Day Trip- Top Things to Do in Half Moon Bay!

Here in Northern California a trip to Half Moon Bay to pick pumpkins is a fall ritual for many people. Half Moon Bay is a beautiful coastal town about 25 miles South of San Francisco that is also famous for it’s wholesale nurseries, beaches and charming town.

We took a quick jaunt over there last week to have lunch at the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton there. It was such a sunny day and nary a jacket was needed, which was unusual for the Northern California coast.

The Ritz embraces it’s town’s pumpkin fame with it’s liberal use of gorgeous gourds all over it’s hotel.

We had a lovely lunch overlooking the ocean. You can have a window seat at their cozy banquettes or get cozy by one of the fires. Food was amazing. Many of the dishes incorporate pumpkin. I had yummy English pea ravioli. Max had a burger. Don’t miss their fries! Presentation and service wonderful.

There is also a fabulous lawn overlooking the sea and golf-course, where you can grab an Adirondack chair and have a Pimm’s cup (yes, they have them here!) or a cappuccino and a snack.

The particular day we were there, small ones were running about while moms sat on picnic blankets with champagne and chatted. The dads perhaps were golfing? Anyhow, wish I’d done something similar while my kids were young.

The hotel is just lovely and seems family friendly, but very luxurious. I haven’t had a chance to stay here yet..Maybe another post soon? I hope. However, it’s a wonderful stop when you are out here for the day and even on a foggy day would be fabulous for a cozy lunch by one of their fires…

There is a famous spa which has many pumpkin-themed treatments and luxe products. The autumn feeling is a given if you are here at this time of year. Maybe the moms get spa treatments after the men finish golf? Sounds like a good plan to me!

We love to take a walk to the left of the grounds along the golf course and down to one of the gorgeous beaches right there.

I always have to stop at the Half Moon Bay Nursery when this way, to putter about it’s huge grounds and see what I could bring home. This place goes forever with one rickety green house after another filled with the most amazing plants, pots and a few cats..

I love their potted plants that they put together, This time I bought ivy for indoors and a few beautiful pumpkins and gourds.

They have a way of arranging things that is so gorgeous. How beautiful is this? Love the the ivy witch topiary!

Max has to usually drag me out of here.. Did I mention they have some wonderful olive trees, hydrangeas and oh my goodness the succulents? I do love the boxwood area…

If you get an opportunity to visit Half Moon Bay, there is so much to do.

Some of my favorites are:

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival Held this year the week of October 19-20, this huge and historic event attract growers from all over California with it’s contest for the largest pumpkin. Last year’s winner was a 1,775 pound pumpkin! Pumpkin carving, eating, pumpkin foods are all part of the fun. Check out the link for details.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Lovely spot to tide pool and have a picnic. Make sure to check the tides before you go. Low tide is optimum for spotting anemones and starfish! There is also a short hiking trail here if you are so inclined with sweeping views.

San Gregorio This beach is about one mile South of Half Moon Bay and a popular spot for painters. Just a mile inland from the beach, on highway 84, is the town and the San Gregorio General Store. This spot is the definition of funky! In business since 1889, they sell books, clothes, groceries and all around cool stuff. It’s a huge place where a live band is usually playing on a weekend afternoon. You can grab an ice cream bar or get a sasparilla, hot chocolate or a beer at the bar. It’s fun stop on the way out of the beach communities here and a gorgeous drive on 84 back to the inland.

Via Pinterest

Sam’s Chowder House is another must do when in this area. It was voted by the Today show for having one of the best 5 sandwiches in America- it’s lobster roll. It’s as good as they say and the clam chowder is also awesome. We like to come here after a wind-swept beach walk to get warm and watch the ocean birds from the windows. You can also sit outside if you want. They have a darling little souvenir shop with the usual shells and more.

Also close by is Mavericks, the famous surfing spot, which you may know about from the films Riding Giants and Chasing Mavericks. It’s on the North part of town, by Princeton-by-the Sea. Mavericks is usually held during the winter and the surfing site is actually far off the beach, but it’s cool to check it out and the surfing if you are here.

Marvereicks via Surfer magazine

Half Moon Bay Hiking Trail is one of my favorite hikes. It’s a 6 mile flat path along the ocean and along some gorgeous scenery. You can spot the snowy plovers here, cross creeks and see some gorgeous flowers and beaches.

These picture are from a post Christmas walk on the Half Moon Bay Trail. Griffin making his mark above and the boys liked climbing the crazy cypress trees.

One thing I highly recommend for this area is layers. Days can start out cool and foggy and get quite warm and also the opposite! Northern California coastal temps often change 30 degrees in a day. That’s how they sell a lot of sweatshirts here! (Can you tell I have a lot of layers on here in December?)

This is only a smattering of all there is to do in this gorgeous area of Northern California! A super day trip or a weekend spot.

I wish you a wonderful fall weekend!

Kim

P.S. The blog is a bit under construction right now while I try out a new look, so bare with me while I get it together. Hopefully, it will be complete and pretty soon!