Half Moon Bay Travel Guide

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Things to Do in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is very different from other California coast vacation destinations such as Santa Cruz and Monterey. Sure, it has its share of fine dining, unique shops, art galleries and the beautiful Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, but what makes Half Moon Bay so special are the open spaces, redwood preserves and pristine beaches. These create a plethora of outdoor recreational activities for the young and old alike.

So when you plan your visit to the San Francisco Bay Area and want a more natural experience, please set some time aside to explore Half Moon Bay. After all, there are so many more things to do in Half Moon Bay than just the annual Pumpkin Festival and pick your own pumpkin patches! 
  

What’s on Tap

Events

Half Moon Bay Fall Festivals & Events:

The Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off—Oct. 8, 2018  7am to 11am

The gathering of titanic pumpkins try to capture the coveted title and share of $30,000 in prize money.

Welcome Back Monarchs Day – Sunday Oct. 14, 2018 from 11am to 4pm.

Natural Bridges SB in Santa Cruz welcomes the monarchs back.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival—Oct. 13–14, 2018   9am to 5pm

Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA

Half Moon Bay heralds in All Hallows Eve with rustic pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, entertainment, contests, and activities. Admission is free.

Pumpkin Patches Along the California Coast  – Sept. and Oct. 2018

Half Moon Bay, CA – The coast transforms into a spooky, magical land of orange gourds. Create some great family memories by visiting a local pumpkin farm…

MORE Half Moon Bay Halloween Celebrations  – October 2018

Half Moon Bay heralds in All Hallows Eve with Halloween inspired festivals and events….

 

For more event information, click on our Festivals & Events page for Half Moon Bay.

 

Attractions

Top Fall Attractions:

Pumpkin Patches Along the California Coast  – October

The coast transforms to a spooky, magical land of orange gourds. Create some great family memories by visiting a local pumpkin farm…

Fall is a Great Time to Visit the Coast!

Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and Mendocino – Early Fall is generally some of the best weather on the coast. Plan a visit with your family or an escape for a romantic weekend.

Whale Watching – Whale Watching December through May

Half Moon Bay 415 474-3385

Oceanic Society provides boat tours to view the gray whales as they swim north along the California coast on their way to summer feeding grounds.

 

For more information on local attractions, click on the Half Moon Bay Attractions or Recreational Activities.

 

 

Advisories

The Region’s Fall Advisories:

Traffic Conditions. During the pumpkin season, traffic in to and out of Half Moon Bay can be extremely challenging – especially during the Art & Pumpkin Festival weekend. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and arrive early and leave late. Go to www.caltrans.com to learn about road conditions.

Yes, it’s still water, water, water! California is undergoing an extreme drought. If you are planning a lake vacation be sure to check about water levels. That rafting trip, fishing, or skiing can be impacted.

EXTREME fire danger. The drought has created a very dangerous combination of dry vegetation and no moisture in the air to help contain any fire. Please use extreme caution during your trip.