Danielle’s guidebook
Breakfast
Try the local artichoke bread! It's incredible. The Half Moon cookies are pretty good too!
7 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Bakery
514 Main StTry the local artichoke bread! It's incredible. The Half Moon cookies are pretty good too!
Lunch & Dinner
Great place for lunch! A former chef, Dad who bought a caboose and turned it into a restaurant!
15 locals recommend
Dad's Luncheonette
Kelly AvenueGreat place for lunch! A former chef, Dad who bought a caboose and turned it into a restaurant!
Our favorite restaurant! They just moved to Pillar Point Harbour! Reservations strongly recommended, but you can walk-in if you are ready to wait. Pisco Sours and ceviche are worth it!
70 locals recommend
La Costanera
260 Capistrano RdOur favorite restaurant! They just moved to Pillar Point Harbour! Reservations strongly recommended, but you can walk-in if you are ready to wait. Pisco Sours and ceviche are worth it!
Barbara's Fishtrap
281 Capistrano RdMy personal favorite for local clam chowder!
Half Moon Bay
Local wine, cheese, pairings, and tasting! Great pre-dinner spot.
For the best view and a gourmet dinner, make a reservation at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. Arrive in time for sunset and listen to the bagpiper while sipping cocktails at their outdoor bar before your dinner reservation. There are three restaurants–The outdoor terrace ($), The Conservatory ($$) and Navio ($$$$). You can make reservations using OpenTable. Valet is $20
45 locals recommend
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point RdFor the best view and a gourmet dinner, make a reservation at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. Arrive in time for sunset and listen to the bagpiper while sipping cocktails at their outdoor bar before your dinner reservation. There are three restaurants–The outdoor terrace ($), The Conservatory ($$) and Navio ($$$$). You can make reservations using OpenTable. Valet is $20
The Barn
3068 CA-1Our local favorite for an amazing burger and beer.
Outdoors
Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail starts within the former Cowell ranch and then continues along the cliffs. It is mostly flat and best done as a 7.2-mile out-and-back hike. Parking is at Cowell Ranch Beach Access Parking. It is open weekends and holidays.
Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
Cowell-Purisima Coastal TrailCowell-Purisima Coastal Trail starts within the former Cowell ranch and then continues along the cliffs. It is mostly flat and best done as a 7.2-mile out-and-back hike. Parking is at Cowell Ranch Beach Access Parking. It is open weekends and holidays.
Quarry Park is a large forested park with coastal views behind our house - just take the trailhead at the Magellan and Crossways intersection (two doors down). When you enter the trail turn right. At the fork in the trail, turn right again to go up to coastal views or turn left to go to the playground.
13 locals recommend
Quarry Park
Quarry Park is a large forested park with coastal views behind our house - just take the trailhead at the Magellan and Crossways intersection (two doors down). When you enter the trail turn right. At the fork in the trail, turn right again to go up to coastal views or turn left to go to the playground.
The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tidepools are one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast. Check the tide tables (just search "Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tide tables"–you want to go during the lowest tide, ideally 1 ft or lower.
76 locals recommend
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
200 Nevada AveThe Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tidepools are one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural wonders of the Northern California coast. Check the tide tables (just search "Fitzgerald Marine Reserve tide tables"–you want to go during the lowest tide, ideally 1 ft or lower.
Kids
Lemos Farm
12320 San Mateo RdHarley Farms Goat Dairy
205 North St