15 Best Things To Do in Half Moon Bay, California (Perfect Day Trip Guide)
Published April 2025 | Updated Feb. 2026
Looking for the best things to do in Half Moon Bay, California? This guide covers everything from moody coastal beaches and scenic hikes to historic downtown streets and seasonal pumpkin patches.
Half Moon Bay may be a well-known tourist spot, but it still retains the small-town charm it’s always had. It’s a tiny town with friendly people, a lovely downtown, and a stunning coastline that stretches for miles (literally!).
Even if you have just one day in Half Moon Bay, you can easily visit all the best sights on your list. It’s the perfect spot for a day or weekend trip from San Francisco.
I grew up in Half Moon Bay, living here until we moved to the East Bay when I was seven. Surprisingly, I have quite a few memories from those years of living in Half Moon Bay, though some are hazier than others. Other knowledge of the town comes from my dozens of visits over the last 20+ years to see family who still live there.
While it gets the majority of tourists throughout October for the pumpkin festival and pumpkin patches, Half Moon Bay is ideal to visit year-round. Despite moody and often gray weather (even in summer), Half Moon Bay has some sunny days in all seasons!
Forrest Gump might say that Half Moon Bay weather is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.
A trip to Half Moon Bay when it’s sunny will have you Googling housing listings and figuring out how soon you can move here. It’s the absolute perfect coastal town when the sun is shining, but it can also be a cozy day trip on the gray and drizzly days.
PS — If you’re looking for more things to do in this area, visit the adorable town of Pescadero!
Quick Guide to Visiting Half Moon Bay
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall have the best weather
Winter has the best surfing
Summer has foggy, overcast weather
Top Things to Do
Relax on the beaches
Explore downtown Main Street
Walk the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Go tide pooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Visit the pumpkin patches (seasonal)
Where to Stay
Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Mid-Range: Mill Rose Inn
Budget: Half Moon Bay Inn
Best Things To Do in Half Moon Bay
From the rugged coastline to the historic downtown, Half Moon Bay has plenty of activities to fill a day or weekend. While I like to spend a sunny day in Half Moon Bay on the beach, there’s far more to explore beyond the coast!
Visit Downtown Main Street
Despite many trips to downtown Half Moon Bay when I lived here as a kid, it felt like visiting somewhere completely new as an adult. Nevertheless, I was charmed by the local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Though Main Street has changed quite a bit over the decades, many of the original buildings remain, giving downtown Half Moon Bay its “historic” status. Old staples from my childhood, like the feed store and San Benito House, still stand strong today!
The Half Moon Bay Feed Store is a classic spot in Half Moon Bay, with a bright reddish-pink exterior. It sports a “best place to pick up chicks in town,” a cheeky reference to the baby chicks it sells inside, along with other farm supplies.
There are also a number of gorgeous murals painted on the sides of buildings throughout downtown Half Moon Bay! Keep an eye out for them as you walk down Main Street.
Tour the Half Moon Bay Jail
Among the historic buildings in downtown Half Moon Bay, my personal favorite is the two-cell Half Moon Bay Jail. Built in 1919, it looks like it came straight out of a Wes Anderson film. It’s easily the cutest building downtown.
The jail and the Half Moon Bay History Association museum, which is in a barn behind the 500-square-foot jail, are open for tours on weekends.
Hike Pillar Point Bluff
Pillar Point Bluff is one of the prettiest areas to walk, with ocean views, seasonal wildflowers, and meandering paths. After an inclined trail from the trailhead, you’ll reach the mostly flat plateau.
Multiple trails intersect along the bluff — some are more strenuous than others. You can choose your own path for an easy or difficult hike.
Parking: There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, though it fills up quickly. Free street parking is the best option along Airport Street. There is a restroom at the parking lot.
Relax at the Beaches
Half Moon Bay may be a small town, but the coastline stretches far along the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula with a variety of state, city, and county beaches.
Half Moon Bay State Beach: Though the four miles of coastline are all officially the state beach, it actually encompasses four beaches (Roosevelt Beach, Francis Beach, Venice Beach, and Dunes Beach), each with its own paid parking lot.
