Guidebook for Half Moon Bay & Surrounding Area
Restaurants & Bakeries
Excellent farm to table food in an old train car! Fun and casual. The mushroom sandwich is to die for!
15 locals recommend
Dad's Luncheonette
Kelly AvenueExcellent farm to table food in an old train car! Fun and casual. The mushroom sandwich is to die for!
Great Italian food in a beautiful old hotel setting. Fun bar too! Walking distance from the house.
36 locals recommend
It's Italia
401 Main StGreat Italian food in a beautiful old hotel setting. Fun bar too! Walking distance from the house.
Old fashioned bakery that has great donuts and delicious fresh focaccia breads. Walking distance from the house. Our visits are not complete without a dozen HMB Bakery donuts. Our guilty pleasure!
7 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Bakery
514 Main StOld fashioned bakery that has great donuts and delicious fresh focaccia breads. Walking distance from the house. Our visits are not complete without a dozen HMB Bakery donuts. Our guilty pleasure!
Creative simple comfort food in a casual rustic cafe and beer garden with beers on tap.
24 locals recommend
The Barn
3068 CA-1Creative simple comfort food in a casual rustic cafe and beer garden with beers on tap.
Modern, tasty Italian food with a fun bar. Good service. 5 minute walk from the house. Outdoor seating. Good bar.
49 locals recommend
Pasta Moon
845 Main StModern, tasty Italian food with a fun bar. Good service. 5 minute walk from the house. Outdoor seating. Good bar.
Decent Taqueria that is open later than most other places in HMB.
12 locals recommend
Taqueria Tres Amigos
270 Cabrillo HwyDecent Taqueria that is open later than most other places in HMB.
Favorite seafood restaurant with locals. Located at the harbor. Delicious fresh fish and chips. Large portions!
26 locals recommend
Ketch Joanne Restaurant & Harbor Bar
17 Johnson PierFavorite seafood restaurant with locals. Located at the harbor. Delicious fresh fish and chips. Large portions!
Best sandwiches in town - hands down! Delicious home made bread and generous portions! There is always a line on the weekends so be prepared. This is a do not miss! Walking distance from the house.
8 locals recommend
San Benito Deli
356 Main StBest sandwiches in town - hands down! Delicious home made bread and generous portions! There is always a line on the weekends so be prepared. This is a do not miss! Walking distance from the house.
Renowned soup is a do not miss experience. Can get either the artichoke or green chile soup or a mix of both. Comes with warm fresh sourdough bread. Also have great fish and chips. Finish off your meal with a slice of the delicious ollalieberry pie.
59 locals recommend
Duarte's Tavern
202 Stage RdRenowned soup is a do not miss experience. Can get either the artichoke or green chile soup or a mix of both. Comes with warm fresh sourdough bread. Also have great fish and chips. Finish off your meal with a slice of the delicious ollalieberry pie.
European style pastries and cake. Walking distance from the house. Good for breakfast because it is so close to the house.
11 locals recommend
Moonside Bakery & Cafe
604 Main StEuropean style pastries and cake. Walking distance from the house. Good for breakfast because it is so close to the house.
Great place for good coffee and homemade pastries. Walking distance from the house.
16 locals recommend
Cafe Society
522 Main StGreat place for good coffee and homemade pastries. Walking distance from the house.
Sushi On Main Street
696 Mill StWalking distance from the house.
This a great place for Sunday brunch or for a drink to watch the sunset on their beautiful ocean view deck.
83 locals recommend
Moss Beach Distillery
140 Beach WayThis a great place for Sunday brunch or for a drink to watch the sunset on their beautiful ocean view deck.
Place for a nice meal for a special occasion. Peruvian food and creative cocktails in nice dining room with sweeping ocean views. Be in time for the sunset!
70 locals recommend
La Costanera
260 Capistrano RdPlace for a nice meal for a special occasion. Peruvian food and creative cocktails in nice dining room with sweeping ocean views. Be in time for the sunset!
Cafe Capistrano
523 Church StCozy place for traditional Mexican food.
Highly touristed restaurant off Highway 1 with decent seafood, and fun place to go for drinks on their outdoor patios. You can bike here from Half Moon Bay along the coastside trail. Hefty bike ride.
98 locals recommend
Sam's Chowder House
4210 CA-1Highly touristed restaurant off Highway 1 with decent seafood, and fun place to go for drinks on their outdoor patios. You can bike here from Half Moon Bay along the coastside trail. Hefty bike ride.
Absolute best place on the coast for soup and warm sourdough bread! We argue over Green Chile vs. Artichoke but you can get both in one bowl! Fish and Chips and Ollalieberry Pie are also delicious.
59 locals recommend
Duarte's Tavern
202 Stage RdAbsolute best place on the coast for soup and warm sourdough bread! We argue over Green Chile vs. Artichoke but you can get both in one bowl! Fish and Chips and Ollalieberry Pie are also delicious.
3 Pigs BBQ
1754 Laurel StDrinks & Nightlife
Within walking distance from the house. Great for a craft beer and a burger! Live music on the weekends. Can sit on the deck.
