2025 Half Moon Bay Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

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#getgoing2025 #Halfmoonbay #beach Half Moon Bay state beach in California is a beautiful pristine beach with views of coastal cliffs. It is very accessible and has also benches up top. There are restrooms and parking available at the beach. There is a campground here so you can camp here over the weekend. The best part is it is not very crowded so you can have a nice private and intimate experience here. It’s also not far off the restaurants so you can grab a bite there too. I spent a relaxing weekend here and I recommend you can check it out too if you are In San Jose. It’s not more than a hour drive from there.

Half Moon Bay, with its charming crescent-shaped coastline and a variety of activities, is the perfect weekend getaway for Bay Area residents. Whether you're admiring the stunning ocean views or buying fresh seafood, this place has something to meet your expectations. 🚗 Distance and Surroundings It takes about 35 minutes to drive from San Francisco. Along the way, you can also visit Stanford University or the picturesque Santa Cruz. If you're planning a Highway 1 road trip, this is a must-stop destination. 💠 Highlights of Half Moon Bay 💠 1️⃣ Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel A mysterious cypress tunnel that looks like a scene from a fantasy movie, with opportunities to explore tide pools nearby. 2️⃣ Pillar Point Harbor On weekends, you can buy freshly caught seafood directly from the fishing boats and experience the authentic fishing port life. 3️⃣ Poplar Beach A tranquil beach, perfect for watching the sunset. 4️⃣ Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Coastal Trail A luxurious hotel and a free coastal trail that allows you to fully enjoy the magnificent coastline. 5️⃣ Cowell Ranch Beach Here you can overlook the entire beach and enjoy blooming mustard fields in March. 💠 Must-Visit Spots 💠 📸 Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel This Instagram-worthy cypress grove attracts countless photographers with its dreamy atmosphere. There is a free parking lot nearby, but it's recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. Address: Fitzgerald Marine Ranger Station & Parking 📸 Poplar Beach A peaceful spot for sunset viewing, close to the parking lot. Parking costs $10/day, and there are also street parking options nearby. Address: Poplar Beach Parking Lot, Poplar St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 📸 The Ritz-Carlton and Trail The public trail outside the luxury hotel is open to all visitors, even if you're not a guest. Parking is scarce, so it's recommended to park at the free Redondo Beach parking lot. Address: 1001 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 📸 Cowell Ranch Beach Access Overlook the vast coastline from a high vantage point, and enjoy the wildflowers in spring. Parking is free. Address: Cowell Ranch Beach Access Parking, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

🌆When the sunset dyes the city skyline orange The star of Los Angeles is about to shine Experience the true flavor of road travel Falling in love with this California is as easy as breathing 🚗It doesn’t matter if you can’t drive You can easily unlock the lazy version of road trip by choosing a chartered car Don’t worry about not being familiar with American traffic laws. A local driver will take you on a safe and comfortable journey 🗺Recommended road trip routes: Day 1: Los Angeles—Route 5—San Francisco—San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge—Jiuquhua Street—Fisherman’s Wharf—Los Angeles downtown hotel Day 2: San Francisco downtown hotel—Half Moon Bay State Beach—Pigeon Point Lighthouse—Santa Cruz Beach & Beach Amusement Park—Monterey Aquarium—17 Mile Road—Monterey downtown hotel Day 3: Monterey downtown hotel—Carmel Town—Bixby Bridge (movie)—Highway 1 Big Sur—Hearst Castle (reservation required)—San Luis Obispo downtown hotel Day 4: San Luis Obispo downtown hotel—Denmark Village—Santa Barbara—Santa Monica—Los Angeles downtown hotel 🏖In addition to checking in on the beautiful roads How can you not go to the beach to catch the sunset when you come to California? 👇 🎡Santa Monica Everyone who goes to LA wants to check out the beach, take a sunset ride at the seaside amusement park, and chase the fading sunshine. The colors of the sky and lights together create a romantic picture. 🌙Half Moon Bay If you want to escape the noisy city, go to Half Moon Bay! There are quiet beaches and cozy towns here. Strolling here, you can taste delicious food, feel the gentle sea breeze, and enjoy the slow flow of time. 🛣Route 1 California Route 1 connects San Francisco and Los Angeles, with steep cliffs on one side and vast ocean on the other. Big Sur is the highlight of Highway 1, and its ultra-beautiful coastline brings a magnificent visual experience. 🌉Bixby Bridge This is the filming location of many well-known movies. It is said that the real scene is better than the pictures. You must see it with your own eyes~ The golden sunshine falls on the coastline, and the bridge blends perfectly with the surrounding rocks. 🚘California is so big with many beaches and beautiful scenery The places accessible by public transportation are limited When taking an Uber in a foreign country, it’s easy to encounter an assassin. Then charter a car and set off. Go explore every mysterious corner

Fantastic bay view!

