Half Moon Bay

Named for its crescent-shaped coastline at the precipice of the Pacific, Half Moon Bay is a historic seaside village on the San Francisco Peninsula with breathtaking views of the vast oceanic blue. Here, you’ll find charming homes and a laid-back downtown district steps away from picturesque sandy beaches.

Half Moon Bay has its origins as a 19th-century agricultural hamlet where farmers grazed cattle, oxen and horses. During the Prohibition era, it became a hub for rum runners who used the town’s frequent fog cover to move illicit booze up and down the coastline. These days, it’s a popular beach destination that offers an idyllic escape from bustling Bay Area cities. “Coming down the hill into Half Moon Bay on Highway 92, your worries just melt away. That sapphire blue is always sparkling out there. It’s a very laid-back lifestyle,” says Realtor Barbara LaVey of Coldwell Banker Realty, a longtime resident of the Bay Area coastline. “When you’re at the beach, you’ll see dolphins jumping in the waves. You’ll feel like you’re in Maui.”

Take a stroll through the residential streets of Half Moon Bay, and you’ll find an eclectic mix of homes in a small-town setting ranging from tiny bungalows to traditional beach houses. Step out onto a second-floor balcony, and you’re likely to have a view of the majestic, rolling mountaintops east of the town. The housing stock is generally older, dating back to the early and mid-20th century, but many have been renovated with open floor plans and modern amenities like solar panels and electric-vehicle chargers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surge of new residents moving to the area from nearby cities that caused an uptick in housing prices. “We had a huge influx of people during the pandemic who realized they could work remotely and live somewhere like this,” LaVey says. "It’s cooled off, but the prices are still higher than they’ve ever been." Home prices typically range from $1.2 million to upwards of $2 million.

For shops and dining, you can head down to Half Moon Bay’s historic downtown district, where you’ll find plenty of great restaurants and boutique storefronts. Make an evening of it at Pasta Moon, a local icon that serves up top-drawer Italian fare in a plush dining room with vaulted ceilings. The restaurant’s house-made pasta, hearty lasagna and locally sourced ingredients have earned high praise from Bay Area foodies. For a morning pastry and a cup of coffee, make a pit stop at Half Moon Bay Bakery, where you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a braided donut or pick up a freshly baked loaf of bread. While you're downtown, make sure you visit Coastside Books, an independent bookstore established in 1972 that's a perfect spot to spend the afternoon buried in a book.

From the foamy waves crashing onto white beaches to nearby winding mountain trails, Half Moon Bay’s local parks and beaches are a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. If you want to dip your toes in the chilly water, head over to Half Moon State Beach, a sprawling public beach that encompasses more than 4 miles of coastline. Head in the opposite direction, and you’ll find yourself in the lush woodlands of Montara Mountain. Its interconnected trails crisscross the brushy hillsides with incredible views of the towns and seaside below. For surfing with a panoramic view of the coastline, take a day trip to Surfer’s Beach or Maverick’s Beach in neighboring El Granada. But be warned, the towering waves at Maverick’s should only be attempted by serious surfers. Residents of Half Moon Bay also have plenty of access to neighborhood parks and green spaces like Kehoe Park, Ocean View Park and the Half Moon Bay Skate Park, where you can relax in the outdoors.

Students attend schools in the Cabrillo Unified School District, which encompasses several coastal towns on the Peninsula. The district was designated a California Green Ribbon School District honoree in 2023 for its exemplary sustainable practices like building gardens at all its elementary school campuses and expanding its agricultural science programming. Within the town, students can attend Alvin Hatch Elementary School, Manuel Cunha Intermediate School and Half Moon Bay High School, which has an A rating from online school-review site Niche.

Located just 30 miles south of San Francisco and about 15 miles west of San Mateo and Redwood City, Half Moon Bay is only a short commute to many of the Bay Area’s major employment centers. If you’re searching for a rural, seaside escape with Pacific views and small-town amenities, this coastal village could be the place for you.

Written By

Tina Davis

Photography Contributed By

Eli Tye