The Ultimate Day Trip to Half Moon Bay, California 2024
Are you looking to plan the ultimate day trip to Half Moon Bay?
If so, I’ve got you covered. I moved to the Bay Area in 2017 and have been on numerous day trips to Half Moon Bay.
A cozy beach town located on the Northern California coast, Half Moon Bay is the perfect little getaway for an eventful day or a rejuvenating afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only a 45-minute drive from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay provides an array of activities.
There is something for the adventure seeker, foodie, dog lover, and beach bums alike. If you are visiting San Francisco or live in the Bay Area, a day trip to Half Moon Bay is well worth the visit.
In this post, I am sharing my expertise and what I consider to be the best way to see Half Moon Bay on a day trip. However, at the end, I will also tell you about other great things to do in the area, so you can create the ultimate Half Moon Bay itinerary.
Let’s dive in!
What You Need to Know: Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay gets its whimsical name from its beautiful crescent-shaped harbor. Orginally called Spanishtown in the 1840s, Half Moon Bay is one of the oldest settlements in San Mateo County.
Half Moon Bay is known for its breathtaking coastal beauty, featuring pristine beaches and dramatic cliffside vistas. It is famous for its annual pumpkin festival, where you can find giant pumpkin weigh-offs and a charming small-town atmosphere.
Lastly, Half Moon Bay is that destination in the Bay Area where you can go to unplug and reconnect with nature’s beauty.
Let’s Start Your Day Trip to Half Moon Bay
The best and only practical way to get to Half Moon Bay would be by car. If you are staying in San Franciso, you could rent one for the day – this is the car service I use.
Or use the car-sharing service, Turo, which tends to be cheaper than most car rentals and you get to pick your own car!
It is a beautiful drive along the coast and you are surrounded by gorgeous views everywhere you look. On our last visit, I was the driver and I was extremely jealous that I could not spend the entire trip gazing out the window.
The first stop on your day trip to Half Moon Bay is Devil’s Slide in Pacifica. It’s on the way and with the name “Devil’s Silde” how can you not be intrigued?
Stop 1: Devil’s Slide
Devil’s Slide gets its ominous name for being known for landslides! It was once a dangerous and daunting road that was part of Highway 1, but later got turned into this hiking and biking trail. It sounds like a great place to start your day off, right?
When you enter Devil’s Slide, the steep slopes sit on both sides of the paved trail. You feel so small amongst them. The left side of the trail opens up to scenic views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the rugged rock.
Take a moment and sit on one of the benches along the trail, with the wind sweeping through your hair, and stare out into the never-ending dark blue ocean. It’s an easy 3-mile walk (there and back) and a dog-friendly trail.
Devil’s Slide Mystery House
Listed on Zillow for over a million dollars as a fixer-upper with an open view concept and tons of natural light. Put your offer in now because it will sell fast! Just kidding, Bay Area joke.
Down the road from Devil’s Slide, you can not miss the interesting building sitting on top of a cliff at the side of the ocean. It looks like it is about to crumble from the peak at any moment.
Turns out it was a bunker from WWII. The area is roped off, so you cannot get close-up views. However, it was a fun little conversation topic on our trip to Half Moon Bay.
Stop 2: Downtown Half Moon Bay
A visit to downtown is a great way to break up some of the hiking and learn a little more about Half Moon Bay. It’s a quaint area on Main Street with plenty of great restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and history.
Personally, when we visit Half Moon Bay, we like to stop downtown first so we can refuel with some coffee and goodies from Half Moon Bay Bakery.
There is metered parking along Main Street. Park your car and explore downtown Half Moon Bay on foot.
What To Do Downtown: Half Moon Bay Main Street
There is no shortage of things to do in downtown Half Moon Bay, but since you only have the day here, I suggest grabbing a quick bite to eat and strolling Main Street.
Tip: If you are visiting on a Saturday, the Half Moon Bay farmers market is about a 10 minute walk from downtown. It’s from 9 am to 1 pm.
Half Moon Bay Bakery
We stop into Half Moon Bakery every time we visit, it has kind of become a tradition. Half Moon Bay Bakery is a small local bakery that has been beloved by the community since 1927.
They have a delightful array of freshly baked goods including pastries, bread, focaccia, and many more sweet treats made in the bakery’s original brick ovens.
My personal favorite is their apple fritters, but you must come in and try their mouthwatering baked goods out for yourself.