#bestsunset On Day 2, a place that looks very much like a European castle is steamed | Half Moon Bay, Half Moon Teeth, Half Moon Bay, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Shark Fin Cove, Santa Cruz, stay in Monterey. Today's itinerary is for this beach. The three-day trip on Highway 1 has started, and the beauty of Highway 1 is truly amazing! The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay Hotel looks like a castle on the edge of a cliff from a distance. Where can I park for free? The scenery is really beautiful!

#campingfun If you're yearning for a coastal retreat that combines stunning natural beauty with the joys of camping, look no further than Francis Beach Campground. Nestled in the heart of Half Moon Bay, California, this hidden gem offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike. Francis Beach Campground is a picturesque haven that boasts unparalleled access to the sandy shores and refreshing waves of the Pacific Ocean. With its well-maintained campsites, you’re just steps away from the beach, allowing you to bask in the stunning views and the soothing sounds of the ocean. The campground’s location offers a unique blend of both oceanfront and forested camping options, making it an ideal spot for any outdoor enthusiast. The campsites at Francis Beach are spacious and thoughtfully arranged, providing a sense of privacy while still maintaining a friendly community atmosphere. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings and s’mores under the stars. The facility also offers clean restrooms and hot showers, ensuring your stay is comfortable and convenient. One of the standout features of Francis Beach Campground is its proximity to an array of activities. From exploring the scenic coastal trails and birdwatching in the nearby parks to fishing and kayaking, there’s something for everyone. The nearby Half Moon Bay Harbor and charming downtown area offer additional dining and shopping opportunities, adding a touch of local flair to your outdoor adventure. For those seeking tranquility, the serene environment of Francis Beach is ideal for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. Early mornings offer breathtaking sunrises over the ocean, while evenings provide a perfect setting for stargazing. The gentle sound of the waves and the crisp sea air create an ambiance of relaxation and peace. In conclusion, Francis Beach Campground is more than just a place to set up your tent; it’s an experience that captures the essence of coastal camping. With its beautiful location, excellent amenities, and abundant recreational opportunities, it’s no wonder this spot is a favorite among campers. Pack your gear, grab your loved ones, and head to Francis Beach for a memorable escape that you’ll want to revisit again and again.#myhiddengems

Step into a world of absolute luxury and tranquility at @RitzCarltonHMB. Nestled upon the cliffs of Half Moon Bay, this stunning hotel, spa, and golf course offers a California oasis like no other. Surrender to relaxation, indulge in opulent amenities, and embrace the breathtaking beauty of this coastal paradise.

Indulge in the ultimate birthday celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. Roasted marshmallows, breathtaking views of rocks, golf courses, and the deep blue ocean create unforgettable memories. Fall in love with luxury all over again. 🎂🔥 #RitzCarltonHalfMoonBay #BirthdayGetaway

Three days of anticipation led to a stunning aerial view. Just as the clouds parted, my drone captured the essence of @ritzcarltonhmb. Which snapshot resonates with you: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5? Share your favorite! #RCMemories #RitzCarltonHalfMoonBay

San Francisco | Half Moon Bay, oil painting-like sunset feeling 📍Halfmoon Bay🌛 Few people, beautiful scenery, perhaps the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen in my life 👼 sitting on the rocks by the sea, Listening to the waves quietly, watching the sun sink slowly into the sea level. At this moment, I thought of "The Little Prince", "One day, I watched the sunset 44 times, feeling both lonely and happy."

