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Half Moon Bay
Coastal Town

Half Moon Bay

San Francisco
4.7
(1,200 reviews)
4
Tours Available
$10
Adult Entry
3 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May, September-November
Best Time

Overview

Half Moon Bay is a charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic sites. It offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for visitors.

Half Moon Bay is significant for its natural beauty, historic landmarks, and as a gateway to the stunning California coast.

Beach Hiking Cultural Sites

Location

Address

Half Moon Bay, California

Neighborhood: Coastside

Coordinates

37.415700, -122.410800

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults
$10
Children
$5

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better weather

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
3 hours
Full Experience
full day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild, pleasant

  • • wildflowers
  • • whale watching

summer

hot, crowded

  • • beach activities
  • • outdoor concerts

autumn

cool, pleasant

  • • fall colors
  • • harvest festivals

winter

cold, rainy

  • • holiday lights
  • • indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Book tickets in advance
  • Check weather conditions
  • Bring layers for changing weather

What to Bring

essential

ID water tickets

recommended

camera sunscreen hiking shoes

seasonal

jacket umbrella

not allowed

large bags drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: moderate for hiking trails

  • • uneven paths
  • • strong ocean currents

Medical facilities: first aid available at major attractions

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, credit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $5-$20
parking $5-$15
food $10-$25
souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, layers for changing weather, hiking shoes, sandals for the beach, inappropriate clothing

Booking Tips

  • • 2-4 weeks for popular attractions
  • • official websites, local tour operators
  • • 48 hours for refund
  • • available for major attractions

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Half Moon Bay App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Maps, Event calendar, Local deals, Parking info

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor centers, Cafes, Public libraries

Charging Stations: Visitor centers, Cafes

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Distance: 25 miles

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

taxi
$60-$80 30-45 min
public_transport
$10 1 hour

From City Center

Distance: 25 miles

car
30-45 min
bus
$5 1 hour
ride_share
$40-$60 30-45 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Historic charm, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community

Historical Significance: Rich history dating back to the 1800s, significant role in coastal trade

Insider Tips

  • Visit the local farmers' market for fresh produce
  • Explore the coastal trail for stunning views
  • Check out local art galleries

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local seafood at the harbor
  • • Visit the Half Moon Bay Brewery
  • • Explore the coastal trail

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello
thank_you Thank you
where_is Where is
how_much How much
beautiful Beautiful
ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide shots of the beach and ocean

Result: Stunning coastal views

#HalfMoonBay #CaliforniaCoast

Pillar Point Harbor

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Capture the harbor and surrounding cliffs

Result: Scenic harbor views

#PillarPoint #HarborViews

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas, public beaches
prohibited areas private properties, protected wildlife areas
flash photography allowed in most areas
commercial photography permit needed for commercial use
drone policy follow local regulations, permits may be required
tripod policy allowed in most areas, check specific locations
selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Pillar Point Harbor

Distance: 2 miles

Walking: 5 min drive

Type: Harbor

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 15 min

Type: Beach

Mavericks Beach

Distance: 3 miles

Walking: 30 min drive

Type: Beach

Horseshoe Bay

Distance: 0.5 miles

Walking: 10 min

Type: Beach

Reviews

4.7

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit during the pumpkin festival"
  • "Explore the coastal trail"
  • "Try local seafood"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

4

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

1,200

Adult Entry

$10

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