Half Moon Bay sits just over the coastal hills from the Bay Area, but the pace feels very different.
A walkable downtown, a working harbor, miles of open coast—and room to slow down.
Here, time moves a little differently.
Some evenings in Half Moon Bay feel like they’re painted by the sky itself.
Golden light, rolling waves, and a quiet walk along the shore as the day comes to a close.
This is the kind of moment that reminds you why people keep coming back.
With the recent excitement around filming in Half Moon Bay, we’re revisiting our town’s long history on the big screen. From classic films to more recent productions, our coastline has played a starring role more than once. www.visithalfmoonbay.org/half-moon-ba...
Half Moon Bay recently played backdrop to a major film production. Did you catch any of the action while it was in town? 👀
Half Moon Bay is definitely worth a visit!
Nextdoor named Half Moon Bay the #1 Friendliest City to Live in California. We’ve always known it's special here—neighbors who look out for one another, shopkeepers who know your name, and a community that shows up. Come experience the warmth for yourself.
nextdoor.com/rankings/fri...
If you haven’t been to Half Moon Bay lately, there’s always something discover. Miwok Gallery is now open downtown. Taqueria El Timón is serving bold Mexican flavors in Montara. Rebyl Outpost is pouring great coffee just off Main St and Art by Jul has opened her new studio. Come see what’s new.
Take a stroll down Main Street and you’ll find more than just charming storefronts—you’ll find friendly faces, authentic goods, and a sense of place that’s hard to replicate. Whether you’re here for shopping or just a moment to slow down, Downtown Half Moon Bay welcomes you.
There’s something special about winter in Half Moon Bay. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the tidepools shimmer under golden light. It’s a quieter kind of magic—one that invites you to slow down, explore the shore, and see familiar places in a new season.
Pillar Point Harbor is more than boats—it’s a hub for fresh seafood, waterfront dining, and coastal connection. Stroll the pier, grab a bite, and take in the views. #VisitHalfMoonBay #PillarPointHarbor
Discover the natural beauty of Purisima Creek Redwoods, where trails wind through towering redwoods and along a rushing creek. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains above Half Moon Bay, the preserve offers quiet walks, lush greenery, and breathtaking views from the ridgeline.
Wander into the quiet beauty of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, where the light filters through the cypress trees and the trail leads you to the edge of the sea. This serene forest path is just steps from tidepools teeming with life—perfect for a peaceful coastal escape.
Just a mile from the ocean, Downtown Half Moon Bay moves at its own pace. It doesn’t feel like a stop along the way, it feels like a place you’re meant to linger.
Commercial crab season is officially open. Fresh local catch is showing up at restaurants and seafood markets throughout town—part of the working coast that still shapes life here.
A jetty with a group of cormorants and in the center a northern gannet
Morris is the only northern gannet in California, having made its way over from the Atlantic. If you're lucky you can see it in Half Moon Bay! 🪶
A working harbor doesn’t always feel busy.
Sometimes it just feels balanced.
It’s elephant seal season at Año Nuevo! Docent-led walks offer a rare chance to see newborn pups and their mothers in the wild.
www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27613
#VisitHalfMoonBay #AñoNuevo #ElephantSeals
The shops and restaurants at Pillar Point Harbor are all dressed up for the holidays! 🎄 Whether you’re stopping in for fresh seafood, a cup of chowder, or some last-minute gifts, the festive spirit is alive and well along the water. Come see the coastal charm in full holiday sparkle.
Winter sunsets are the best!
The weather outside is frightful… but Main Street is so delightful. From charming boutiques to artful gift shops, Downtown Half Moon Bay is full of warm lights, friendly faces, and perfect last-minute gifts. Our local shops are here to help you finish your list in festive style. Shop small!
Winter skies, wide open beaches, and room to breathe. 🌤️🌊 Half Moon Bay in winter offers a different kind of coastal magic—peaceful walks, dramatic clouds, and the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack. It’s the perfect time to slow down and savor the season.
Lighted Boat Festival is back this Saturday at Pillar Point Harbor! 🎶✨
Live music, drone show at 7PM, dancing at 7:30PM, and festive fun from 4–8PM.
Free & family-friendly—don’t miss it!
#VisitHalfMoonBay #LightedBoatFestival
Picking the perfect Christmas tree? 🎄 Make it a coastside tradition. Half Moon Bay’s local farms are open for cutting your own or choosing a fresh, pre-cut tree - plus hot cider, photo ops, and more.
Check out our guide at www.visithalfmoonbay.org/discover/art...
Don’t miss the Nights of Lights Parade this Friday, December 5, at 6pm in Downtown Half Moon Bay!
This beloved Coastside tradition brings Main Street to life with lighted floats, festive music, and small-town holiday magic.
Join us at the Beach Break Film Festival on December 28–30 at the Coastal Repertory Theatre for three days of unforgettable storytelling and community connection. With limited seating in this cozy venue, tickets go fast.
Tickets + passes available now at www.beachbreakentertainment.com/
Our annual Holiday Tree Lighting is this Friday (11/28) at 6pm in Mac Dutra Park! Join the community as we light up our biggest tree yet. Kids: bring a handmade ornament!
www.visithalfmoonbay.org/events/night...
Yes, there was an artichoke gang war—and it started here on the Coastside.
www.nationalgeographic.com/history/arti...
📸 “Artichoke farms reach to the water’s edge near Half Moon Bay, California.” — Dorothea Lange, 1938
A great blue heron and a pair of sandpipers share the shoreline during a sunrise at Pescadero Beach. The Half Moon Bay area is home to a wide variety of shorebirds and wildlife—perfect for a quiet morning walk, a bit of birdwatching, or simply soaking in the rhythm of the waves.
There’s always something new in Half Moon Bay:
🛍️ Hometown Cornershop brings elevated essentials
👗 Pearl blends fashion + artful calm
🥟 Firewok serves bold Chinese flavors
See more: visithalfmoonbay.org/news
