Beach houses in Half Moon Bay

Just south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a small, peaceful city set on the California coastline. Called Half Moon Bay because of its crescent shape, the town is popular among surfers for its plentiful surf spots and big waves. The city effortlessly blends small-town charm with spectacular nature and an abundance of attractions. Here you’ll find several renowned restaurants, Christmas tree farms, pumpkin patches, great beaches, farmers markets, unique galleries, and historical buildings. Half Moon Bay is the ideal destination for families, couples, and outdoor lovers seeking a low-key California getaway.

Enjoy a peaceful retreat at one of California’s most breathtaking coastal towns. Half Moon Bay offers a variety of cozy beach houses just steps away from the wide sandy shores of its many beaches. Opt for a beach house with panoramic ocean views and direct beach access. Several beach houses in this area come with private garden and yard space so that you enjoy being surrounded by nature throughout your stay. The beach houses in Half Moon Bay typically boast a tasteful, California-inspired design style, with modern amenities and artful decor. With such an abundance of spectacular beach house options, you may never want to leave Half Moon Bay!

Half Moon Bay is the perfect destination for couples seeking small-town vibes and endless natural offerings. Enjoy a coastal hike along Gray Whale Cove Trail. The short, 2.2-mile hike offers spectacular views of the coastline and ocean, as well as an abundance of local flora and fauna. While in town, stop by Half Moon Bay Distillery, a small craft distillery, where you can sample their house-made spirits.

Half Moon Bay is a sanctuary for outdoor lovers. Hike along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, which is just a small part of the larger California Coastal Trail. The mostly paved 3.7-mile trail is great for all skill levels and offers spectacular ocean views. Visit the towering trees at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve where you can hike along a variety of trails. The hilly preserve is home to several scenic vista points and a bubbling creek.

As a coastal destination, one of Half Moon Bay’s main draws is its countless beaches. The beaches here boast wide shorelines with stunning rugged cliffs, and breathtaking views of the surrounding natural areas. Some of the most popular beaches to visit are Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, Francis Beach, and Surfer’s Beach. Keep in mind that the water here can be quite rough with dangerous riptides, and while the area is popular for surfing, swimming should be done very cautiously if at all. Instead of swimming you can explore the beaches by walking along the shorelines and enjoying the fresh air and untouched surroundings.

The picturesque Pillar Point Harbor is not to be missed. This peaceful harbor is home to an old wooden pier and quaint clusters of fishing boats. Enjoy a walk down the pier at sunset and enjoy the tranquil, natural surroundings.

Several local restaurants offer waterfront dining, breathtaking views of the bay, and top-rated cuisine. Enjoy locally caught seafood at Barbara’s Fishtrap, which is a local favorite and offers a fantastic outdoor seating area. Miramar Beach Restaurant offers a fantastic upscale seafood menu and spectacular waterfront views. Sam’s Chowder House is a New England style restaurant serving some of the best food in the entire city.

The historic downtown district of Half Moon Bay is home to a rich history and endless places to eat, shop, and discover. Walk through Main Street and explore the Historic Bridge over Pilarcitos Creek, Guiseppe Boitano’s General Merchandise Store and Saloon, and Half Moon Bay Bakery. Main Street and the surrounding downtown district is also home to several historic buildings, eateries, cafés, specialty boutiques, and more.

Set in Moss Beach, the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is home to a protected area of abundant local marine life. You can explore the walking trails throughout the 180-acre reserve and get a close-up look of the sea life in the various tide pools here. Scientists estimate that there are over 1,000 different forms of plant and animal life at the reserve, including starfish, seaweeds, snails, algae, crabs, barnacles, urchins, and more.

This spectacular lighthouse is set on a picturesque cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At 115-feet in height, it is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast of the United States and is over 150 years old. Walk the 0.3-mile loop to the lighthouse and enjoy scenic views of nature and the ocean along the way.

Just a 30-minute drive south of Half Moon Bay, you can watch elephant seals arrive at the shores of Ano Nuevo State Park. Each year, over 10,000 seals flock to the shores and beaches to breed during the winter months. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see a mother seal giving birth!