Moonside Bakery
If you are looking for a heartier meal, Moonside Bakery and Café is a European-style restaurant great for some fresh coffee, baked goods, and breakfast. They have a dog friendly patio or you can sit inside.
I must say, they do have some yummy chocolate croissants. Every bite of the flaky croissant was filled with delicious chocolate. Clearly, I have a sweet tooth.
Grab a Local Beer at Sacrilege Brewery
Take a peaceful stroll around Main Street popping in some of the local stores that sell a variety of clothes, jewelry, books, art, and more. Before you depart downtown and if you have time, loosen up at Sacrilege Brewery and Kitchen.
Unwind in the warm sun or with one of their patio heaters on their frontside patio with a local beer. Sacrilege Brewery provides a great list of locally brewed beers from Half Moon Bay and includes a list of rotating guest taps.
We love visiting and supporting microbreweries when traveling to a new town. Each beer is unique and usually tells a story of why they choose those local and fresh ingredients.
Stop 3: Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail & Half Moon Bay State Beach
Walk off the croissant and beer at the Coastal Trail. Only about a seven-minute drive from downtown is the popular Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail.
The trail stretches along the Pacific Coast for 4 miles for a scenic walk or bike ride. It’s beautiful and a must-do activity during your day trip to Half Moon Bay. The Coastal Trail in Half Moon Bay is from Kelly Avenue north to Pillar Point and south to Poplar Beach.
Most of the beaches along the Coastal Trail (Poplar Beach, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Roosevelt Beach) have parking lots with ample parking but they do charge a fee.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
There are so many incredibly beautiful beaches in Half Moon Bay and honestly whichever one you decide to visit, you will not be disappointed.
If it’s your first time visiting Half Moon Bay, then I suggest going to Half Moon Bay State Beach, which is along the Coastal Trail.
As soon as you open your car door, you are standing in front of a stunning view. What appears is a golden beach that runs along the breaking waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Perched on top of the vista are picnic tables where you can sit in awe of this marvelous view. Take a walk down by the water and dip your toes in the chilly Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on Half Moon Bay State Beach.
Tip: If you are traveling with your dog to Half Moon Bay then I suggest Poplar Beach. It’s a doggy paradise and a beautiful beach. It’s my favorite beach to visit in Half Moon Bay.
Continue Your Journey On The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Work up an appetite and resume your walk on the Coastal Trail. On the outside perimeter of the trail is a line of beach houses with gorgeous views that will make you think to yourself “I could live here.”
The trail provides access to multiple other beaches along the way and runs parallel to an equestrian trail. If you get lucky, you may catch someone taking a horse out on the beach for a ride.
The Half Moon Bay Coastal trail is also a popular location for birdwatching and other various collections of wildlife.
Stop 4: Where to Eat Lunch in Half Moon Bay
If you read any travel guide on places to eat in Half Moon Bay, there is no doubt that you will see the name Sam’s Chowder House. We finally wanted to find out for ourselves if they live up to all of the hype. Spoiler, they do!
We ordered one of Sam’s Chowder House’s famous lobster rolls. You have the option of ordering your lobster roll either cold and “dressed” in a lemon aioli or “naked” with butter served warm.
The huge chunks of lobster were overflowing the buttery sandwich with every bite, exactly how I like it! We also split the New England Clam Chowder and Crab Cakes. Both are great choices and are loaded with fresh seafood.
Tip: I 100% recommend you make a reservation in advance. This place fills up fast! The last time I was in Half Moon Bay there was an enormous line outside of the restaurant.
Sam’s Chowder House Award Winning Views
Sam’s Chowder House offered more than just delicious food. They also have an outstanding view overlooking the Pacific Ocean, making for an unforgettable experience.
Looking out you can see the Pillar Point Harbor, which sits on the right with the fishing boats lined up and docked at the port. Don’t just take it from me, but this view has won Sam’s Chowder House numerous awards over the years for the best outdoor dining location.
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Next to Sam’s Chowder House, you can take the stairs next to the entrance down to the beach and onto the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail for one last time to explore the Coastal Trail. The beach is covered with a blanket of beautiful bright green and orange succulents.
It was a windy day, and we along with many others, could not help but notice the enormous waves pounding into the break wall. My husband, trying to capture this moment had me and my dog Cash stand close by to get the waves in the background.
Rookie mistake. The monstrous waves came crashing over us soaking me and the pup. Needless to say, we were not happy, but it later made for a funny story and picture.
