The trees you will see here are over 100 years old. The boutique, 10-room Seal Cove Inn sits on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean and overlooks a lush garden. Visitors can also observe "molting" season from April to August. The restaurant's chefs make use of seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby coastal farms and ranches and from local fishermen. In Moss Beach, the neighboring community seven miles to the north of Half Moon Bay, visitors can discover the fascinating world of tide pools at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. There are many eateries to choose fromget your pasta fix at Its Italia or Pasta Moon, get a burger and beer at Sacrilege and grab some Japanese at Sushi on Main. Cycling along the California Coastal Trail, which starts next to Pillar Point Harbor and ends at the Ritz Carlton, is one of the top things to do in Half Moon Bay, and for good reason. For something on the less expensive side, try The Lighthouse Hotel located in Pacifica. Several pumpkin farms offer activities designed for little ones, such as pumpkin carving contests, mazes, pony rides, and petting zoos. At Duartes Tavern in Pescadero they are well known for both their Cream of Artichoke and the Cream of Green Chile soup. The hotel has two fine-dining restaurants with amazing views of the Pacific, plus a spa and two golf courses. Maybe you will spot whales if you hit a migrating season, but various bird species (owls, hawks, and herons, for example) wont miss your eye either way. To bike your way from one end of this 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) stretch to another, you would need up to an hour if you dont take breaks, which you will inevitably do. The trail is better going north from Half Moon Bay, but the south side trail is not very flat. To the east, tourists can take the Bay Bridge from San Francisco to Oakland, a city known for its ethnic restaurants and lakeside park. Facilities include a public restroom and a picnic area that is wheelchair accessible. If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to. Numerous U.S. Open Qualifiers have been held at the Half Moon Bay Old Course. For more luxe harbor living, the Oceano Hotel & Spa and Beach House Hotel get you not only close to the water, but to harbor restaurants and shops, too. The Inn at Mavericks, with its 6 suites in Pillar Point Harbor, offer a front-row view of the serenity of harbor life. On the way from Half Moon Bay to the quaint rural community of Pescadero, about 17 miles to the south, travelers are wowed by the picturesque landscapes. Its a short block from Main Street, where many of the hottest shops and restaurants are. The federally designated trail traverses pristine coastal habitats, including secluded sandy beaches, lush creeks, meadows, wetlands, and cypress groves. This beautiful stretch of countryside encompasses wooded rolling hills and small farms, as well as marshlands and beaches. Bay Area Attractions: Across the bay via the Golden Gate Bridge or by ferry past Alcatraz Island, tourists can spend a day exploring the Marin Headlands or poking around the charming town of Sausalito. Other culinary highlights on Main Street include the house-made gelato and waffle cones at Gulino Gelato, whose owner was trained in the craft of Italian gelato at a culinary school in Bologna, Italy; Keith's Chicken-N-Waffles, which serves country-style breakfast and lunch; and Panificio, an artisanal pizzeria that specializes in traditional Italian-style wood-fired pizza prepared from seasonal California ingredients. Pescadero's farms and ranches supply local markets and grocery stores with a wide variety of fresh produce and high-quality meat. During springtime, the Gray Whale Cove Trail blooms with colorful wildflowers, including blue Douglas irises, vibrant pink hollyhocks, and bright yellow buttercups. During springtime, vibrant wildflowers enliven the scenery, while the sound of chirping songbirds adds to the tranquility. The best part is that you can go there to buy some straight off the boat! thanks from the uk. Pillar Point Harbor overlooks the famous waves of Mavericks Beach, where the legendary annual surfing competition takes place. Its a hard one to tackle, I recommend using the fork and knife method. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Expansive chaparral-covered rolling hills and shady eucalyptus groves give the place a peaceful quality. This is the world's largest mainland breeding colony for the northern elephant seal, and as many as 10,000 seals come to the dunes and beaches of Ao Nuevo State Park to breed and give birth to their pups. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park. My favorite was the Full Swing IPA. On weekends at sundown, bagpipers play on the course in the Scottish tradition. The combination of the two flavors is delicious! The property is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the rooms are romantic (there was a fireplace in mine!). The coastal areas and rocky reefs around the lighthouse are full of marine life, and this is a great spot for wildlife viewing. The center of town brims with old-fashioned hotels, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, casual cafs, and locally owned eateries. At the North Ridge Trailhead on Skyline Drive (Hwy 35), visitors will find the most convenient access to the 4,711-acre Purisima Creek Trail, which traverses the length of the Redwood Open Space Preserve. About 27 miles south of Half Moon Bay, the Ao Nuevo State Park is a nature reserve featuring wetland marshes, dune fields, coastal scrub, and beaches. Tourists should keep in mind that the weather tends to be cool and windy, even during summertime, when thick fog often blocks the sun. Open Mon. , which also has the option to choose cheapest month as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. The Half Moon Bay Coastside is just an hour and a half from my hometown and stretches along Northern Californias Highway 1 (from Montara to Pescadero) and inland, for a total of 280 breathtaking square miles. Now it is a photogenic