Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Half Moon Bay Half Moon Bay offers an idyllic combination of coastal adventure and laid-back charm. The region is famous for surfing big waves at Mavericks, harvesting pumpkins in the fall, and hiking bluffs above crashing waves. Visitors can stroll through art galleries, enjoy local seafood, and watch harbor seals play in the surf. It's a refreshing destination that captures Northern California’s natural spirit. Where to look for an Airbnb in Half Moon Bay Downtown Half Moon Bay Downtown Half Moon Bay is the heart of the town, with quaint shops, cafes, and a local arts scene. Rentals in Half Moon Bay include charming Victorian homes, modern studios, and walkable Airbnbs perfect for exploring Main Street. Guests can enjoy weekend farmers markets, live music, and easy access to nearby beaches. Miramar Beach Area Located just north of downtown, the Miramar Beach Area offers oceanfront cottages, beachside bungalows, and stylish rentals with coastal views. Miramar Beach Area is known for its blufftop trails, sunset walks, and close access to the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. Guests staying here can dine at the famous Miramar Beach Restaurant and fall asleep to the sound of waves. El Granada Just across the harbor, El Granada is a peaceful residential neighborhood with a strong surf and sailing vibe. Vacation rentals in El Granada include hillside homes, beach flats, and modern homes near Pillar Point Harbor. Visitors can walk to Mavericks Beach, rent kayaks, or explore tidepools along the coast. El Granada is perfect for those looking for a water-focused, relaxed experience. Princeton-by-the-Sea Princeton-by-the-Sea is a harbor village full of seafood restaurants, surf shops, and maritime character. Rentals in Priceton-by-the-Sea include rustic beach houses, harbor-view condos, and quirky coastal Airbnbs. Guests can enjoy fish tacos, tour local distilleries, and watch boats come in with the daily catch. The Highlands / Redondo Beach Area Situated just south of town, The Highlands and Redondo Beach Area offers elevated ocean views and quiet escapes. Vacation homes in the Highlands are nestled among eucalyptus trees and coastal cliffs, with private patios and access to hidden beaches. It’s a scenic choice for travelers who want solitude, stargazing, and sweeping views. The area feels remote yet is only minutes from town and beach trails. What to do if you spend a vacation in Half Moon Bay Half Moon Bay State Beach Stretching for miles along the coast, Half Moon Bay State Beach offers pristine sand, picnic areas, and coastal hiking trails. Visitors can swim, surf, or relax with a book while enjoying sea breeze and sunshine. Multiple access points and parking lots make it a convenient spot for all-day beach visits. Pillar Point Harbor Pillar Point Harbor is a bustling marina and working fishing port filled with seafood markets, charter boats, and waterfront dining. Guests can stroll along the pier, buy fresh crab, or take a whale-watching tour. The harbor buzzes with activity but still retains a small-town charm. Mavericks Beach Renowned for its massive winter waves, Mavericks Beach is a world-famous surf destination that draws elite surfers and spectators. While the waves are best left to professionals, the beach and bluff above offer incredible views year-round. Visitors can hike the trail to Pillar Point and watch surfers tackle the giant swells. Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve Just a short drive inland, the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve offers hiking trails through misty redwood groves, fern-covered canyons, and ridgeline views. It’s a favorite destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and trail runners. The trails vary in difficulty and length, accommodating all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is a multi-use path that hugs the shoreline for more than six miles. Ideal for biking, jogging, or leisurely walks, the trail connects beaches, restaurants, and scenic overlooks. Along the way, visitors can spot wildlife, enjoy public art, and access picnic spots. Lemos Farm Perfect for families, Lemos Farm is a petting zoo and seasonal attraction offering pony rides, train rides, and fall pumpkin patches. Located just outside downtown, the farm welcomes kids and parents looking for wholesome outdoor fun. Seasonal events like haunted houses and holiday lights make it a festive favorite. Main Street Half Moon Bay Main Street is the town’s historic and commercial center, lined with boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and local wine shops. Visitors can spend hours browsing artisan goods, sampling local foods, or attending small festivals and community events. The street has a relaxed, walkable feel that invites exploration. Coastal Repertory Theatre The Coastal Repertory Theatre offers live performances including comedies, dramas, and musicals throughout the year. This local theater group delivers high-quality shows in an intimate setting close to downtown. Visitors can enjoy an evening of entertainment after a day of outdoor adventure. The theater adds a cultural and creative layer to the coastal experience. Where to find a vacation rental near Half Moon Bay San Francisco, California About 40 minutes north, San Francisco is listed in the document and offers iconic attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and a thriving food scene in neighborhoods from the Mission to North Beach. After exploring the city’s cable cars or waterfront piers, unwind in a vacation rental in San Francisco with views of the bay or Victorian elegance. San Francisco brings bold cultural energy to contrast Half Moon Bay’s quiet shores. Santa Cruz, California Roughly 90 minutes south, Santa Cruz is featured in the document and blends beach-town energy with redwood serenity. Travelers can surf at Steamer Lane, ride the vintage boardwalk rollercoaster, or hike in Wilder Ranch. End your day in a beach cottage in Santa Cruz tucked into the bluffs or near the buzzing downtown. This destination adds youthful rhythm and colorful charm to your coastal escape. Palo Alto, California About 45 minutes inland, Palo Alto is in the document and known for Stanford’s leafy campus, cutting-edge tech history, and tree-lined streets. Tour the Cantor Arts Center or explore startup culture, then retreat to a house in Palo Alto nestled near a quiet park or university gardens. Palo Alto enriches your Half Moon Bay stay with a cerebral, refined twist. San Jose, California An hour southeast, San Jose is featured in the document and offers urban diversity, tech museums, and spacious parks like the Japanese Friendship Garden. Enjoy bustling Santana Row, then relax in a vacation rental in San Jose close to cultural districts or trails. San Jose offers metropolitan ease and global cuisine just beyond the coast. Pacifica, California Just 20 minutes north, Pacifica is not in the document but is a local favorite for rugged bluffs and scenic ocean trails. Visitors hike to Mori Point, watch surfers from Rockaway Beach, or picnic with sea spray in the air. For a peaceful retreat, settle into a cottage in Pacifica perched above the surf or tucked along the cliffs. Pacifica adds windswept drama and solitude to your Half Moon Bay itinerary. Unearth coastal charms and delve into nature's wonders across the United States. 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