14 locals recommend
Sacrilege Brewery + Kitchen
730 Main StWithin walking distance from the house. Great for a craft beer and a burger! Live music on the weekends. Can sit on the deck.
Locals bar with live music and a lively scene near the harbor.
42 locals recommend
Old Princeton Landing Public House & Grill
460 Capistrano RdLocals bar with live music and a lively scene near the harbor.
Within walking distance from the house, a lively bar that attracts tourists and locals.
30 locals recommend
San Benito Ale House
356 Main StWithin walking distance from the house, a lively bar that attracts tourists and locals.
Local winery with tasting room. They always pair chocolate with one of their wines. Walking distance from the house.
Barterra Winery
315 Main StLocal winery with tasting room. They always pair chocolate with one of their wines. Walking distance from the house.
La Nebbia Winery
12341 San Mateo RdLocal winery with tasting room, picnic tables and bocce ball.
Trojak Knier Winery
151 Harvard AveLocal brewery located in the harbor area. live music.
70 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
390 Capistrano RdLocal brewery located in the harbor area. live music.
Amazing place for drinks at sunset on their expansive patio with firepits overlooking ocean and golf course. Very pricey.
45 locals recommend
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point RdAmazing place for drinks at sunset on their expansive patio with firepits overlooking ocean and golf course. Very pricey.
Hop Dogma Brewing Co.
270 Capistrano RdHalf Moon Bay Wine & Cheese
Parks & Nature
The closest beach to the house. Cross the highway and walk towards the ocean. Gorgeous large beach. Coastal trail on the bluff is great for walking, biking and jogging. Spectacular location to watch the sunset. Benches all along the coastal trail.
21 locals recommend
Poplar Beach
Poplar StreetThe closest beach to the house. Cross the highway and walk towards the ocean. Gorgeous large beach. Coastal trail on the bluff is great for walking, biking and jogging. Spectacular location to watch the sunset. Benches all along the coastal trail.
Butano State Park
1500 Cloverdale RdGorgeous hiking in the redwood forest.
Cowell Ranch Beach Access
Cowell Ranch AccessRemote, scenic beach, only reached by 1/2 mile steep trail. Worth it!
This is a great beach to try your hand at surfing. Small manageable waves . Beach is right off of Hwy 1.
15 locals recommend
Surfers Beach
4000 Cabrillo Hwy NThis is a great beach to try your hand at surfing. Small manageable waves . Beach is right off of Hwy 1.
Spectacular, gorgeous biking, walking trail that follows the coast from Half Moon Bay to El Granada. Do not miss this for a sunset! 10-15 minute walk from the house. Just cross the highway and head towards the ocean. If you are ambitious you can walk south all the way to the Ritz Carlton!
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Half Moon Bay Coastal TrailSpectacular, gorgeous biking, walking trail that follows the coast from Half Moon Bay to El Granada. Do not miss this for a sunset! 10-15 minute walk from the house. Just cross the highway and head towards the ocean. If you are ambitious you can walk south all the way to the Ritz Carlton!
Beautiful hiking trail that runs from Montara to Pacifica overlooking the ocean.
Gray Whale Cove Trail
Gray Whale Cove TrailBeautiful hiking trail that runs from Montara to Pacifica overlooking the ocean.
Great place to visit tidepools. During low tide, they are filled with sea creatures like hermit crabs, starfish, and purple shore crabs. For a pleasant nature walk, take the trail that begins at the sandy cove on the southern end of the reserve. The trail winds through the garden of an old estate and a century-old forest of Monterey cypress trees. During springtime, it's sometimes possible to spot California gray whales just offshore. In the summer and fall, look out for brown pelicans swooping over the waves.
76 locals recommend
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
200 Nevada AveGreat place to visit tidepools. During low tide, they are filled with sea creatures like hermit crabs, starfish, and purple shore crabs. For a pleasant nature walk, take the trail that begins at the sandy cove on the southern end of the reserve. The trail winds through the garden of an old estate and a century-old forest of Monterey cypress trees. During springtime, it's sometimes possible to spot California gray whales just offshore. In the summer and fall, look out for brown pelicans swooping over the waves.
Sightseeing
Old fashioned general store and bar with eclectic selection of household goods, clothing and books for purchase. Live music on the weekends. Take some time for a drink and peruse the funky selection of goods. Located in the scenic coastal foothills just 15 minutes from the house.
32 locals recommend
San Gregorio General Store
7615 Stage RdOld fashioned general store and bar with eclectic selection of household goods, clothing and books for purchase. Live music on the weekends. Take some time for a drink and peruse the funky selection of goods. Located in the scenic coastal foothills just 15 minutes from the house.
World famous surf location hosts competitions with some of the largest waves in the world. Cannot see from the beach, but the walk along the beach is beautiful.
61 locals recommend
Mavericks Beach
World famous surf location hosts competitions with some of the largest waves in the world. Cannot see from the beach, but the walk along the beach is beautiful.