site, beautified with graffiti, to admire from a distance because regulations concerning trespassing through a private property still apply. This farm-to-table restaurant has been dedicated to sustainable culinary experiences since its opening over 30 years ago. For those staying in San Francisco, there are plenty of things to do with kids, and many of the city's top attractions can be visited on a walking tour. This portion of the trail is about an hour hike. Renting a kayak and taking it for a spin through the harbor and beyond is an easy thing to do. Younger travelers will enjoy the nearby college town of Berkeley, which is full of hip hangouts. Stay in the same building with dinner at Navio, where you can enjoy elegant seafood dishes while gazing out at the ocean. The seals hang out near the launching point, so the chances of you seeing a few are really high. Established by a gift from the Save-the-Redwoods League, the 5,412-acre Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve has nearly 25 miles of trails, many of which are suited for experienced hikers. Plus when weather permits, Oddyssea Outside has creative projects and fun events to participate in (like building your own terrarium or kite). There are four hiking trails within the 235-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, as well as opportunities for kayaking. First off, let me start by saying that Sams famous lobster roll was picked by the food editor of NBC-TVs The Today Show as one of the five best sandwiches in America! If you are not renting a car, Lyft and Uber are available all over the city. Other farm activities include a train ride and hay ride, each of which explore other parts of the farm. Standing on a cliff, this 115-foot lighthouse is one of the tallest in the United States. Reservations are required. Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. is located right at Pillar Point Harbor and you can get one by the hour or sign up for a tour. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Three Days in Half Moon Bay for Romantics, Choose From Six Hotels Offering the Perfect Mix of Work & Play. The latter (and most popular) of the two isnt dressed with wagonloads of mayo and such. The region wont make it easy for you to decide where to lay your head, because there is a wealth of romantic escapes to choose from. For something on the less expensive side, try, For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the, Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at, . Half Moon Bay has two world-class championship golf courses, both on the Ritz-Carlton resort property. Plus, Bay Art Glass is conveniently located right next door to the wine tasting at La Nebbia Winery (I recommend blowing glass before drinking!). Lemos Farm | James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com. Instead, it is large chunks of warmed lobster meat lightly tossed with butter on a toasted bun. If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range. After securing your favorite fish or crab, take it home to clean and cook yourself or pop by Princeton Seafood Market, right next to Pillar Point Harbor, to have it skillfully cracked and cleaned for you. The Coastal Trail abounds with amazing views, which include the Pacific and its coastline, secluded beaches, trees in strange shapes, creeks, wetlands, and grasslands among other scenery. Several waterfront restaurants offer fabulous bay views and excellent cuisine, especially seafood. All rights reserved. Did I forget to mention beer? For a scenic walk, take the trail that begins at the sandy cove on the southern end of the reserve and winds through a grove of Monterey cypress trees. During the pumpkin season in October, traffic into the "World Pumpkin Capital" slows to a crawl as visitors from San Francisco and the South Peninsula make their way into Half Moon Bay on the two-lane country road. Just keep doing, what you share is fantastic, pictures, information everything is beautiful. With further inspection you will see the layers of flavors staring with a smoked chipotle-garlic aioli, followed by a 1/2 pound Harris ranch patty, crispy fried pickles, one sunny side up egg smoked applewood bacon and Gouda. With the San Pedro and Montara mountains in the background and the Pacific Ocean crashing against granite outcrops, the setting is truly inspiring. Nature lovers should be sure to visit the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, home to diverse wildlife in its wetlands, saltwater ponds, and flowing creeks, including migratory birds and endangered species such as the San Francisco garter snake and the California red-legged frog. Copyright 2022 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Forested hillsides frame the sprawling stretch of golden sand at Miramar Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing on sunny days. Even more challenging, the newer Ocean Course opened in 1997 and was designed by renowned landscape architect Arthur Hills. A sunset over the ocean while youre walking on the beach with your sweetheart is high on the list of those searching for romantic experiences. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "northern california road trips"; During this time, the seals shed the outer layer of their skin and fur in a four- to six-week process as they rest on the beaches. A short walk from Venice Beach, the Sweetwood Group Camping provides facilities for tent camping and is ideal for groups (reservations are required). Experienced surfers can brave the Half Moon Bay swells, but generally, the ocean in this area is not safe for swimming. The Francis Beach Campground offers 52 campsites with hot showers; campsite reservations must be made in advance. Not sure how wheelchair friendly the beach is. The Half Moon Bay Coastside has the ideal atmosphere for paramourswhether theres an ocean view or not. Note: Make sure to go on the weekend when the small shop is open and you can buy products made from their goats milk, beehives and berries. Families with small children have fun visiting the farms and picking out the perfect Halloween pumpkins. Renting a car in Half Moon Bay is the best way to really experience the city and. Want more information about the Half Moon Bay Coastside? Also, try a cup of their New England clam chowderit was selected by The Food Network as one of the best clam chowders outside of New England. Copyright 2001 - document.write(new Date().getFullYear())Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District. Fish and seafood are part of the local culture in the Half Moon Bay Coastside and at Pillar Point Harbor fresh fish and crab are brought in daily by commercial fishermen. