Half Moon Bay, California, is the almost unbelievable intersection of country, suburban and urban living. This tiny coastal town delivers on all three and is now our family’s ultimate getaway any time of year, especially when staying at The Ritz -Carlton, Half Moon Bay.
Coastal guest rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay have one of the most gorgeous views in the world.
(Photo: Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay)
Just fly into San Fran (SFO), San Jose (SJO) or Oakland (OAK) and rent a car for one of the most scenic drives ever to Half Moon Bay, which sits just 30 minutes south of San Francisco or north of San Jose along some of the most charming seaside countryside in the world.
Moss Point Beach. (Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander)
The people are friendly in Half Moon Bay and it’s no surprise. First off, the air is delicious with scents of sea, pine, jasmine and flowers. Hawks, sparrows and sea gulls float on the winds and cry out in utter delight. Farmhouses line the highway, as well as rolling green fields dotted with wildflowers, mysterious-looking Monterey pines, jagged golden sand cliffs, bucolic bays and raging, white-peaked Pacific waves.
We became certain this town is paradise found when we took a walk down Half Moon Bay’s Main Street. Batten-board buildings from yesteryear line this two-lane street filled with coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and boutiques.
We recommend stopping–especially in the mornings–at Café Society. The vibe is chill here and wireless surfers are encouraged to set up shop while enjoying coffees, espressos, bagels, organic soups, salads and sandwiches. Don’t miss the “morning muffin,” which is gluten-free and filled with fresh-as-can-be blueberries, apples, coconut and almonds.
Get free Wi-Fi, hot coffee and a gluten-free morning muffin in downtown Half Moon Bay at Cafe Society. (Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander)
Next, tour the Main Street shops. We loved how many of HMB’s boutique owners proudly display global handicrafts and bespoke items. For fashion, don’t miss everything retro at Rouge, custom clothing from Thailand-born Suneenat Srisuan of Suneenat Dressmaker, fine Guatemalan fair trade handicrafts at Luzluna Imports, everything Paris at The Posh Moon, and one of the most charming children’s stores ever at P. Cottontail & Co.
A vintage automobile tours Main Street in Half Moon Bay on a sunny spring afternoon. (Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander)
The best (and most affordable!) lunch in town can be found at San Benito House. Crowds start queuing up by 11:30AM for this century-old B&B’s delectable deli sandwiches. For only $6.95, each sandwich comes on freshly-made bread and is stacked with quality meats and fresh produce along with traditional condiments. San Benito house is also known for its hearty and warm soups (the roasted tomato and carrot was delicious!) and garden patio where anyone can sit, eat and enjoy. A sit-down restaurant opens in the evenings and there’s even a fire pit, as the evenings are almost always chilly here.
A firepit inside the delightful garden of San Benito House keeps visitors warm on chilly evenings by the sea. (Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander)
Next, take Highway 1 south or north for some scenic touring. Just follow the “coastal access” signs where you can park and scurry down rocky, slippery cliffs to the sandy, rugged, windy shoreline. These utterly breathtaking coastal experiences is what makes Half Moon Bay a vacation like none other.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Brings Luxury to the Coastline
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, which is located just south of Main Street on a celebrated slice of inspiring shoreline, is the Bay Area’s ultimate luxury seaside location. The resort has the look of a sprawling East Coast mansion from the outside.
Inside, the Ritz HMB is full of fine craftsman-like details, from the shiny plank wood floors to the soaring wood ceilings to the Palladian-arched windows. Guests hang near the always-roaring fireplace inside The Lobby, at the Cork wine bar, or perch at pretty tables inside The Conservatory, which hosts casual organic lunches and dinners. There’s even a “growing wall” inside the bar area where bartenders literally clip off herbs, such as mint, to be muddled in cocktails and “zero proof” mocktails.
The resort’s NAVIO restaurant has a huge wooden ceiling, which was built to look like the hull of a ship. This chic space holds court for Half Moon Bay’s finest breakfasts, dinners, and a lavish Sunday buffet brunch.
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay have recently been renovated with a more modern design.
The rooms at this posh Ritz HMB have been recently renovated. We enjoyed the modern feel to these luxurious apartment-like residences overlooking the resort’s two golf courses with one of the best Pacific views anywhere.
We luxuriated in the super fluffy beds and on the scenic balcony. Plus, we also loved this quiet room’s California-casual work space, remote-controlled shades, espresso machine, flat screen TV and, most of all, the marble-lined bathroom complete with deep soaking tub.
When the sun goes down, guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay gather to make s’mores at the fire pits. (Photo credit: Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay)
Other cool amenities at the Ritz HMB include an indoor pool facility, an outdoor communal fire pit area, an open-for-guests spa locker room (including gender-specific whirlpools), and an almost private beach, cove and tidal pools.
Other Things To Do in California’s “Coastside”
The “urban” in the Half Moon Bay lifestyle is the fact that this farm-filled town is just 30 minutes away from all the big city action of San Francisco. But still, there’s plenty to do and see along what is known as “The Coastside,” as long as you have a car.
Adventure is but a drive away. Go north to remote and tiny Pillar Point Harbor, Maverick’s Beach and Moss Beach. Just south of Half Moon Bay is one of the world’s last redwood forests (Purisima Creak Redwoods) as well as Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Año Nuevo State Reserve, and the wineries and mountains of nearby Santa Cruz.
Remote Moss Beach looking south toward Half Moon Bay. (Photo credit: Sheryll Alexander)
If you are tired of eating out or just can’t afford it, fill up with fresh organic salad, cold and hot deli items, ripe produce and other health-minded edibles at the clean, organized and friendly New Leaf Community Market (at the intersection of Highways 1 and 92).
While spring and summer are a great time to visit Half Moon Bay, we hope to return for this friendly town’s annual pumpkin festival!
The Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival celebrates the region’s pumpkin-growing season. Held each Saturday and Sunday following October’s Columbus Day, the Pumpkin Festival hosts more than 300,000 visitors who come for the 250+ craft vendors, food, wine and entertainment, as well as all things pumpkin.
Truly, Half Moon Bay is the ultimate California getaway for those who love to mix country, city and suburban living to the fullest.
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