From the Año Nuevo State Reserve --
the breeding grounds of the Elephant Seal -- to the
fishing center of Pillar Point Harbor, and then north as
far as Moss Beach, the Half Moon Bay coastline provides
an uncomplicated and totally relaxing way to spend a
vacation. Hotels from syandard to deluxe, plus more than
20 bed and breakfast inns are here, in addition to
campgrounds and RV parks. And it's about an hour's drive
from San
Francisco or Monterey.
The beaches are wide and uncrowded. Tiny historic
villages (Pescadero, La Honda, San Gregorio) offer
a glimpse back in time, while the seafood restaurants on
the shoreline make for fine eating.
Walking along the shore and examining wildlife --
large and small -- is a real joy. Fitzgerald Marine
Reserve at Moss Beach contains a natural tidepool
formation. Guides are available to show you the marine
life which is seen in the pools at low tide. McNee
Ranch State Park has hiking trails that lead to high
points above the coast at Montara.
What to See &
Do
At Pescadero -- two miles east of the highway
-- there are two natural areas which are worth exploring.
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, which borders
Highway 1, offers trails accessing a large marsh, which
provides shelter for many waterbird varieties, in
addition to hawks and more than 80 varieties of
amphibians and mammals. Butano State Park is
located on Cloverdale Road, with trails and campsites
situated in a green redwood canyon, quite a contrast from
the unforgiving semi-desert of the surrounding
countryside.
The town of Half Moon Bay is the commercial
center for a rich agricultural area. At the north end of
the bay, at Princeton, is Pillar Point Harbor, a
functioning fishing port that has a full-service marina
and charter boats. Riptide Sportfishing & Whale
Watching is an independent charter operation owned
and operated by Captain Smitty. Whale watching eco-tours
are available all year, and Riptide also offers
sportfishing for salmon, rock fish, and tuna ( seasonal).
Call (888)747-8433 or send an email to
capt.smitty@juno.com.
The southern flank of the Santa Cruz Mountains rise
from the fields southeast of Half Moon Bay and the
Purissima Creek Preserve offers a lush redwood
forest with hiking trails and wheelchair accessible
nature trails. You'll find walkers, serious hikers and
equestrians throughout the preserve. Horses may be rented
for the day at one of several corrals situated beside
Highway 1.
Where to Eat
Seafood dining is a must when visiting Half Moon Bay,
and the old Miramar Restaurant at 131 Mirada Road
is one of the most popular restaurants in the area. Open
from 11 am for lunch and again for dinner, the Miramar
also offers Sunday brunch. Seafood and steaks are the
prime offerings here, and the mood is informal. The
Princeton Seafood Company at Pillar Point Harbor
is also a relaxed fish house, open from 11 am on weekdays
and from 6 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
San Benito House (see below for lodging) offers
a fancier brand of Mediterranean cuisine at 356 Main
Street in Half Moon Bay. This is a highly regarded and
consistently good dining room, suitable for special
occasions.. For Mexican food, we suggest El
Perico, at 211 San Mateo Rd. in Half Moon Bay, with
music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights and
Spanishtown Restaurant and Market at 515 Church
Street. Waves, 4230 Cabrillo Hwy., offers Italian
cuisine. Just about the only non-chain fast food outlet
is Steve's Blue Pacific Barbecue at 171 Seventh
Ave. in Montara.
The
Ritz Carlton - Half Moon Bay
Half
Moon Bay Lodge
Holiday
Inn Express
Ramada
Limited, Half Moon Bay
