Home to one of the most famous waves in the United States, Half Moon Bay is a coastal city south of San Francisco. It was originally founded as an agricultural outpost for the Mission San Francisco de Asis before becoming a fishing town and now attracts big-wave surfers hoping to conquer “Mavericks”.
Things to do in Half Moon Bay
Stretch your legs on the Coastside Trail, a 7.5-kilometre-long oceanfront path that forms part of the long-distance California Coastal Trail. It follows the former route of the Ocean Shore Railroad and offers sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean. Birdwatchers can keep their eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks, blue herons and red-winged blackbirds.
Watch the big-wave surfers in action at “Mavericks” or relax on one of the four beaches that comprise Half Moon Bay State Beach. In addition to walking and beachcombing, they provide an idyllic setting for fishing and horseback riding. Visit Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center to learn about the coastal ecology, then refresh with a swim in one of the shallow lagoons of Venice Beach.
Inland rises the rugged peak of Montara Mountain, which forms part of the protected Rancho Corral de Tierra. Its 579-metre-high summit can be reached along a scenic hiking trail that leads between blue gums, coastal scrub and groves of manzanita. Further south is the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, which is home to a tract of towering coastal redwoods, as well as bobcats, mountain lions and coyotes.
Getting around Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of San Francisco and just 30 minutes from San Francisco International Airport. Buses travel from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay’s downtown area while a coastal trail connects the city’s beaches.