Half Moon Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Half Moon Bay featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as an individual female
Live - Work - Play is the motto of this laidback “SoCal” city. Half Moon Bay is a beach resort where people work to live and not the other way around.

Half Moon Bay is perfect for sunning, swimming and surfing the legendary Mavericks. Spring brings wildflowers and autumn gets everyone excited for the Art and Pumpkin Festival. Stroll along Half Moon Bay State Beach and Poplar Beach and follow the Coastside Trail north to Pillar Point Harbor. Have a meal in the seafood shack or chowder house and enjoy the sunset views of the iconic clifftop hotel. Now, that’s living!

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay

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El Granada

El Granada is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Pillar Point Harbor or Capistrano Road Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

El Granada
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Princeton

While Princeton isn't home to many top sights, Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Princeton
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$195 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
AU$195
per night
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,615 reviews)
"Easy parking"

Reviewed on 6 Jun. 2024

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$236 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
AU$236
per night
3 Jul - 4 Jul
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,632 reviews)
"I stayed here for a long weekend of sightseeing and it worked out perfectly. The restaurant on site is great, and staff was attentive and efficient. There is a dedicated ride share pick up location just outside of the hotel, which was convenient, but it is super easy to walk and utilize public transit ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jun. 2024

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$243 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
AU$243
per night
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,297 reviews)
"I just didn’t like the drug addicts cleaning out the cigarettes cans while I’m enjoying the fire pits and enjoying a cigar, his comments left me feeling unsafe."

Reviewed on 6 Jun. 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
See all 4,394 properties in Half Moon Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stylish Seaside Cottage - Walking to Beach
Stylish Seaside Cottage - Walking to Beach
Half Moon Bay
Stay at this apartment in Half Moon Bay. Popular attractions Pillar Piont Beach and Vallejo Beach are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
magical
"such a magical stay. an easy walk to the beach. cute neighborhood & cozy room with a great patio ✨ can’t wait to come back ✨"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Stylish Seaside Cottage - Walking to Beach
One Bedroom Cottage
One Bedroom Cottage
Half Moon Bay
Stay at this cottage in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Francis Beach and Elmar Beach are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
Travelling from Canada
"On our way driving to Phoenix we decided to spend 3 nights in Half Moon Bay, had never been to this area. It was great! The accommodation was good, bathroom small and sink tiny but the kitchen sink was large so my husband and I used that! Only thing lacking was no wardrobe or closet for hanging clothes, ..."

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2024

One Bedroom Cottage
Beach Town Home - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and so much more...
Beach Town Home - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and so much more...
Half Moon Bay
Stay at this vacation home in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy balconies, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Poplar Beach and Half Moon Bay ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Great trip!
"Location was perfect. Morning walk to beach, walk to downtown. 35 minutes away from Redwoods and hiking. Just a great experience. Clean, comfortable and well stocked!"

Reviewed on 29 May 2024

Beach Town Home - Walk to Beaches, Downtown, Activities and so much more...
See all properties in Half Moon Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Miramar Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Miramar Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Half Moon Bay. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Miramar Beach
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Pillar Point Harbor

4/5(1 review)

Explore the waterfront of Pillar Point Harbor and enjoy other activities such as hiking in Half Moon Bay. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Pillar Point Harbor
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Half Moon Bay Golf Links

Play a round of golf in Half Moon Bay at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, and enjoy other activities such as hiking. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its lively festivals.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links
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Naples Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Naples Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Half Moon Bay. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Naples Beach
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Capistrano Road Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Capistrano Road Beach during your trip to Half Moon Bay? Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Capistrano Road Beach
Image for Waterfront Coastside Trail

Waterfront Coastside Trail

Enjoy a trip to Waterfront Coastside Trail and popular activities such as hiking in Half Moon Bay. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Waterfront Coastside Trail

Activities

Image for Half Moon Bay Hustle Scavenger Hunt

Half Moon Bay Hustle Scavenger Hunt

AU$33
Per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Half Moon Bay Hustle Scavenger Hunt
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Airplane - San Francisco Bay Airplane Tour

AU$370
Per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Airplane - San Francisco Bay Airplane Tour
See all activities in Half Moon Bay

Reviews of Half Moon Bay

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
0
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4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near Half Moon Bay

Photo by Katie Potts

Pacifica

Redwood City which includes street scenes and a city

Redwood City

Photo by Ana Sals

Montara

Photo by Athena Pond

Moss Beach