Not sure if it's because I grew up in the mountains, but I have a unique affection for the vast ocean 🌊. Every time I go to the beach, my mood instantly improves. So, I decided to take a trip to the famous Half Moon Bay this weekend. The first time I heard the name of Half Moon Bay, I felt it was so dreamy 🫧 and romantic. When I saw it in person, it was indeed so. Cliffs, the sea, a large golf ⛳️ lawn, luxurious hotels...any one of them can outline a beautiful picture, let alone combining them all together. . Half Moon Bay is named after its unique crescent-shaped bay. It is composed of many beautiful beaches that seem similar yet each has its own unique features. The place where we used to go clamming is also considered part of Half Moon Bay, but the scenery we saw this time was completely different. I walked around The Ritz-Carlton hotel and only introduced a small area in this guide, marking a few small places worth visiting. 👇 ➊ Redondo Beach Navigate to Half Moon Bay trailhead parking. There is a wild 🅿️parking lot here, but there are not many parking spaces. You can also park on Redondo Beach Rd where you came from, but be careful not to park in the areas marked "No Parking". Facing the sea, there is a large wasteland on the right hand side. You can hike along the primitive path and maybe come across a gap eroded by water flow. Many trees naturally grow around the gap. When you reach the cliff, you will find that the roots under your feet are all tangled tree roots. In order to survive in such conditions, the trees have also worked very hard. Go forward on the small path to the left, and you can enter the hotel. There is also a small farm next to the Trail, where a few 🐎horses are wandering around. ➊ The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay How fortunate that even if you don't stay at this five-star hotel, you can still tour around the building. There are four places around the hotel that I personally think are suitable for stopping and taking photos. ➤ Hotel golf course: The color of the carefully maintained lawn is indeed beautiful, with a refreshing shade of green. ➤ The Ocean Terrace: The hotel's terrace and outdoor dining area. Before dining, there is an old man dressed in traditional Scottish clothing playing the bagpipes. Looking out at the distant cliffs, you might even think you're in the White Cliffs of England. ➤ Wooden fence: Located near the cliff edge of the hotel terrace, the terrain is slightly higher than the golf course just passed, allowing a slight overlook of the lawn, beach, and sea. There is also a row of white cottages behind it, making it a popular photo spot. No matter how you take the photo, it looks good. ➤ Ocean Lawn: A row of white beach chairs neatly placed against the fence, sitting here to enjoy the sunset is simply the most comfortable thing. ➤ Head to the trail in Manhattan Beach: a winding and undulating path, with succulents on the left and a lawn on the right, and the grand architecture of the hotel in the background, making it a great filming location. ➌ Manhattan Beach Before, I went to Manhattan Beach in LA and loved it so much. I didn't expect this beach to have the same name. Although it's a bit less interesting than the one in Los Angeles, it's still one of my favorites 👍 and ranks among the top beaches. Walk along the stone steps to the beach, and from the path back and forth, it seems that the hotel is right on the edge of the cliff. If it is evening, the setting sun will dye the hotel's white walls golden, not to mention the romance. And walking in another direction, there is a small rocky reef. Compared to the endless sea, there are some stones here, which add a bit of agility to the photos taken. . Half Moon Bay is actually quite large. To the north, there is Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel, which feels like a magical forest, and Mavericks Beach, which is suitable for clam digging and sea urchin hunting 🦪. To the south, there are seasonal canola flower fields, pumpkin 🎃 farms, and so on. In short, pick a sunny day to come here and you will not be disappointed.

The Pescadero state beach is one of those California hidden gems that rarely are uncovered by travelers. They are the hidden gems that are local secrets carefully guarded by frequent beach enthusiasts…. this was such a case up until now. I am revealing to you that this hidden beach is an absolute “must see and experience for yourself” treasure located in northern California. #travel #wanderlust #travelling #traveller #travelphotography #instatravel #adventure #journey #travelgram #travelpassion #travellifestyle #myjourney #wonderlust #trip #ilovetravel #tripblazers #traveling #traveladdicted #travelgoals #traveljournal #2023travelwish #traveladdict #travelpics #bestvacations #travelphotos #traveler #tourist #travelblog #tourism #hiking

very nice weekend in San Francisco first time at half moon bay food and atmosphere were amazing

Explore multiple states and let @ritzcarltonhmb be your haven. Revel in the joy of travel, not minding days but creating cherished memories. Let the beauty of Half Moon Bay become the backdrop to your unforgettable experiences. 🌊🌅 #RCMemoriesUnfold #TravelBliss

Half moon bay is one of my favorite bay. I love it here and I don’t mind keep coming back. You can enjoy the stunning view of the bay and the golf course which is build on this bay. The air is very fresh and the weather is nice. You can spend some quiet time walking along the bay. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway