half moon bay
things to do
Half Moon Bay sits just 30 miles south of San Francisco, tucked between redwood-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean. It's a place where couples find quiet stretches of clifftop trail and families discover tidepools, farm animals, and fresh salt air — all within a few miles of each other. And right in the middle of it all, on Main Street, is Pasta Moon — Half Moon Bay's award-winning Italian restaurant and a Michelin Guide selection — ready to make any meal part of the adventure.
Pasta Moon serves lunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM to 2 PM, and dinner nightly starting at 5 PM. Whether you stop in before hitting the trails, break for a midday meal between activities, or settle in for a long dinner at the end of a full day — it fits naturally into almost any itinerary.
Beaches & the Coast
Half Moon Bay State Beach stretches across four miles of coastline, broken into several distinct beach sections. Francis Beach is the most family-friendly of the lot — a parking lot drops you directly onto the sand, picnic tables line the bluff, and a small visitor center has interactive nature exhibits that keep curious kids busy for a solid stretch. It's an easy base for building sandcastles, flying kites, or simply watching the waves roll in.
For couples, the beach hits differently at golden hour. The fog that rolls in most mornings often lifts by afternoon, leaving the light warm and the coastline quieter than you'd expect from a beach this close to the Bay Area.
Weekend idea: Start the morning at Francis Beach, then head into town for a Saturday or Sunday lunch at Pasta Moon — the Alaskan Dungeness Crab Linguine and wood-oven roasted salmon are especially good after a morning of sea air. Reservations are recommended.
Hiking & Biking
California Coastal Trail
The California Coastal Trail runs nearly 12 miles along the coastline and is one of the finest easy-to-moderate trails anywhere on the Peninsula. Flat, wide, and almost entirely removed from traffic, it's well-suited for families with kids on bikes or scooters, as well as couples looking for a longer walk with unobstructed ocean views. You can pick it up at multiple access points — starting near Francis Beach is particularly convenient.
Devil's Slide Trail
Just north of Half Moon Bay, the Devil's Slide Trail follows a decommissioned stretch of Highway 1 along dramatic sea cliffs. The paved, car-free path accommodates strollers and bikes, and interpretive signs explain the area's geology along the way. It's a two-mile out-and-back with views that stop you mid-stride. Bring a jacket — the wind is real up there.
Dinner idea: After a long afternoon on the trails, dinner at Pasta Moon hits the spot. The Tagliatelle Bolognese — milk-braised pork, beef, and pancetta — is pure comfort, and the house Cioppino with Dungeness crab is the kind of thing you'll think about on the drive home. Open every night from 5 PM.
Tidepools at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Located in Moss Beach, just a few miles north of Half Moon Bay, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is one of the richest tidepool ecosystems on the California coast. At low tide, the exposed reef reveals sea stars, hermit crabs, anemones, purple shore crabs, and more — all accessible in shallow, walk-around pools. Smooth coastal trails and a bluff-top overlook make it manageable even with young children. Check tide charts before you go; low tide is when it really comes alive.
It's worth arriving early, as parking fills up on weekends. Plan for an hour or two of exploration, then head south for lunch or dinner on Main Street.
Weekend lunch pairing: Fitzgerald is a natural lead-in to a Saturday or Sunday lunch at Pasta Moon — it's about 10 minutes down Highway 1. The Fritto Misto (Monterey Bay calamari, rock shrimp, fennel) feels like a fitting follow-up to an afternoon spent watching marine life.
On the Water: Pillar Point Harbor
Pillar Point Harbor is Half Moon Bay's working harbor — fishing boats come in with their catch each morning, and the docks have an unhurried, lived-in energy that's worth experiencing. Families can walk the harbor path, watch sea lions lounging on the floats, and browse the fish market for whatever's fresh.
For those who want to get on the water, Mavericks PaddleSports offers stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons on the calm, protected water inside the harbor — a great option for older kids and couples. You may also spot whale-watching charter boats departing from the harbor; gray whales and humpbacks make regular appearances off the coast throughout the year.
Mavericks itself — the legendary big-wave surf break — sits just west of Pillar Point. You can hike out to the Pillar Point Bluff for a view of the break, especially dramatic in winter when swells can reach 50 feet.
Horseback Riding: Sea Horse Ranch
Sea Horse Ranch offers guided horseback rides along the coastal bluffs and down to the beach — one of the more romantic and memorable experiences available anywhere on the Coastside. Riders must be at least seven years old, and the ranch matches guests to horses based on experience. Reservations are required.
It's an activity that tends to set the tone for the whole day — unhurried, scenic, and a little bit spectacular.
Dinner idea: A horseback ride followed by dinner at Pasta Moon is a perfect date-night formula. The Kurobuta Pork Chop stuffed with caramelized onions and pear, or the Spiced Porcini Rubbed Rib Eye, make for a memorable end to a coastal evening. Dinner is served nightly from 5 PM; reservations strongly recommended on weekends.
Farm Fun for Families
Lemos Farm
Lemos Farm is a western-themed family attraction with pony rides, a train that winds through a mini ghost town, and a petting zoo full of goats. Young kids are consistently delighted by it. In October, the farm transforms for Halloween with pumpkins, elaborate decorations, and a spook house suited for older children.
Harley Farms
In nearby Pescadero, Harley Farms is a working goat farm set in peaceful pastures about 20 minutes south of Half Moon Bay. Wander the grounds, meet the goats and llamas, and sample cheeses and sweets in the farm shop housed in a converted hay barn. It's a slower, more scenic outing — great for families who like their adventures on the quieter side.
Weekend lunch idea: Stop at Lemos Farm in the morning, then bring everyone into Half Moon Bay for a weekend lunch at Pasta Moon. The kids menu takes the pressure off, and house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza mean the adults eat well too. Open for lunch Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 AM – 2 PM.
Downtown Half Moon Bay
Main Street is an easy, low-key afternoon in its own right. Independent shops, galleries, and local businesses line the walkable stretch of downtown — browse, duck into a coffee shop, and finish with a cone from Gulino Gelato, which serves small-batch handmade gelato from a walk-up window at 330 Main Street.
Pasta Moon is right in the middle of it all at 845 Main Street — so any stroll through downtown can end (or begin) with a meal worth planning around.
Plan Your Meal at Pasta Moon
Pasta Moon has been one of Half Moon Bay's most celebrated restaurants for decades — Michelin Guide listed, known for house-made pasta, wood-oven cooking, and menus that draw from what's fresh and local. Whether you come for a relaxed weekend lunch or a longer dinner with people you want to linger with, it's the kind of restaurant that makes the whole day feel more worthwhile.
Hours:
Lunch: Saturdays & Sundays, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 5:00 – 8:30 PM | Friday & Saturday, 5:00 – 9:00 PM | Sunday, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
845 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 726-5125
