Discover Half Moon Bay…
With its wealth of beaches, parks, open spaces and the great Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay has a plethora of outdoor recreational activities for you to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a day hike through the Purissima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, biking down the Coast Bluff Trail or a stand up paddle in Half Moon Bay’s harbor. And after the fun and games are over, take a breather and enjoy one of its fine restaurants or pick out that perfect gif and one of the unique boutiques.
Biking
|| Guided Tours || Rentals || Trails
Coastal Elegance Tours — Providing guided eco-tours
Half Moon Bay, California (650) 712-8456
Come with us and & experience unsurpassed personal attention while exploring one of the most ecologically diverse habitats in North America.
20-G Stone Pine Center, Half Moon Bay (650) 726-6708
(650) 726-8686
Coastside Trail — Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay State Beach
95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-8819
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four Half Moon Bay area beaches providing close to three miles of multi-use trails to walk, jog or ride bikes. The trail continues north to Pillar Point Harbor.
Purissima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 949-5500
The 3,120-acre preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The preserve was established with a gift of $2 million from the Save-the-Redwoods League.
The centerpiece of the Preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, creek, ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal scrub, tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir border the canyon. The coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve.
Bird Watching
Half Moon Bay’s many wetlands and natural preserves create an inviting environment for more than 200 species of birds — creating a bird watching paradise.
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
Hwy 1, 16 miles south of Half Moon Bay (650) 879-2170
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a popular spot for bird watchers and other naturalists. The Reserve is a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks.
As one of the most important remaining wetlands on the California Coast, each year thousands of birds rest and feed at the preserve — providing a wonderful opportunity to watch almost 200 species of birds.
The best bird watching times are late fall and early spring. If you are interested, the Audubon Society offers walking tours.
(Fitzgerald Marine Reserve) (650) 728-3584
This unique marsh may be small, but it is an important habitat for local and migrating birds. Bird watchers at Pillar Point Marsh have sighted nearly 20% of all North American bird species. The other amazing fact about this marsh is it is fed by both fresh and salt water.
Coastside Trail — Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay State Beach 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-8819
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four Half Moon Bay area beaches providing close to three miles of multi-use trails to walk, jog or ride bikes.
The green space that runs along the trail at Poplar Beach is ideal for watching a variety of birds ranging for Blue Herons to Red Tail Hawks. The photo of the hawk sitting on the split rail fence was taken at this location. (Poplar Beach is operated by the City of Half Moon Bay.) More >>
Organizations and Articles of Interest:
|| Protecting the Snowy Plover – New Rules and Regulations
|| Sequoia Audubon Society – Environmental Education and Conservation
Day and Summer Camps
Half Moon Bay Day and Summer Camps provide a wide variety of fun and educational opportunities for children of all ages. From sports and cooking camps to farming and horseback riding, you are sure to find something that will engage your child throughout the summer months.
Learn more by going to our children’s camp page
Day Spas
Half Moon Bay Day Spas, Resort Spas, Massage, and Health Clubs
Perhaps it’s due to the natural beauty of Half Moon Bay or maybe it’s the holistic energy that seems to radiate from the environment, whatever the reason, Half Moon Bay has attracted some of the finest health practitioners in the county.
432 Kelly Avenue Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 560-9600
Abundance is a boutique-style salon in a Victorian cottage located on the ocean side of Hwy 1 on historic Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay, California.
799 Main Street, Suite B, in Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 712-8200
Complete personalized hair salon and day spa services located on the beautiful Coastside of Half Moon Bay. Our beauty salon’s services offer a unique and relaxing experience!”
489 Tunitas Creek Rd., Woodside, CA. 94062 (650) 712-1244
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
One Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA
Perched atop a scenic bluff with sweeping coastal vistas, this luxurious Northern California spa resort provides the perfect setting for renewal or reflection – just 30 minutes from San Francisco. Allow the healing power of the sea to ease away tension and leave your body and mind feeling thoroughly refreshed. First, they make the world revolve around you. Then they gently slow it down. (Basic massage $165).
280 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-5400TThe Oceano Day Spa offers a peaceful sanctuary with a menu of relaxing therapies to de-stress and rejuvenate. It promises to pamper guests before they return to their private veranda for a glass of wine and an unforgettable harbor sunset. (Basic massage $125).