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; *If you happen to be there in winter, dont miss to watch surfers riding up to 80-feet high waves on Half Moon Bay State Beach (home of Mavericks big-wave surf competition). Just off Main Street on a quiet side street is the Mill Rose Inn, a luxury bed-and-breakfast hotel with a delightful English country-style garden. Towering coastal redwood trees are the defining feature of the lush Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Thats what I did! This award-winning restaurant is famous for its artichoke soup. From the same entrance, there is access to the shorter Redwood Trail, which has a mostly flat grade and only stretches a quarter of a mile. This picturesque (and fun!) Although the lighthouse itself cannot be toured, guided history tours of the grounds are conducted daily each afternoon or by appointment. Rent one at The Bike Works or Half Moon Bay Kayak Company. The San Mateo County Coastside is made up of over 300 square miles of beautiful California countryside, with easy access to sandy beaches, redwood forests, and open spaces. If you ever wanted to know how to blow a glass pumpkin heres a video of my instructor doing it: At Harley Farms in Pescadero you can book a fun dairy dinner in a hayloft (sold out months in advance! Check out Bay Art Glass class schedule here. Anemone in the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach. A dozen or so baby goats wander the space as participants practice yoga. 17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in California, 21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Los Angeles, 23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Francisco, 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Palo Alto, CA, Where to Stay in San Francisco: Best Areas & Hotels, San Francisco with Kids: 12 Top Things to Do, 16 Top-Rated Day Trips from San Francisco, San Francisco Walking Tour: 10 Top Sights, 14 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco, CA, 1-Day, 2-Day & 3-Day San Francisco Itineraries for Travelers, 13 Top-Rated Hiking Trails near San Francisco, CA, 14 Top-Rated Campgrounds near San Francisco, CA, From San Francisco to Yosemite: 5 Best Ways to Get There, From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe: 4 Best Ways to Get There, 11 Top-Rated Beaches in the San Francisco Area, 15 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in the Bay Area, CA, 20 Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Francisco, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 20 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods, English country-style gardens surround the romantic, Another excellent bed-and-breakfast hotel is the three-star, Located at the edge of the Ritz property's golf course, the three-star, If you want both the B&B experience and a beachfront lodging, the four-star, For a dependable budget-friendly hotel located close to the beach and several restaurants, the two-star. Perpetually covered in dense fog that obscures visibility, this coastal site was in dire need of a lighthouse when the Pigeon Point Lighthouse was built in 1871 after a series of shipwrecks. September through early November is the best time for sunbathing and wading; however, the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay is too cold to enter without a wetsuit, and the riptides can be dangerous. The Harley Farms Goat Dairy also offers guided farm tours, including springtime Baby Goat Tours that allow children the chance to enjoy play time with the adorable baby goats. From Miramar Beach, the California Coastal Trail follows along Half Moon Bay State Beach. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "a24a7161f394fc5ef403e7c533641531"; The dinosaurs of Spanish Town are right off Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay, and definitely the perfect chance for a cheesy photo op. These four beaches represent several miles of wide, sandy coastline. Foodies can visit the Harley Farms Goat Dairy to see the property, meet the goats, and purchase award-winning cheese, as well as artisanal specialty food products at their shop. Beyond the dinosaurs, stroll through the courtyard to shop for all your outdoor statue and fountain needs. Arcangeli Grocery (also known as Norms Market) is not only a cute little market in Pescadero, it is famous for their warm artichoke bread. Montara State Beach is a wonderful place for relaxation, sunbathing, and nature walks. Where else can you pick up a killer western shirt, 18 flavors of tequila and a mad hatter hat? We are not talking like little specks of minced artichokes mixed in, we are talking about huge chunks throughout the bread. Sightseeing and nature appreciation are the most popular activities on these beaches. And here are my top 30 bucket list picks. Sheltered by wooded rolling hills, the cozy seaside community of Half Moon Bay is an unpretentious small town with a friendly attitude. Address: 210 Pigeon Point Road, Highway 1, Pescadero, California, Official site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=533, Main Street | Photo Copyright: Lisa Alexander. hi can i ask please if the half moon bay beach area would be suitable for a wheelchair/scooter and how many miles is it to Palo alto please? Written by Lisa AlexanderUpdated May 26, 2022, We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). The Half Moon Bay coastline is made up of multiple beaches, which are part of Half Moon Bay State Beach: Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, and