Half Moon Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Half Moon Bay which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as children
Half Moon Bay showing a beach as well as an individual male
Half Moon Bay showing a beach and general coastal views

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 Harbour. 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 Vallejo 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
Half Moon Bay Lodge

Half Moon Bay Lodge

3 out of 5
2400 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA
The price is AU$290 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$290
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
Half Moon Bay Lodge
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$283 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$283
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,721 reviews)
"Parking was expensive and limited."

Reviewed on 26 Aug. 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is AU$214 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$214
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,446 reviews)
"Cl"

Reviewed on 27 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
See all 4,280 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.
Stylish Seaside Cottage - Walking to Beach
Small Beach Cottage near the Coastal Trail and The Ritz

Small Beach Cottage near the Coastal Trail and The Ritz

Half Moon Bay
Stay at this cottage in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Poplar Beach and Half Moon Bay State ...
Small Beach Cottage near the Coastal Trail and The Ritz
Seaside Retreat near Surfers Beach NEWLY REMODELED

Seaside Retreat near Surfers Beach NEWLY REMODELED

Half Moon Bay
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Half Moon Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Pillar Piont Beach and ...
Seaside Retreat near Surfers Beach NEWLY REMODELED
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

Miramar Beach

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
Pillar Point Harbor

Pillar Point Harbor

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

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

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

Capistrano Road Beach

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

Capistrano Road Beach

Manhattan Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Manhattan Beach during your trip to Half Moon Bay? Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Manhattan Beach

Activities

Private Half Moon Bay Coastal Delights Driving Tour

Private Half Moon Bay Coastal Delights Driving Tour

AU$54
per traveller
Private Half Moon Bay Coastal Delights Driving Tour
From San Francisco: Highway 1 Self-Drive Audio Tour

Pacific Coast Highway App-Based Driving Audio Tour Bundle

AU$46
per traveller
88% of travellers recommend
Pacific Coast Highway App-Based Driving Audio Tour Bundle
San Francisco Air Tour

San Francisco Air Tour

AU$452
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Air Tour
See all activities in Half Moon Bay

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