The old Half Moon Bay Jail (or Spanish Town as it was called back then) was built in 1911 and still stands today as a museum dedicated to the area’s history. It is a tiny little place but it is fun to see, and it is only a block off Main St.
280 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay
The old Half Moon Bay Jail (or Spanish Town as it was called back then) was built in 1911 and still stands today as a museum dedicated to the area’s history. It is a tiny little place but it is fun to see, and it is only a block off Main St.
Have a drink here in their outdoor bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean and world class golf course. Drinks are not cheap but the views are worth it. Live bagpipes on weekend evenings make you feel like you are in Scotland!
45 locals recommend
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point RdHave a drink here in their outdoor bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean and world class golf course. Drinks are not cheap but the views are worth it. Live bagpipes on weekend evenings make you feel like you are in Scotland!
This a charming coastal town with interesting shops for perusing. Must try Duartes Restaurant for their soup and pie.
42 locals recommend
Pescadero
This a charming coastal town with interesting shops for perusing. Must try Duartes Restaurant for their soup and pie.
Entertainment & Activities
This is a working goat dairy. Meet the goats and their adorable babies. Taste and purchase the delicious cheese from their shop. In the scenic small town of Pescadero. Go for lunch at Duartes after your visit.
46 locals recommend
Harley Farms Goat Dairy
205 North StThis is a working goat dairy. Meet the goats and their adorable babies. Taste and purchase the delicious cheese from their shop. In the scenic small town of Pescadero. Go for lunch at Duartes after your visit.
The Odd Fellows have begun to host events for the public in their traditional hall that is located above the HMB Bakery. Check out their website for upcoming events: http://hmb-odd.org/upcoming-events Walking distance from the house.
280 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay
The Odd Fellows have begun to host events for the public in their traditional hall that is located above the HMB Bakery. Check out their website for upcoming events: http://hmb-odd.org/upcoming-events Walking distance from the house.
HMB is perfectly located for organic farms featuring local produce and products. Meet the locals and buy local produce, products and flowers while you are in town.
12 locals recommend
Farmers Market
225 CA-1HMB is perfectly located for organic farms featuring local produce and products. Meet the locals and buy local produce, products and flowers while you are in town.
Excellent golf course adjacent to the Ritz Carlton. As beautiful views as Pebble Beach!
17 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Golf Links
2 Miramontes Point RdExcellent golf course adjacent to the Ritz Carlton. As beautiful views as Pebble Beach!
Cowboy Surf Shop
2830 Cabrillo Hwy NRent surfboards at this laid back surf shop that is a favorite of locals.
Sport fishing and whale watching. I don't have any experience with this company.
Huli Cat Sport Fishing and Charter Boat
1 Johnson PierSport fishing and whale watching. I don't have any experience with this company.
Half Moon Bay Kayak Company
2 Johnson PierOffer sport fishing trips and whale watching.
Great place to take the kids for pumpkin picking, pony rides, train rides and a petting zoo.
9 locals recommend
Lemos Farm
12320 San Mateo RdGreat place to take the kids for pumpkin picking, pony rides, train rides and a petting zoo.
Sea Horse Ranch
1828 Cabrillo Hwy NGuided Horseback Riding
Essentials
Grocery store for organic and sustainable groceries with fresh produce from local farms and local cheese and wines.
56 locals recommend
New Leaf Community Markets
150 San Mateo RdGrocery store for organic and sustainable groceries with fresh produce from local farms and local cheese and wines.
Safeway
2020 Market StStandard big box grocery store for essentials.
Historic, general store with a great deli and lots of gourmet and international food items. They make their own brand of jams, sauces, etc. Walking distance from the house.
8 locals recommend
Cunha's Country Store
448 Main StHistoric, general store with a great deli and lots of gourmet and international food items. They make their own brand of jams, sauces, etc. Walking distance from the house.
Shopping
Old fashioned feed and fuel shop in the heart of HMB. Best part is visiting the baby chickens and the bunnies in the back of the store.
6 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel
331 Main StOld fashioned feed and fuel shop in the heart of HMB. Best part is visiting the baby chickens and the bunnies in the back of the store.
Great place to buy gifts. Lovely handmade items from indiginous artists from around the world. Walking distance from the house.
LuzLuna Imports
527 Main StGreat place to buy gifts. Lovely handmade items from indiginous artists from around the world. Walking distance from the house.
Great place to sample local wines & cheeses. Good place to buy gifts. Walking distance to the house.
280 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay
Great place to sample local wines & cheeses. Good place to buy gifts. Walking distance to the house.
Personal FX
524 Main StThis a great little gift shop with hand made and artisan goods.
Crow's Nest
406 Main StUpscale boutique clothing store with friendly service.
Abode
417 Main StGreat shop for up to date home furnishings and decor.
Great little surf shop to rent equipment for surfing at adjacent surfer’s beach or to purchase souvenirs.
14 locals recommend
Mavericks Surf Company
Pillar Point Harbor BoulevardGreat little surf shop to rent equipment for surfing at adjacent surfer’s beach or to purchase souvenirs.