Half Moon Bay is a beautiful seaside town on the peninsula in Northern California. A Half Moon Bay day trip is perfect if you’re looking for a coastal getaway within an hour of San Francisco.

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 historic downtown, and a stunning coastline that stretches for miles (literally!).

Even with just one day in Half Moon Bay, you can easily visit all the best sights on your list.

The Perfect Day Trip to Half Moon Bay, California

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I grew up in Half Moon Bay, living here until we moved to the East Bay when I was seven. I surprisingly have quite a few memories from those years of living in Half Moon Bay, while 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 day 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 can also be a cozy day trip on the gray and drizzly days.

How To Spend One Day in 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.

Wearing my favorite Abercrombie jeans and high-top Converse — perfect for a Half Moon Bay day trip.

Get Breakfast & Coffee at Granola’s Coffee House

Granola’s Coffee House is a tiny, unassuming coffee shop on the side of Highway 1, which runs through Half Moon Bay (don’t worry, the speed limit is much lower than usual highway speeds).

It 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.

You can take your breakfast and coffee 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.

Parking: There’s a small parking lot on-site, directly next to the coffee shop.

Stroll Down Poplar Beach

With drinks in hand, head to the favorite beach of Half Moon Bay locals. Though Half Moon Bay State Beach is bigger and more popular, many locals prefer the gorgeous and more secluded Poplar Beach.

It’s 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.

Stick to walking the beach, as swimming isn’t safe because of the riptides and undercurrents in this area. There aren’t active lifeguards on duty, though we did see the Sheriff driving down the beach in a dune buggy during one of our recent visits!

There is a lovely coastal path above the beach that connects Poplar Beach with Half Moon Bay State Beach. You can walk this 2-mile-long path for stunning views and some extra steps!

Note: To reach the beach, there is a set of well-maintained stairs you must walk down. It’s not an accessible beach for those who are not able to walk up/down stairs.

Parking: There’s a parking lot that costs $10, no matter how long you stay. To save the $10, you can try and find some parking in the neighborhood and walk down the pathway to the beach from there.

I always bring my anti-theft backpack on day trips! It’s cute and can fit so much!

Explore Downtown Half Moon Bay

Despite many trips to downtown Half Moon Bay when I lived here as a kid, I have no memories of it! Visiting downtown as an adult, 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 still remain, giving downtown Half Moon Bay its “historic” status.

Old staples from my childhood (though I don’t remember them from back then), like the feed store and San Benito House, still stand strong today.

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.

Other historic spots in downtown Half Moon Bay:

Half Moon Bay Feed Store: The aforementioned feed store is a classic spot in Half Moon and has 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.
San Benito House: This historic spot downtown 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)!
Zaballa House: The oldest house in Half Moon Bay, built in 1855. It is currently run as an inn, called BytheSea Inn, though it is sadly falling into disrepair and is not a nice place to stay.
James Johnston House: Rumors of this house being haunted crept through town during the almost 40 years it was abandoned. Its unique slanted roof makes it easily visible from lower Main Street. Today, you can visit the house on the third Saturday of each month, except for October to December.

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.

Parking:

Free, 2-hour street parking is available on Main Street (diagonal parking spaces, not parallel).
Free, 12-hour parking is available on Johnston Street, on the blocks near the Half Moon Bay jail.
There are also various lots further from the historic center of downtown.

Get Lunch at 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.

They have a simple menu with bread, meat (or cheese & avo if you’re a veggie eater like me!), and the classic sandwich toppings. You can also get a soup or salad as a main meal or a side.

Enjoy your sandwich on the lovely outdoor patio next to San Benito House. There is occasionally live music here to accompany your delicious meal.

After lunch, pop next door for dessert at Gulino Gelato! This gelato shop was started by a native of France who went to culinary school in Bologna, Italy, which specializes in gelato. You know the gelato is the real deal, as it’s made fresh, from scratch every day.

Hike Pillar Point Bluffs

Once you’re contentedly full with a fresh lunch and homemade gelato, drive about 20 minutes north to Princeton for a walk along the bluffs.

Princeton, sometimes referred to as Princeton-by-the-Sea, is not technically within the city limits of Half Moon Bay. Though it is often still considered part of town, despite its unincorporated label.

Pillar Point Bluffs 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 bluffs — some are more strenuous than others. You can choose your own path for an easy or difficult hike.

From the edge of the bluffs, you can overlook the world-famous Mavericks Beach, where the best surfers in the world have conquered giant waves that crash on the shores.

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.

Go Tidepooling at the J V 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 a delightful activity to do in Half Moon Bay! Just dress accordingly and avoid picking up any sea creatures.

If I’m planning to tidepool 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.

The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is just a 1-mile walk from Pillar Point Bluffs. You can walk through the charming neighborhood to the Bluff Trail that leads to the reserve if you have time.

Otherwise, you can hop back in your car and drive to the free, designated parking lot for the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. There are stairs 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!

Parking: Fitzgerald Marine Ranger Station & Parking (free)

Have Dinner at a Local Spot

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 choose to stay in the Princeton area (where the bluffs and tidepools are), these are the best dinner options:

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 cocktails, and tasting flights of their various spirits, as well as wine and beer.

Parking: Each of the restaurants listed above has its own free parking lot!

End Your Day With Sunset at the Beach

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.

Half Moon Bay State Beach is a popular spot for sunset and evening surfing. Though the 4 miles of coastline are all officially the state beach, it actually encompasses four beaches, each with its own parking lot.

These four beaches, from north to south, are: Roosevelt Beach, Francis Beach, Venice Beach, and Dunes Beach.

Parking: Each lot is $10 for parking, unless you park on the street and walk to the beach.

Other options for a beach sunset are the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve or Poplar Beach. The latter has benches at the top of the bluffs for optimal sunset-viewing!

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: Like I said, 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 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 aren’t open on weekdays.