Reza’s guidebook to Princeton By the Sea
Sightseeing
Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the dramatic Pacific coastline while taking an invigorating walk along the Coastside Trail, also known as the California Coastal Trail. This scenic oceanfront trail extends from Seymour Bridge in Half Moon Bay to Pillar Point Harbor, totaling a little less than five miles in length. Most of its length is an asphalt-paved trail that runs along the path that used to be the route for the Ocean Shore Railroad. As a result, it is wheelchair accessible and also a popular place for in-line skating and cyclists, as well as those on foot.
The Pillar Point Harbor fishing pier is in the neighboring community of Princeton-by-the-Sea. This harbor is also the departure point for whale-watching tours during whale migration season. Visitors will also find several excellent seafood restaurants in this area.
12 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Half Moon Bay Coastal TrailVisitors can enjoy magnificent views of the dramatic Pacific coastline while taking an invigorating walk along the Coastside Trail, also known as the California Coastal Trail. This scenic oceanfront trail extends from Seymour Bridge in Half Moon Bay to Pillar Point Harbor, totaling a little less than five miles in length. Most of its length is an asphalt-paved trail that runs along the path that used to be the route for the Ocean Shore Railroad. As a result, it is wheelchair accessible and also a popular place for in-line skating and cyclists, as well as those on foot.
The Pillar Point Harbor fishing pier is in the neighboring community of Princeton-by-the-Sea. This harbor is also the departure point for whale-watching tours during whale migration season. Visitors will also find several excellent seafood restaurants in this area.
Mavericks Beach at Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay, CA is the site of the annual big wave surfing competition called Maverick’s. The big wave surf area is located a quarter-mile from the house. This is the closest house to the Mavericks beach. You can also enjoy the tidal pools with kids at low tides here. Just turn right on the beach and follow the trail to the left along the bottom of the hill.
61 locals recommend
Mavericks Beach
Mavericks Beach at Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay, CA is the site of the annual big wave surfing competition called Maverick’s. The big wave surf area is located a quarter-mile from the house. This is the closest house to the Mavericks beach. You can also enjoy the tidal pools with kids at low tides here. Just turn right on the beach and follow the trail to the left along the bottom of the hill.
With docks of colorful fishing boats and charming waterfront eateries, the cozy seaside hamlet of Pillar Point Harbor offers a taste of New England along the California coast. Ever present ocean views and salt-tinged breezes lure all those who share a love of the sea, from commercial fishermen to world-renowned surfers. Explore the coastal haven by foot and discover sandy beaches, scenic trails, and a killer seafood shack or two.
You can buy fish directly from the boats. Look at the board by the harbormaster to find out which boat came back with which catch of the day.
23 locals recommend
Pillar Point Harbor
With docks of colorful fishing boats and charming waterfront eateries, the cozy seaside hamlet of Pillar Point Harbor offers a taste of New England along the California coast. Ever present ocean views and salt-tinged breezes lure all those who share a love of the sea, from commercial fishermen to world-renowned surfers. Explore the coastal haven by foot and discover sandy beaches, scenic trails, and a killer seafood shack or two.
You can buy fish directly from the boats. Look at the board by the harbormaster to find out which boat came back with which catch of the day.
Food scene
Across Capistrano Rd from Johnson Pier is the relatively new Oceano Hotel & Retail complex. It is beautiful architecturally but the stores have not been all that successful sofar. Still it’s a generally pleasant commercial area to walk though not nearly so stunning as the nature you can see nearby.
The retail mall called the Shoppes at Harbor Village is a “village street” covered by a greenhouse roof. There is a bookstore and a few other small shops to quickly browse through. Mezza Luna Caffe, in front of the mall, is a cute little place with gelato, pastries, snacks, and coffee.
Harbor Village
270 Capistrano RdAcross Capistrano Rd from Johnson Pier is the relatively new Oceano Hotel & Retail complex. It is beautiful architecturally but the stores have not been all that successful sofar. Still it’s a generally pleasant commercial area to walk though not nearly so stunning as the nature you can see nearby.
The retail mall called the Shoppes at Harbor Village is a “village street” covered by a greenhouse roof. There is a bookstore and a few other small shops to quickly browse through. Mezza Luna Caffe, in front of the mall, is a cute little place with gelato, pastries, snacks, and coffee.
Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant; the nice setting, service, food, and prices combine to make it one of our long-time favorites.
45 locals recommend
Mezza Luna Restaurant
459 Prospect WayMezza Luna Italian Restaurant; the nice setting, service, food, and prices combine to make it one of our long-time favorites.
Live band occasionally. Has great views and ambiance. A short walk from the house.
98 locals recommend
Sam's Chowder House
4210 CA-1Live band occasionally. Has great views and ambiance. A short walk from the house.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is a warm oceanfront brewery and restaurant at Pillar Point Harbor in Princeton-by-the-Sea Calif.Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront.
70 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
390 Capistrano RdHalf Moon Bay Brewing Company is a warm oceanfront brewery and restaurant at Pillar Point Harbor in Princeton-by-the-Sea Calif.Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront.
The restaurant dates back to the Prohibition era when it was a speakeasy called Frank’s Place. Owner Frank Torres built the club in 1927 Reportedly, illegal whisky was brought from ships, to the beach, and into vehicles for transport to San Francisco
83 locals recommend
Moss Beach Distillery
140 Beach WayThe restaurant dates back to the Prohibition era when it was a speakeasy called Frank’s Place. Owner Frank Torres built the club in 1927 Reportedly, illegal whisky was brought from ships, to the beach, and into vehicles for transport to San Francisco
City advice
Book before you go
HMB
Sheltered by wooded rolling hills, the cozy seaside community of Half Moon Bay is an unpretentious small town with a friendly attitude. Despite being so close to San Francisco, the town feels much farther away because it's only accessible by a winding two-lane country road.
Often blanketed in misty fog, the hillsides sloping down to the Pacific Ocean are covered with fragrant eucalyptus trees and a patchwork of farms, ranches, and flower nurseries. The seasonal bounty of artichokes, carrots, corn, strawberries, green beans, and pumpkins delight shoppers at the weekly farmers market. Produce stands also line Route 92, the main road into town.
Half Moon Bay is a popular weekend getaway from San Francisco with interesting shops, restaurants, and quaint bed-and-breakfasts, and makes a wonderful stop on a Northern California coastal itinerary. Beautiful beaches, dramatic nature sites, and awe-inspiring ocean scenery set a glorious backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding, birding, golfing, and (when the sun is out) sunbathing. Plan your trip with our list of the top things to do in Half Moon Bay.