Half Moon Bay: The Perfect Vacation Spot for a Weekend Getaway

Half Moon Bay is just a short drive from San Francisco. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway with your spouse or a girls weekend!  

Take a peek at all of the things we discovered there on our recent trip.

Not very often do I get to escape parenthood and spend time just with my husband. After 11 years of marriage, we were able to sneak away last month on a trip to California for his work.

At the end of the tightly scheduled conference week, we decided to escape the busy city of San Francisco and spend time reconnecting with each other and with nature.

Half Moon Bay California

We had driven past Half Moon Bay on previous trips but never stopped due to time restraints and thought this would be the perfect time to make plans. It’s so close to the city, just over 20 miles from the airport and around 30 miles from Downtown. 

But truthfully we felt like we had escaped into our own little seaside haven.

Kayaking in Half Moon Bay

Upon arrival, we explored the historic downtown area which was full of eclectic Shoppes and Restaurants.

Then we headed down to the Harbor for our first grown-up adventure… KAYAKING!

Half Moon Bay Kayaking Co. set up a two person kayak so we could paddle around the harbor together. They also had paddle boards, which I shared about {HERE}in Fort Lauderdale. It was just what we needed to feel connected to nature as the harbor seals were nearby, sea gulls and the water was just cool enough if felt refreshing.

We paddled for an hour around the harbor and had so much fun.

The Beach House Hotel in Half Moon Bay

Now it was time to head just up the harbor to our hotel. The Beach House Hotel was like a breath of fresh air after a busy week in the city. It was an enchanting small boutique hotel with original details throughout, including the artwork.

The staff was very welcoming and hosted a Reception Hour with wine and cheese. We could literally feel the stress blowing off you with the gentle ocean breezes on the veranda under the umbrellas. Of course, for us it probably had a little to do with no kids around either, usually, we’d be chasing them around.

We both looked at each other actually while we were sitting there and asked ourselves why hadn’t we done this sooner? A quick weekend getaway for one night honestly is something I highly recommend for any marriage.

Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay

After we walked along the walking path and around the beach for a bit and noticed the sun was beginning to set so we decided to walk over to Sam’s Chowder House. The energetic and professional staff seated us at a window seat where we could watch the sunset and bay. 

Observing the color brush across the harbor and beachside simply warmed our hearts. I love that I can look at their live web cam anytime I want to now and remind myself of that feeling of peace and relaxation.

Plus it will remind me of the delicious crab cakes we ordered with our delicious cocktails. We actually spoiled ourselves and went for the Lobster Clam Bake and enjoyed while listening to their live music.

We both agreed that the kids would have loved this restaurant too, although I think we would have sat outside on their amazing patio dining with them to enjoy even more!

Sunrise in Half Moon Bay

The advantage of being used to Eastern Time from our home in Florida is that all week long we were up to watch Sunrise each morning. This was a special sunrise and it danced over the mountains and across Half Moon Bay.

It was fun to see the working harbor send out many fishing boats too. We took a quick walk around the beachfront and rock barrier after our balcony-style breakfast, complimentary from the hotel which was so delicious. 

It was fun to see the harbor seal approach the shoreline just about 50 feet away as though they were watching us. Every time I grabbed my camera they’d go under the water, smart little ones.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Half Moon Bay

We could tell that low tide had started on our walk so we knew it was time to begin our next adventure in Half Moon Bay, the Fitzgerald Marine Tidal Pools. It was almost magical to see the water recede and see the exposed rocks filled with ocean wildlife.

We were able to spot crabs, sea anemone, snails, sea cucumbers, clams, mussels and tiny fish. We kept searching for a starfish but never got lucky enough. Apparently there’s an octopus too.  Watch this video to see more. In the distance were more exposed rocks with the Seals resting on them.  I did manage to take a picture of this sun bathing baby!

I must admit this was a time when I wish the kids were with us, it was really neat and so hands-on fun.

Half Moon Bay Brewing Co

After all of our Ocean explorations, I was ready for some lunch! We headed to Half Moon Bay Brewery for lunch and had a really pleasant time. The staff was so friendly and the food was delicious. I was intrigued by the pumpkin menu they had available too.

Since this was our last day by the beach we had to order seafood and the calamari was amazing! As we were leaving we noticed a fun band patio area on the side of the restaurant too, with such a fun atmosphere.

Pumpkin Festival in Half Moon Bay

Time and time again we noticed that there were many references to pumpkins on our trip, only to discover that Half Moon Bay hosts a famous Pumpkin Festival. It’s going on this weekend so if you’re local to CA, stop by it seems like it would be tons of fun.

Here’s the schedule of events.

Planning a Trip to Half Moon Bay, California

I wish we could have stayed longer to participate! We’ll plan on scheduling our visit again soon with the kids to experience this amazing place and their pumpkin festival next!

Honestly, there was so much more we could have done in Half Moon Bay and I’m kind of glad we didn’t get to it all so that we can bring the kids back to enjoy the area.

There’s Horseback Riding, Coastal Walkways, Fun Beaches, Lighthouse, Wineries, and even a Whale Watching Tour.

However, I am eternally grateful that I was able to spend the weekend in such a special place with just my husband. It’s a vacation we will never forget!

Are you ready to book a trip to Half Moon Bay, California?

Check out their Pinterest Board & Facebook Page or Twitter for more Ideas and Information.

Disclosure: Our trip to Half Moon Bay was complimentary thanks to Visitors Bureau of Half Moon Bay, The Beach House Hotel, Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay Kayaking Co, & Half Moon Bay Brewery

The opinions expressed are 100% my own, and actually a bit of my husband’s opinion too in this post.  Thank you so much for this opportunity to explore your city!   

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