Stop 5: Pillar Point Harbor
Only recently did I really get to experience the charm of Pillar Point. I think a visit to Pillar Harbor is lowkey one of the best things to do in Half Moon Bay!
There are so many fun things to do at Pillar Harbor. You can paddleboard or kayak across the harbor’s calm waters, enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants, or the coolest thing you can do is visit the bustling fishing harbor.
Along the harbor, there are working fishing boats that sell fresh catches from the day. They have signs next to their boats with what they caught that morning and all you have to do is walk up to the boat and purchase the fresh fish.
If you visit during crab season, you can purchase live crab right from the fisherman’s boat. Other activities to do at Pillar Point Harbor include:
- A kayaking trip with Half Moon Bay Kayaking Co
- Whale watching tour
- Fishing
- Boating
- Buy fresh-caught fish and crabs
- Walk along the beach
- Take a vessel tour or sailing trip on Lady Washington
Stop 6: Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Finish your day trip in Half Moon Bay at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. The Ritz Carlton hands down has the most stunning views in Half Moon Bay. The luxurious coastal resort sits perched atop a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Make a reservation at the Ocean Terrace, the restaurant offers jaw-dropping views of Half Moon Bay. Plan to have cocktails during sunset, where you can snuggle up around one of their fire pits, with a drink in hand, and catch the beautiful California sunset.
Other Places to Add to your Half Moon Bay Day Trip
Staying more than just the day? Check out other must-see attractions in Half Moon Bay, California.
Mavericks Beach
You cannot discuss Half Moon Bay without mentioning Mavericks Beach. After a winter storm, waves can grow to be as large as 60 feet, which makes for a popular location for surfers.
Typically there is an annual surfing competition held in Half Moon Bay at Mavericks Beach for some of the world’s most elite surfers.
Tidal pools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers a ton of activities and tours in educating the public about marine life. The perfect spot for families or groups with young children. It is located in Moss Beach, which is about a 10-15 minute drive from Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail.
The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve allows you the opportunity to explore their tidal pools. The pools are home to sea stars, sea anemones, crabs, and many fish. It’s best to arrive around low tide. Before your visit, check their website for low tide times.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is the perfect spot to grab a drink, some yummy snacks, and sit around a cozy fire pit with views overlooking the bay.
They are located at Pillar Point Harbor along the Half Moon Bay California Coastal Trail. We typically like to make a pit stop at Half Moon Bay Brewing for a drink and a bite to eat after a walk or bike ride on the coastal trail.
Besides the incredible coastal views from their outdoor patio, Half Moon Brewing has a wide selection of seasonal and specialty local crafted beer. The restaurant is a California-style brewpub and serves a variety of sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and apps.
The oceanfront views alone at Half Moon Bay Brewing make it worth a visit!
Pastorino Farms
About 10 minutes away from Half Moon Bay, there is a string of nurseries along San Mateo Road.
If you have time, it’s worth a stop at Pastorino Farms to stroll some of the shops. You can find a wide assortment of succulents, carnivorous plants, lavender, and seasonal plants.
During October Pastorino Farms is also a great time to visit for its pumpkin farm and fall activities. There are hayrides, ponies, pet and feed farm animals, a haunted house, and face painting.
Go Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is not just for Napa Valley, you can also taste some delicious California wines in Half Moon Bay. Along Main Street in downtown Vinoteca offers tastings in their cozy tasting room.
Visit The Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese Company where you can order a tasting and cheese plate. Or grab your own picnic supplies from their diverse selection of bottles of wine, gourmet food, and picnic necessities.
Lastly, in Pescadero Sante Archangeli has a great wine tasting in a rustic barn at Harley Farms. We loved this tasting so much that we came back to do it again. I highly recommend pairing your flight of wine with their fresh handmade goat cheese.
Visit Pescadero
When visiting Half Moon Bay you can also add on a trip to Pescadero, another charming beach town on the California coast.
Pescadero is famously known for its yummy garlic artichoke bread, gorgeous sandy beaches, local farms, and Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Pescadero is south of Half Moon Bay and about a 24-minute drive.
Where to Stay Half Moon Bay
Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
If you plan on making a night out of it, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay comes highly recommended and should be your number one option. The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a gorgeous hotel that provides the best views in town.
The 5-star hotel sits on a bluff and offers impressive views of the ocean and coastline. If you are looking to unwind and relax in luxury, the Ritz Carlton may be the spot for you.
They have a spa with views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a golf course on the coast, tennis courts, and lots of other activities to get you moving outside.
✅ Book your stay at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay here
Pet Policy at Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Dogs only are welcome at the Half Moon Bay resort with a maximum weight limit of 40 pounds and two dogs maximum per room. Their dog-friendly accommodations are located at the Guest Houses only. Dogs are not allowed in the Main Building.
When to Visit Half Moon Bay
The weather in Half Moon Bay is pretty comfortable all year long, temperatures usually stay between 45 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit with their hottest months being July through September.
However, even in the summertime, you should always dress in layers. Along the coast there are temperature changes throughout the day, you are going to want to dress in layers to be more comfortable.
Each Season Brings its Own Local Fun and Activities
Spring Time in Half Moon Bay
A popular time for camping and hiking. It is our favorite time to visit, because of the beautiful wildflowers. Explore nearby trails to witness the beauty of nature in full bloom.
Also, the spring months is a great time for whale watching, as the Pacific gray whales migrate along the coast. Several tour operators offer whale-watching excursions.
Summer Time in Half Moon Bay
Summertime brings in the beachgoers and fun outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
In the Bay we have what we call June Gloom in the summer months. So you will typically see the fog roll in along the coast, but it usually dissipates between mid-morning and early afternoon
Fall Time in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is famous for its pumpkin patches! The fall is a popular time to experience the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, where you can pick your own pumpkins and enjoy various festive activities like a pumpkin weigh-off.
Winter Time in Half Moon Bay
The winter months bring stormy seas, which creates massive waves in the Pacific Ocean. Half Moon Bay is globally known for having some of the fiercest and largest waves in the world.
This is also when the famous Maverick surfing competition is held, which is one of the most renowned and challenging big wave surfing events in the world. It’s located at Mavericks Beach where waves can reach heights of up to 60 feet or more.
Where is Half Moon Bay, California
Location, location, location! One of my favorite things about Half Moon Bay is its convenient location. Not only does it sit on the magical and gorgeous coast of Northern California.
It is also only a 40-minute drive from San Francisco and a 1-hour drive from the East Bay. Most importantly, Half Moon Bay is the ideal location to plan a last-minute day trip.
Is Half Moon Bay Worth the Visit?
Is Half Moon Bay worth visiting? My short answer is YES! My husband and I have done numerous day trips to Half Moon Bay since moving to the Bay Area. On our first time at Half Moon Bay, I was blown away by all of the beauty and charm this small town had to offer.
There is something special about Half Moon Bay and the feelings you get while being there. To truly know what I am talking about you will have to experience it for yourself and come visit!
This Half Moon Bay day trip itinerary is perfectly packed with must-do activities, top places to eat, and it will get you back to the city or East Bay by dinner time.
Dog-Friendly Activities
We have found Half Moon Bay to be extremely dog-friendly, which is very important to us. Even the 5 star Ritz Carlton has dog-friendly accommodations!! You can read more about why we love the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay below.
We enjoy bringing along our two dogs with us on our road trips and have traveled to some pretty incredible California destinations. If you are looking for the perfect dog friendly location along the California coast, Half Moon Bay is the place for you.
Find out the best dog friendly beaches in Half Moon Bay, the top 10 dog-friendly restaurants, and other tips on bringing your pup to this dreamy coastal town.
Other Epic Day Trips From San Francisco
If you are looking for other ideas and plans for day trips in Northern California, you must visit Pfeiffer Beach. It’s a one-of-a-kind beach with purple sand, incredible coastal views, unique rock formations, and dog-friendly.
It has personally been on my bucket for years and I finally got the opportunity to visit! Check out Pfeiffer Beach Is More Than Just the Purple Sand Beach, for a guide with everything you need to know before your visit to Pfeiffer Beach!
✅ Ultimate Guide to Jack London Square, Oakland: Cross the Bay Bridge from San Francisco to Jack London Square. A popular waterfront location located in Oakland
✅ First Time to Napa Valley: Guide & Tips: Wine country is a must when visiting California. Find my guide to wine tasting in Napa Valley.
✅ 18 Awesome Things to do in Pescadero: Only a 24-minute drive from Half Moon Bay is the charming and beautiful town of Pescadero.
Wrap Up: Day Trip to Half Moon Bay
As you can see, planning a last-minute day trip to Half Moon Bay can easily and successfully be done! Your adventures to Half Moon Bay have sadly come to an end, but thankfully it’s so close to the city that you will absolutely be back in the future.
