’s called only when conditions align.
Bring binoculars, a warm jacket, and prepare to witness one of nature’s most humbling displays of raw power.
3. Explore the Historic Pillar Point Harbor
Pillar Point Harbor is Half Moon Bay’s working waterfront — a place where salty sea air mingles with the scent of grilled seafood and diesel from returning fishing boats.
It’s home to a bustling fleet that brings in Dungeness crab, salmon, and halibut, often sold directly off the boats.
Stroll the docks and look for the “Fish-to-Dish” program, which lets visitors buy the day’s catch straight from local fishermen.
Not up for cooking? Pull up a chair at Sam’s Chowder House, famous for its lobster rolls, or the no-frills favorite Barbara’s Fishtrap, where the chowder is creamy, the portions generous, and the ocean view unbeatable.
4. Indulge in the Town’s Culinary Scene
Half Moon Bay’s food culture is quietly remarkable — sophisticated without being pretentious, and rooted in the bounty of the coast.
On Main Street, you’ll find everything from farm-to-table bistros to Michelin-recognized restaurants offering Peruvian or Italian fare.
Seafood lovers should make room for clam chowder and local Dungeness crab, best enjoyed in winter when the crab season peaks.
Beer fans can head to Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, where the oceanfront patio serves up local ales and live music. It’s not uncommon to see locals mingling with travelers, sharing stories as the fog rolls in.
5. Get Festive at the Autumn Pumpkin Patches
This city proudly calls itself the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” making it one of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay with kids.
Each fall, the town transforms into a festive sea of orange, with farms along Highway 92 bursting with gourds, hayrides, and fall photo ops.
Family favorites include Lemos Farm, known for its petting zoo, pony rides, and haunted house, and Arata’s Pumpkin Farm, famous for its sprawling hay maze.
The season culminates in the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival each October — complete with a pumpkin weigh-off that crowns the biggest gourd in California.
6. Discover the Wild Side at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
A short drive north in Moss Beach lies the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, one of the most biodiverse tide pool ecosystems on the California coast.
During low tide, the rocky shoreline reveals a hidden world of sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and nudibranchs, all thriving in crystal-clear pools.
Keep an eye out for harbor seals lounging on offshore rocks and seabirds circling overhead. Remember: this is a protected area, so take only photos, not shells. Check tide schedules before visiting, as access is best during minus tides.
7. Stroll the Sands of Half Moon Bay State Beach
Looking of things to do in Half Moon Bay this weekend? The beach is calling!
The Half Moon Bay State Beach complex stretches over four miles and includes Francis, Venice, Dunes, and Roosevelt beaches. Each has its own personality — Francis is popular for family picnics, Venice for sunbathing, and Roosevelt for quiet, uncrowded walks.
There’s also a campground right by the sand, offering some of the best oceanfront camping in Northern California. Surfers catch gentle waves here, while beachcombers search for shells and driftwood.
As the sun dips into the Pacific, it’s easy to see why this stretch is considered one of California’s most photogenic coastlines.
8. Step Back in Time on Main Street
Historic Downtown Half Moon Bay feels like a step into another era. The preserved 19th-century buildings now house antique stores, boutique shops, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms.
Pop into Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Company for a local pour, or browse handmade chocolates and coastal crafts at small family-run stores.
The town’s roots in lumber and agriculture still shine through its preserved architecture and friendly, small-town feel. It’s the kind of main street where people still wave hello — a rarity these days.
9. Hike to a Spectacular Bay View
Few spots rival the views from the bluffs near the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, the public access trail encircling the golf course offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the Pacific, especially at sunset.
Nearby, take a short drive north to Moss Beach Distillery, where you can enjoy dinner with a view — and maybe spot the “Blue Lady Ghost,” a bit of local lore. This is one of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay for couples.
Before you leave, make a quick detour to the Cypress Tree Tunnel nearby — it’s a photographer’s dream, with gnarled trees arching overhead in a natural cathedral of green.
10. Sip Local Craft Beverages
No trip to Half Moon Bay is complete without sampling the local brews and wines. Stop by Hop Dogma Brewing Co. or Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for small-batch IPAs, stouts, and seasonal beers that perfectly match the town’s laid-back vibe.
Wine lovers can enjoy coastal varietals at tasting rooms like La Nebbia Winery, just off Highway 92, or at cozy downtown bars featuring wines from nearby Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards. It’s the perfect way to toast to a day well spent by the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
September and October are typically the clearest months, with less fog and comfortable temperatures.
The event is invite-only for surfers and doesn’t have public viewing areas on the beach, but fans can safely watch from Pillar Point Bluff or tune in online.
Some, like Lemos Farm, now offer online reservations during peak weekends in October — check ahead.
Poplar Beach allows dogs on leash, while many state beaches do not — always verify before visiting.
Limited service is available via SamTrans Route 294 or by car via Highway 1 or 92 — driving is easiest.
Try Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. at Pillar Point Harbor for rentals and guided tours.
Depending on the season, Dungeness crab, rockfish, lingcod, halibut, and salmon are the stars of the dock.
Key Takeaway
Half Moon Bay has a way of slowing life down — of reminding you to breathe deeply, eat well, and stay close to the ocean. From the thunder of Mavericks to the quiet tide pools of Fitzgerald Reserve, this seaside town perfectly balances adventure and serenity.
Whether you come for a day or a long weekend, you’ll leave with windblown hair, sandy shoes, and a renewed love for California’s rugged coast.
If you’d like to explore your real estate options in Half Moon Bay, CA, please give us a call today at (650) 629-9898 or email us at teamtapper@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