Fitness Centers
101 Main St, Half Moon Bay – (650) 726-1986
625 Third Ave, Half Moon Bay – (650) 726-4040
717 Main St., Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-1657
Fishing
Our guide to Half Moon Bay Fishing provide valuable information on fishing conditions, available charter boats and fishing fleets
USA Fishing – Half Moon Bay
Provides a comprehensive daily fishing report
Fishing Charters and Party Boats
Johnson Pier in El Granada, Pillar Point Harbor on Half Moon Bay (650) 726-7133
Huli Cat Sportfishing & Charter Boat
PO Box 957, El Granada, CA (650) 726-2926
Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay, CA 510-581-2628
H-Dock at Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay 888-747-8433
Golf Courses
Two Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA
Pro Shop at (650) 726-1800
Ocean View Driving Range
227 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone:(650) 726-1155
Hiking
Half Moon Bay is home to a number of wonderful areas that are perfect for hiking and nature walks.
To review our listings of hiking trails and nature walks, please click here for a complete list of trails.
Horse Back Riding
Sea Horse Ranch Friendly Acres
1828 North Cabrillo Hwy (Hwy 1), Half Moon Bay
(650) 726-2362
Kayaking
Massage - Therapeutic
625 D Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay – (650) 726-2900
940 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-3555
Irma Morawietz-Therapeutic Massage
HMB Studio and In-Home Appointments – (650) 888-8988
Serving Half Moon Bay and the Coastside – A Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Certified Nurses Aid (CNA), I have many years of experience and regularly take workshops to expand and enhance my skills.
Rock/Wall Climbing
Along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park contains 3,600 acres of coast redwood, Douglas-fir, and madrone forest. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations that are popular with rock climbers, and hikers can enjoy the 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.
Roller Skating
Sailing Schools
Scenic Boat Tours/Rentals
Johnson Pier in El Granada, Pillar Point Harbor on Half Moon Bay (650) 726-7133
Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay, CA 510-581-2628
H-Dock at Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay 888-747-8433
SCUBA Diving
Surfing
General Surf Conditions in Half Moon Bay
Generally speaking, Half Moon Bay’s surf is often less than desirable because it is too exposed to the ocean and the Bay’s bottom is too flat to create the desired surf conditions. On occasion, though, when the the perfect set of environmental conditions hit, it can create some truly great surfing conditions along the four miles of sandy beaches that make up the crescent shape of Half Moon Bay.
For more information on Half Moon Bay Surfing, please go to our surf page.
Theme Parks
12320 San Mateo Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA 650) 726-2342
Explorer1.com Review – This family farm specializes in year round activities for children such as pony rides, tractor/train rides, petting zoo, etc. Adults may find the seasonal decorations and crowds a little much, but children seem to love it!
Looking for a major theme park with really cool rides? Click here to expand your search.
Tours
Coastal Elegance Tours — Providing guided eco-tours
2 Alameda Ave, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 712-8456
Come with us and & experience unsurpassed personal attention while exploring one of the most ecologically diverse habitats in North America.
Top Public Golf Courses
Roaring Camp Big Trees Railroad
Graham Hill Rd., Felton (831) 335-4484
Walking
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
Hwy 1, 16 miles south of Half Moon Bay (650) 879-2170
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve is a popular spot for bird watchers and other naturalists. The Reserve is a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks.
As one of the most important remaining wetlands on the California Coast, each year thousands of birds rest and feed at the preserve — providing a wonderful opportunity to watch almost 200 species of birds.
The best bird watching times are late fall and early spring. If you are interested, the Audubon Societyoffers walking tours.
(Fitzgerald Marine Reserve) (650) 728-3584
This unique marsh may be small, but it is an important habitat for local and migrating birds. Bird watchers at Pillar Point Marsh have sighted nearly 20% of all North American bird species. The other amazing fact about this marsh is it is fed by both fresh and salt water. More >>
Coastside Trail — Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay State Beach 95 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 726-8819
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the four Half Moon Bay area beaches providing close to three miles of multi-use trails to walk, jog or ride bikes. The trail continues north to Pillar Point Harbor. More>>
Purissima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Half Moon Bay, CA (650) 949-5500
The 3,120-acre preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The preserve was established with a gift of $2 million from the Save-the-Redwoods League.
The centerpiece of the Preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, creek, ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal scrub, tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir border the canyon. The coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve. More >>
Whale-Watching Tours
Oceanic Society – Whale Watching
Half Moon Bay 415 474-3385
From Dec-May, thousands of gray whales swim north along the California coast on their way to summer feeding grounds. Oceanic Society offres boat tours out of Half Moon Bay December through May.
Johnson Pier in El Granada, Pillar Point Harbor on Half Moon Bay (650) 726-7133
Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay, CA 510-581-2628
Riptide Sportfishing
H-Dock at Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay 888-747-8433