California is basically a giant playground for road trips. You’ve got coastal cliffs, redwood forests, high deserts, and a steady stream of standout food stops that make the miles worthwhile—from farm-to-table cafés to vineyard restaurants. There’s the freedom to pull over when the view demands it and when the tacos look too good to pass up. It doesn’t matter where you start, you’re guaranteed scenery and spontaneity. But if we have to pick a destination, we’re going with Half Moon Bay.
Half Moon Bay
This little town is one of those places that somehow feel like a secret, even though it’s right there on the map. Just 45 minutes south of San Francisco along Highway 1, it’s got the kind of charm that makes you consider quitting your job and opening a surfboard rental shack. You can roll in from the Silicon Valley or take a detour up the coast from Big Sur. There are the ocean views, eucalyptus-scented highways, and enough photo ops to jam your phone storage. No matter what route you take, it’s all part of the payoff.
The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Once you get to Half Moon Bay, there’s no better place to rest your head than the Ritz Carlton. It’s perched on a bluff with front-row ocean views and blends cliffside drama with five star serenity. There are fireplaces in the rooms, Adirondack chairs pointed at the Pacific, and a golf course that’s more about the view than the scorecard. You can have a great spa time, sip wine by a fire pit, or just the watch fog roll in like a nature’s screensaver.
The food scene also goes above and beyond. The signature restaurant, Navio, serves up fresh seafood like Dungeness crab, local halibut, and oysters. The weekend brunch is something to look forward to. If you want something more casual but equally impressive, The Conservatory offers coastal California fare, of course with a side of waves. Even the room service feels like a flex, especially when it arrives with warm sourdough bread and the sound of seagulls in the background.
Routes to Half Moon Bay
The easiest way to make the most of this road trip is to fly into San Francisco, then head south on Highway 1 through Pacifica. You can also fly into San Jose, and then take the scenic cutover via I-280 and Highway 92 west. This route in particular is all about the lush hills and dramatic coastal reveal. If you’re coming north from Monterey or Big Sur, you’ll need to stay on Highway 1 for a non-stop parade of surf towns, marine preserves, and we’re-definitely-stopping-here moments.
Things To Do in Half Moon Bay
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy in Half Moon Bay beyond just staring at the ocean (though that’s a very solid use of your time). You can kick off with a walk along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. It is an easy path that delivers non-stop views and frequent seal sightings. You can head to Pillar point Bluff if you want something more rugged with fewer people. The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is where you want to go for tidepooling, especially if you’re into sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs doing their thing at low tide.
If it’s coffee that peaks your interest more than crustaceans, you can head downtown for a browse through locally owned shops. It’s likely you’ll find a great cup of something warm and maybe a pumpkin flavored treat, depending on the season. Speaking of which, if you’re visiting in October, the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival turns the town into a full blown fall spectacle. If you’re a water lover, kayaking in the harbor is a must. And if you’re feeling brave, you can watch the surfers at the Mavericks catch waves the size of small buildings, preferably from a safe dry distance.
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FAQs
Q. What’s the easiest way to reach Half Moon Bay?
A. The easiest way to reach Half Moon Bay is by landing in San Francisco and then driving to Half Moon Bay.
Q. What is the best time to visit Half Moon Bay?
A. The best time to visit Half Moon Bay is August to November.
Q. Is Ritz Carlton the only oceanfront resort of San Francisco Bay Area?
A. Yes, the Ritz Carlton is the only oceanfront resort of San Francisco Bay Area.