Francis Beach. Alternatively, visitors may skip the two-mile hike and instead take the shorter (but steep) trail down to Gray Whale Cove. If youre lucky, you may even be able to hold a baby one. Address: 12320 San Mateo Road, Half Moon Bay, California, Redwood forest at the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Reserve. There are also ponies here, each happy to give rides to smaller kiddos. Theres always yummy snacks in the dining room, but the breakfast in the morning is really special. Getting There: SFO (San Francisco International Airport) is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. has some great deals. Within the inter-tidal zone (between the low-tide and high-tide areas), the saltwater pools are filled with sea creatures like hermit crabs, starfish, and purple shore crabs. Its fun to get a drink with the locals and ogle the collection. Thanks Ruma. Docents lead guided tours on the first and third Sundays of the month. Six of our lodging venues can host your wedding, from an eloping couple to a full-blown wedding, With grand-scale splendor and small-town charm, the Half Moon Bay Coastside is a beloved destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Looking forward to read your other wonderful travel experience. Sometimes visitors may even see a mother seal giving birth. Or get the Fishline App for your phone to quickly browse todays catch and purchase seafood. In this remote canyon, the rushing Purisima Creek creates a sense of serenity, while the northern areas of the preserve reveal glimpses of the Pacific coastline in the distance. This classic 18-hole Scottish links-style course is perched high on a rugged bluff overlooking the crashing Pacific Ocean waves. Official site: www.openspace.org/preserves/purisima-creek-redwoods. I liked much your blog. From the airport to Half Moon Bay, you can use the Caltrain, take a shuttle through Nationwide Limousine Service or Super Shuttle, or take a taxi, Uber or Lyft. Also in downtown Pescadero, the old-timey Duarte's restaurant (202 Stage Road) prepares delicious meals mainly using locally grown vegetables and fruits and fresh-caught fish. Definitely stop by Oddyssea to shop for science, nature and art products. Elephant seal pups at Ao Nuevo State Park. Theres nothing quite as romantic as seeing a gorgeous orange sunset across the Pacific ocean from a luxury resort-like The Ritz Carlton. There is also a two-mile hiking trail that follows the meandering Mills Creek and continues into a narrow valley and brush-covered open space. Another way to spend quality time with your love is by sharing a meal. is a great choice conveniently located off coastal Highway 1. For dining and shopping, Main Street is the place to go. When the right conditions conspire, Mavericks waves rise to massive peaks reaching 15 to 30 feet in height. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park features a visitor center, bookshop, and accommodations. From the airport to Half Moon Bay, you can use the Caltrain, take a shuttle through Nationwide Limousine Service or Super Shuttle, or take a taxi, Uber or Lyft. You can get them two ways: Dressed or Naked. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. NOTE: In a few months Half Moon Bay Distillery will be moving to a new and improved location just down the street. It costs just $6.49 and worth every penny. In 2008, the course hosted the LPGA Samsung Golf Championships. Many of the beaches from Montara to Pescadero are ideal for strolling, picnics, lounging with a blanket, or merely watching the waves. The Visit Half Moon Bay web site is jointly funded and maintained by the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. The Old Course was designed in 1973 by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane. The Pumpkin Patch is open from September 1st through Thanksgiving. Mills Creek Barn at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park | bgwashburn / photo modified. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mybuclisjou-20"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; After a slight incline from the parking lot, the Gray Whale Cove Trail winds around the hillsides and continues south at a gentle grade (for about one mile) alongside ocean bluffs until reaching Montara State Beach, a stretch of sandy shoreline tucked away behind steep cliffsides. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; They have a Fish Phone (650-726-8724) that you call to find out what will be for sale. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. ), get a taste of some delicious dairy products, purchase bath goods, and above all book a goat tour to see some of the approximately 200 goats at pasture, in the barn and milking parlor. The farm's main crops are seasonal, focusing on pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees for the holidays. Beautiful beaches, dramatic nature sites, and awe-inspiring ocean scenery provide a glorious backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding, birding, golfing, and (when the sun is out) sunbathing. Along the trail, hikers can see the stumps of the ancestral trees. The Half Moon Bay Distillery is a grassroots operation, just a couple rooms, but if you have any interest in the distilling process their 45-minute tour explains it well. Montara State Beach, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and Mavericks Beach are popular with tide-pool seekers. Sitting atop a high point of Californian coastline (technically not a part of the Half Moon Bay Coastside, but just a wee bit north of Montara), it used to be an observation bunker of a coastline defense system during the Second World War. Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection offers 46 new spacious guestrooms, many with great views of the Coastal Mountains & the historic Johnston House. Picturesque Gray Whale Cove State Beach is sheltered by steep cliffs. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean while hiking or cycling the California Coastal Trail.
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