Half Moon Bay Day-Trip
A coastal town ~45 min south with beaches, bluff trails, and a harbor.
The call
Worth it if you are watching the budget and you are traveling with kids.
Why
- 01
A laid-back Highway 1 coast town with a walkable Main Street, long state beaches, a bluff-top coastal trail, and famously big winter surf at Mavericks.
Our read - 02
The catch: it needs a car, it's often foggy and cool, and the town is sleepy off-season.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, Half Moon Bay Day-Trip still earns its price.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, Half Moon Bay Day-Trip works.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Half Moon Bay Day-Trip works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Half Moon Bay Day-Trip works.
Think twice if
You only have one day
Half Moon Bay Day-Trip is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
You want something active
For adventure, Half Moon Bay Day-Trip is hit or miss.
Plan it well
- Cost
- $ (mostly gas + parking)
- Timing
- Clear afternoons; the famous Mavericks surf runs in winter.
- Allow
- Half–full day
- Accessibility
- Downtown and the paved coastal trail are largely accessible; beaches are soft sand.
- Getting there
- About 45 minutes south on Highway 1; a car is needed.