Poplar Beach: This is a long beach set against tall cliffsides that make for a beautiful backdrop. The beach is dog-friendly, and there are often dogs running around on the beach or splashing in the waves, despite leashes being required.
Mavericks Beach: Famous for the legendary big waves that draw pro-surfers from around the world, the beach itself is a small, lovely spot to hang out on a sunny day.
Go Tide Pooling at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Many field trips and weekends were spent exploring the tidepools at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve throughout my early childhood.
Though my most vivid memories are soggy socks and getting pinched by a small crab, it’s one of the most delightful things to do in Half Moon Bay! Just dress accordingly and avoid picking up any sea creatures.
If I’m planning to tide pool on a day trip to Half Moon Bay, I always bring an extra pair of socks and a second outfit. Too many times I’ve accidentally dipped a foot into the water and ended up with a miserably wet and cold foot/leg the rest of the day.
Tip: Pack a pair of tall rain boots to throw on before heading to the tide pools! Also, check the tide tables to ensure it will be low tide when you visit.
Parking: Fitzgerald Marine Ranger Station & Parking (free)
Tour the James Johnston House
Also known as “the white house of Half Moon Bay,” rumors of the James Johnston House being haunted crept through town during the almost 40 years it was abandoned.
Today, you can visit the house on the third Saturday of each month, from January through September. Their tours are led by costumed docents who share the house’s nearly 175-year history with visitors.
The unique, harshly slanted roof makes it easily visible from lower Main Street!
In 2022, they started hosting an annual “Holidays at the Johnston House” event on the third Saturday of November. It offers a holiday boutique, sweet treats, light bites, wine, and music to ring in the holiday season while raising funds for local non-profits.
Watch Surfers at Mavericks Beach
I remember visiting Mavericks Beach as a kid with my dad to watch the surfers wrestle with the massive waves that made this beach famous.
The largest waves are best seen in winter after ocean storms, with the current record height standing at an estimated 108-feet tall! While you won’t see any record-breaking waves outside of winter, the ocean at Mavericks Beach can be treacherous year-round.
Buy Cut Flowers at Repetto’s
If you need affordable, beautiful flowers for an event or just to spruce up your house, make a stop at Repetto’s Nursery. They grow and sell a wide variety of cut flowers, even helping you to create your own bouquet while you’re there!
You can also get potted plants and flowers, centerpieces, boutonnieres, and pre-made bouquets. During pumpkin season, they open up a pumpkin patch and corn maze along with their fall-flower-filled nursery.
Visit the Pumpkin Patches
Half Moon Bay proudly wears the title "Pumpkin Capital of the World" as the host of the annual Art & Pumpkin Festival. It also welcomes ginormous pumpkins during the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off each October.
Growing up in Half Moon Bay, I visited the pumpkin patches often throughout pumpkin season, which runs from the end of September through early November (but mostly in October).
The pumpkin patches in Half Moon Bay draw crowds from all around the country with their plentiful produce, seasonal decor, and fall festivities! Some of my favorite HMB pumpkin patches are Farmer John’s, Bob’s Pumpkin Farm, and Andreotti’s Family Farm.
Related post: Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Half Moon Bay
Walk the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
The 11.5-mile-long coastal trail stretches from the Dardanelle Trail in Moss Beach to the Cowell Ranch Trail in Half Moon Bay. It makes up a small part of the in-progress California Coastal Trail that will eventually span 1,200 miles from the border of Oregon to the border of Mexico.
It’s open to pedestrians, bikers, hikers, equestrians, and wheelchair users. You don’t need to travel the full length of the trail, of course — even just a one-mile walk has enough gorgeous coastal views for a day.
Wearing my favorite Abercrombie jeans and high-top Converse — perfect for a Half Moon Bay trip.
Take a Guided E-Bike Tour
Zip around Half Moon Bay on a fun guided e-bike tour that starts in downtown Half Moon Bay, continues up the coastal trail, and then arrives back at the starting point for a total of 10 miles over the two-hour tour. Both the bike and helmet are provided for you!
Enjoy Drinks & Bagpipes at the Ritz-Carlton
One of the most vivid memories I have from my childhood in Half Moon Bay is listening to the daily sunset bagpipe performance at the Ritz-Carlton.
Grab drinks with ocean views and fire pits at Ocean Terrace, get a table inside at The Conservatory for dinner, or go for drinks at The Conservatory Bar around sunset to hear the bagpipes.
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is the perfect place.
Watch Fisherman at Pillar Point Harbor
Enjoy a stroll through the harbor to check out the docked boats, rent a kayak, and watch fishermen do their thing on the Fishing Pier.
If the water is calling to you, rent a kayak or paddleboard from Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. They offer discounts if you book through Groupon!
Pick Sunflowers at Andreotti’s Family Farm
Once the sunflowers start blooming in early fall, Andreotti’s Family Farm opens its U-Pick Sunflower Field to the public. They usually open the U-pick sunflowers at the very end of August and continue through November (exact end date depends on weather and sunflower availability).
The pumpkin patch opens on October 1st and typically runs through the end of November. While the pumpkin patch is free to visit, you must purchase tickets for the sunflower field either online or upon arrival at the farm.
Watch Sunset at the Beach
Half Moon Bay State Beach is a popular spot for sunset watching and evening surfing. Other options for a beach sunset are the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve or Poplar Beach. The latter has benches at the top of the bluff for optimal sunset-viewing!
The Perfect Day Trip to Half Moon Bay
Start your Half Moon Bay day trip with fresh coffee (or tea!) and head to the best beach in town to stroll as you sip. From there, make your way to downtown Half Moon Bay to check out the shops and enjoy a local lunch.
After lunch, head north to go for a walk along the bluffs and, if the timing is right, check out the tidepools. End your day with dinner, sunset, and ocean views.
Morning: Coffee & Beach Walk
Head to Granola’s Coffee House for a coffee, tea, or smoothie and some breakfast! You can take your breakfast and drink to go or enjoy them in one of their seating areas.
The interior is decorated with eclectic elephant statues, wood-paneled walls, and polished wood slices as tables. There’s a small parking lot on-site, directly next to the coffee shop.
With drinks in hand, head to Poplar Beach, the favorite beach of Half Moon Bay locals. Though Half Moon Bay State Beach is bigger and more popular, many locals prefer this more secluded beach.
There’s a parking lot that costs $10, no matter how long you stay. To save the $10, you can try to find some parking in the neighborhood and walk down the pathway to the beach from there.
I always bring my anti-theft backpack on trips! It’s cute and can fit so much!
Midday: Downtown & Lunch
Make your way to downtown Half Moon Bay to explore the historic buildings, grab some lunch at San Benito Deli, and pop into the local shops and galleries.
Among the truly historic buildings, my personal favorite is the two-cell Half Moon Bay Jail, built in 1919, that looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film. It’s easily the cutest building in downtown Half Moon Bay.
The jail is open to tour on weekends, as well as the Half Moon Bay History Association museum, which is in a barn behind the 500-square-foot jail.
Visit San Benito House, a historic spot downtown that has operated in Half Moon Bay for over 100 years, serving as an inn, restaurant, and saloon.
The deli here is the best place in town to get a sandwich, according to locals (aka my parents)! There is occasionally live music here to accompany your delicious meal.
After lunch, pop next door for dessert at Gulino Gelato!
Afternoon: Coastal Walk & Tide Pools
Once you’re contentedly full with a fresh lunch and homemade gelato, drive about 20 minutes north to Princeton for a walk along the bluff.
Princeton, sometimes referred to as Princeton-by-the-Sea, is not technically within the city limits of Half Moon Bay. Despite being an unincorporated area, it is often still considered part of Half Moon Bay.
Meander along Pillar Point Bluff and enjoy the coastal views, seasonal yellow flowers (winter), and scenic trails before heading to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve for tide pooling. It’s just a 1-mile walk from Pillar Point Bluff along the coastal trail or through the charming neighborhood.
However, you can also hop back in your car and drive to the free, designated parking lot for the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. There are stairs required to reach the beach, so it is not accessible for anyone who cannot walk up/down stairs.
If you don’t have time or the tides are too high, you can skip the tidepools and head straight to dinner!
Evening: Dinner & Sunset
Half Moon Bay may be tiny, but it is home to many delicious restaurants. From casual fish and chips on the beach to elegant dishes paired with local spirits, you have your pick of options!
If you stay in the Princeton area (where the bluffs and tidepools are), my favorite dinner options are Barbara’s Fish Trap, Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., and Mezza Luna.
You can’t spend a full day on the California coast without watching the sun set over the ocean! Half Moon Bay has some gorgeous sunsets and plenty of beaches to bundle up and watch them from.
Where to Stay in Half Moon Bay
Want to extend your day trip to Half Moon Bay and stay overnight? These are some of the best accommodations around town:
Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay – Ultra luxury hotel on the coast with on-site restaurants, a nightly bagpipe performance, and gorgeous rooms.
Mill Rose Inn — Luxury, European-style boutique inn with a daily gourmet breakfast, cozy rooms, and a beautiful private garden.
Half Moon Bay Inn — Charming accommodations on Main Street in downtown Half Moon Bay, with elegant rooms and an on-site restaurant.
Best Restaurants in Half Moon Bay
Granola’s Coffee House: This tiny coffee shop on the side of Highway 1 serves fresh coffee and espresso drinks, as well as teas and fruit/veggie smoothies. You can also grab a hearty breakfast from their selection of sandwiches, bagels, Belgian waffles, parfaits, and, of course, granola.
San Benito Deli: Stop at the historic San Benito House to grab the “best sandwiches on the coast” from the San Benito Deli. The bread is baked fresh every day, which is what truly makes the sandwich.
Sam’s Chowder House: Most famous for its chowder and lobster rolls, Sam’s Chowder is a Half Moon Bay staple near Pillar Point Harbor. It offers oceanside dining with a seafood-filled menu and cozy fire pits on the outdoor patio. We grab lunch from Sam’s Chowder Food Truck at Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch every year!
Gulino Gelato: This gelato shop was started by a French native who went to a culinary school that specializes in gelato in Bologna, Italy. The gelato is made fresh from scratch every day, so you know it’s the real deal.
Barbara’s Fish Trap: Casual restaurant right on the beach with indoor and patio seating, or a walk-up window with a limited menu. Their fish & chips are the best I’ve ever had! I like ordering from the walk-up window and sitting at one of the outdoor tables along the beach.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.: For alehouse food and local beers, HMB Brewing is the perfect spot. It’s a casual dining spot with indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal with views of the beach and harbor across the street.
Mezza Luna Restaurant: This Italian restaurant has been operating for decades in the historic Princeton Inn. They serve Italian food with a California flair.
Jettywave Distillery: Newer on the scene, Jettywave Distillery opened in 2021. It serves fresh dishes, craft
How to Get to Half Moon Bay
Depending on which direction you’re coming from, there are two routes to reach Half Moon Bay: Highway 92 West or Highway 1 South.
Highway 92 is a straight shot from the East Bay, across the San Mateo Bridge, to Half Moon Bay. It has one lane in each direction and can get backed up with traffic during commuter hours or in October. We call it “pumpkin traffic” in October when people flock to the popular pumpkin patches throughout town.
Highway 1 is for anyone coming from north of Half Moon Bay, or if Highway 92 is massively backed up. It takes you from San Francisco, down the coast, to Half Moon Bay.
If you take Highway 1, you may want to flip the itinerary and start in Princeton, working your way south before heading back up north again.
Tips for Visiting Half Moon Bay
Pack extra clothes & shoes: The weather can be moody and misty, and the tidepools may leave you with soggy shoes and socks. I always pack a change of clothes (socks & underwear included!) on a Half Moon Bay day trip and recommend rain boots for tidepooling.
Bring an umbrella: The weather is moody all year-round. We actually moved because of the gray and drizzly summers. All four seasons are liable to get rain, and you’ll be happy you packed an umbrella if you visit on a rainy day.
Leave early: Start your day trip early to make the most of your trip! The beaches get crowded on weekends by 10 or 11am, so the earlier you can get there, the better.
Visit on a weekday: If you can, a weekday in Half Moon Bay is ideal because there will be far fewer people. Just be sure to check the opening days/hours of the restaurants, as some are only open on weekends.
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