17 EPIC Things to Do in Half Moon Bay, California
Don’t be fooled by Half Moon Bay’s laid-back vibe—there’s plenty to do here!
This charming coastal town, just south of San Francisco along the Pacific Coast Highway, offers tons of activities both in town and around the surrounding area.
With a classic main street, outdoor adventures, festivals, and endless places to eat and shop, Half Moon Bay’s small-town charm packs a big punch.
From giant waves and breweries to sandy beaches and scenic hikes, you’ll never be bored here!
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Table of Contents
- 1. Walk Half Moon Bay’s Main Street
- 2. Spot Whales
- 3. See the Rainbow at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
- 4. Kayak Pillar Point Harbor
- 5. Visit the Beaches
- 6. Explore Pillar Point Harbor
- 7. Watch Surfers at Mavericks Beach
- 8. Discover Marine Life in Tide Pools
- 9. Explore Historic Main Street
- 10. Take a Coastal Hike
- 11. Have Fun at Local Events and Festivals
- 12. Discover Pigeon Point Lighthouse
- 13. Wander Through Purisima Creek Redwoods
- 14. Hang With Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
- 15. Check Out Pescadero
- 16. Surfer Watch at Pacifica State Beach and… Eat Tacos?
- 17. Visit The Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Want More Half Moon Bay Tips?
1. Walk Half Moon Bay’s Main Street
Strolling Main Street is a must! Historic buildings, cool shops, and delicious bites await, with something unique on every corner.
Don’t miss the Half Moon Bay Bakery or the old jail-turned-museum for a real local experience.
2. Spot Whales
Half Moon Bay is a prime spot to catch sight of gray whales migrating south between January and March. Grab a pair of binoculars and scan the horizon!
You don’t need a boat tour, but if you want a closer look, there are plenty of local companies offering whale-watching trips.
3. See the Rainbow at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Explore one of California’s most diverse intertidal zones at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. During low tide, colorful sea life emerges in tide pools teeming with sea stars, anemones, crabs, and more.
Harbor seals and shorebirds add to the spectacle, and knowledgeable docents are often on-site to guide you through this magical marine world.
4. Kayak Pillar Point Harbor
Glide across the calm waters of Pillar Point Harbor in a kayak for a peaceful adventure. Spot harbor seals and seabirds while you paddle through the marina and along the scenic coast.
You can rent kayaks and book guided tours at Half Moon Bay Kayak Co. for a fun and relaxing way to explore the area.
5. Visit the Beaches
Half Moon Bay boasts some of California’s most stunning beaches. Whether you want to relax on the sand, explore tide pools, or hit the trails, there’s a beach for you!
- Tucked in a sheltered cove, Gray Whale Cove offers a beautiful, secluded stretch of sand surrounded by towering cliffs.
- Surfer’s Beach is known for its consistent swell, making it a popular spot for surfers and for people watching.
- Redondo Beach, also known as Wavecrest, is a wide and often quiet beach perfect for kite flying or long, breezy walks.
- One of the most popular beaches in the area, Poplar Beach is dog-friendly and offers scenic walks along the cliffs and shoreline.
- A short hike leads you to Cowell Ranch Beach, a secluded gem surrounded by towering cliffs and home to a colony of harbor seals.
6. Explore Pillar Point Harbor
Pillar Point Harbor is more than just a marina—it’s a charming, New England-style spot where you can stroll along the docks, rent kayaks, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront eateries.
For a taste of New England, grab a lobster roll or clam chowder at one of the harbor’s eateries. Don’t forget to stroll down to the beach after your meal!
👉 Accommodation in Half Moon Bay
7. Watch Surfers at Mavericks Beach
Catch world-class surfers riding some of the biggest waves at Mavericks Beach. Known for its legendary big wave surf, this spot attracts pro surfers from around the globe. During the winter, waves can reach up to 60 feet!
While Mavericks isn’t for beginner surfers, it’s a thrilling place to watch the pros or just relax on the beach and take in the impressive swells, but you’ll need binoculars!
8. Discover Marine Life in Tide Pools
Half Moon Bay is home to some incredible tide pools where you can find starfish, crabs, and other colorful marine creatures. Visit Fitzgerald Marine Reserve or Pillar Point during low tide for the best tide-pooling experience.
READ MORE: 10 Most-Worth It Beaches in Half Moon Bay, California
9. Explore Historic Main Street
Take a stroll along Half Moon Bay’s charming Main Street, where you’ll find historic buildings, cute shops, and local eateries. Don’t miss a visit to the town’s original jail, now a museum, or grab some baked treats at the popular Half Moon Bay Bakery.
Half Moon Bay’s downtown offers a perfect mix of history, shopping, and great food. Make sure to check out the festivals and events that often take place throughout the year.
10. Take a Coastal Hike
For hikers, Half Moon Bay has plenty of scenic trails. Explore bluff-top trails with ocean views, stroll through cypress groves, or wander down paths that lead to secluded beaches.
The trails at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve and Montara Mountain offer some of the best hikes in the region, with lush forests and sweeping coastal views.
READ MORE: 10 Best Hikes in Half Moon Bay, California
11. Have Fun at Local Events and Festivals
Half Moon Bay is a fun place to be no matter the time of year, and this is clear by just how many fun festivals and events are held in the town.
One of the most fun festivals can be found if you visit in October for the annual Pumpkin Festival and Competition. See events that are coming up!
12. Discover Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in California, standing 115 feet tall and warning travelers since 1872.
There are blufftop trails for exploration around the lighthouse, with stunning coastal views and the sound of waves crashing below.
13. Wander Through Purisima Creek Redwoods
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Reserve offers serene hikes through redwoods, with several trails for all levels. The redwoods, while not huge, are still awe-inspiring.
14. Hang With Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
Año Nuevo State Park is home to a large population of elephant seals, which use the beaches for mating and birthing. Winter is the best time to see them in large numbers.
There are also great hikes and beaches to explore, like the Año Nuevo Point Trail, Whitehouse Ridge Trail, and Franklin Point Trail.
15. Check Out Pescadero
Pescadero, 14 miles south of Half Moon Bay, offers a charming mix of beach and town life with historic buildings, local markets, and a stunning chain of beaches.
Pescadero State Beach is a great place for a stroll, with stunning views and lots of driftwood to explore.
16. Surfer Watch at Pacifica State Beach and… Eat Tacos?
Pacifica State Beach is a beautiful spot known for its surf, but it’s also home to what might be the world’s prettiest Taco Bell, complete with ocean views and a deck to enjoy while watching the surfers.
Besides Taco Bell, you can explore tide pools or take on some waves when the tide is low.
READ MORE: Pacifica’s Taco Bell
17. Visit The Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, with some of the best vantage points found at Spencer Battery.
Beyond the bridge views, the park offers historic buildings, hiking trails, rugged coastline views, and a vast array of plant and animal species. It’s a fantastic place to spend a day exploring the outdoors.
Want More Half Moon Bay Tips?
- 10 Best Hikes in Half Moon Bay, California
- 10 Most-Worth It Beaches in Half Moon Bay, California
- Best Places to Stay in Half Moon Bay
👉 Accommodation in Half Moon Bay
