Pillar Point Harbor

Pillar Point Harbor is where the famous Mavericks' waves attract surfers and spectators from around the world.

If you are a fisherman, try your luck off the pier on the west inner breakwater, or go deep sea fishing. Huck Finn Sportsfishing at (650) 726 7133 or 800 572 2934, supplies bait and tackle and has several boats that go out rock fishing year-round, salmon fishing in March and whenever other fish are running.

If you are here between October and March, when the gray whales migrate south along the coast, you can see them from the bluffs. Bring binoculars or, for a closer look, the non-profit Oceanic Society and a few local commercial firms offer whale watching trips.

Pillar Point Marsh is a paradise for bird watchers. You'll spot great blue herons, snowy egrets and red-winged blackbirds. While you're here, follow the trail around the point to the breakwater and tide pools. California sea lions bask on the offshore rocks.

The marsh is reached by continuing past the harbor entrance to Prospect Way. Turn left, then right on Broadway, left on Harvard, right on West Point Ave. and go a half-mile to Pillar Point Marsh parking lot. Up-to-date information available from the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Call (650) 728 3584.

The Coastside Trail runs three miles along the bluffs between Mirada Road in Miramar and Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. In addition to an unparalleled ocean view, you will enjoy bright yellow beach primroses and pale yellow bush lupines.

Things to Do

Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese - Wine Tasting Events

Located in beautiful downtown Half Moon Bay on historic Main Street. Fine selection of local and worldwide Wines & Cheeses. Email or call for monthly wine tasting events. Beautiful Gift Baskets & Cheese Platters for all occasions.
For information call (650) 726-1520 or visit us at www.hmbwineandcheese.com.

Gray Whale Cove Trail

This trail is in McNee Ranch State Park at the north end of the bay. Park at Gray Whale Cove State Beach on the inland side of Highway One, one and a half miles north of the Chart House Restaurant in Montara.

For information, call (650) 726 8819.

Montara State Beach | Enjoy the Ocean

This beach is at the north end of the bay, about twelve miles from the town of Half Moon Bay. Big bluffs, crashing waves, lighthouse and foghorn all make for great beachwalking. Usually there is plenty of privacy to enjoy the ocean, especially on weekdays.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach

Explore tidepools, especially at low tide, for hermit crabs, purple shore crabs and starfish. There is a half-mile loop trail with moderate terrain. Take California Avenue off Highway One in Moss Beach and follow signs. For Interpretive Center, docent tours and time of low tide, phone Fitzgerald Marine Reserve at (650) 728 3584.

Pillar Point Inn is a quaint Bed & Breakfast with Ocean View Rooms surrounded by beautiful scenery, special events and entertaining activities throughout the year.

Paralleling the trail between Pillar Point Harbor and Half Moon Bay are public parks on Mirada Road off Highway One in Miramar, at Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach or Francis Beach. Francis Beach, at the end of Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay, has picnic tables and barbecues. Parking fees are charged. Also park at these beaches to access the Coastal Trail. For more information, call Half Moon Bay Parks and Recreation at (650) 726 8297.

Bicyclery, 432 Main St., Half Moon Bay, (650) 726 6000, rents bikes. Most people ride the Coastal Trail to get clear away from traffic. All mountain bikes, they rent for $6 per hour, minimum two hours, maximum four hours ($24). Open 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday; 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday; 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday.

Half Moon Bay Kayak Company, Pillar Point Harbor, (650) 773-6101 or www.hmbkayak.com. Discover the world of sea kayaking in Half Moon Bay on the Northern California coast, a dynamic and diverse environment you can embrace and explore. Open 7 days per week.

Friendly Acres Ranch , Highway One, one mile north of Half Moon Bay, at (650) 721 9916, rents riding horses. A one-hour trail ride is $25, two-hour beach ride is $40. Early morning rides, 8 am and 9:45 am, are $20 for one hour, $25 for two hours.

Whale watching cruises are offered by the non-profit Oceanic Society on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from late December through April, on a 56-foot boat. They leave from Pillar Point Yacht Harbor at 9 am and 1 pm. Duration of the cruise is one hour. Bring snack and beverage, binoculars and warm clothes. Fridays $29 (youths 5-15 and seniors 60+ $27); Saturdays and Sundays $32 (youths and seniors $29). Call (415) 474 3385. Trips also made by Captain John's at (650) 728 3377.

Events & Attractions

Spring in Half Moon Bay, CA

On the seventh Sunday after Easter is Chamarita, a holiday dating back to Queen Isabel of Portugal that has been celebrated for over 100 years in Half Moon Bay. Festivities include a Catholic mass, parade with annual Queen, carnival, barbecue, auction and dance.

Spring is a great time to visit Ano Nuevo, the largest breeding ground of elephant seals in North American. The migration of whales is also tracked a the exceptional ranger station. It is just 40 minutes down the road.

Dream Machines antique airplane and car extravaganza featuring and airshow, music, food happens the last Sunday of April and is within walking distance from Pillar Point Inn.

Summer in Half Moon Bay, CA

4th of July Parade down Main Street with antique autos, carriages.

Fall In Half Moon Bay, CA

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. The Pumpkin Capital of the West hosts the pumpkin weigh-off on Columbus day, always the Monday before the Festival begins. The Festival itself is open from 10 am-5 pm the following Saturday and Sunday. The Great Pumpkin Parade is Saturday at noon on Main Street. There are pumpkin carving and pie-eating contests, wine tasting and a variety of delicious local cuisine is offered all along Main Street. Music is featured at several outdoor venues and there are arts and crafts, as well as fun activities designed with children of all ages.

Events in Half Moon Bay, CA All Year

The Flower Market is held on the third Saturday of each month, 9 am to 3 pm. A wide variety of flowers and flowering plants are on display. In summer, you will find it at Kelly and Main. A block of Kelly is closed off. In the winter, it's held inside La Piazza, corner of Main Street and Miramontes Avenue.

For more information call the Chamber of Commerce/Visitors information at (650) 726 8380.