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Half Moon Bay is Home Base

The Best Bay Area Vacation Hub

Half Moon Bay is perfectly situated for a wide variety of Bay Area experiences on the Coastside and beyond.

The San Francisco Bay Area always ranks among the top vacation destinations in the US for good reason. It’s perfect for exploring nature, romantic getaways, family vacations, seeing sporting events, and even for arts enthusiasts. Half Moon Bay is conveniently located less than 30 minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 45 minutes from San Jose International Airport (SJC) and offers a low key, relaxed atmosphere for any kind of stay. It’s also perfectly situated for a wide variety of Bay Area experiences in Half Moon Bay and beyond. 

Iconic experiences to enjoy in Half Moon Bay include dining at a seafood restaurant, time at the beach, hiking in the redwoods and exploring downtown. Here’s how to make the most of your Bay Area visit, by staying in Half Moon Bay.

Romantic Getaways

A romantic getaway is better in Half Moon Bay. Whether you want to stay in an intimate bed and breakfast such as Seal Cove Inn or a top resort such as the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, you’ll enjoy elegant dining, spa visits and proximity to special experiences like a visit to Filoli Historic Home and Garden or wine tasting nearby. 

Filoli Gardens
Filoli Historic Home and Garden is just a 20 minute drive from Half Moon Bay.

Sports Fans

Heading to the Bay Area to watch a world class sporting event? Half Moon Bay is not far from the 49ers home, Levi Stadium, or the home of the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park. Also nearby is Chase Center, where the Golden State Warriors play or SAP Center, home of the San Jose Sharks. If college sports are more your style, you can take in a game at Stanford, UC Berkeley or San Jose State. In addition to plentiful opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and biking, there are hotels with pools such as the Half Moon Bay Lodge or gyms on site such as Quality Inn Half Moon Bay, Aristocrat Hotel or Oceano Hotel & Spa

Oracle Park
Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, is just 30 miles north of Half Moon Bay.

Outdoors & Nature Enthusiasts

Fans of the outdoor activities will enjoy the biking or hiking, beaches and golf that is available in and around Half Moon Bay. Want to see the giant redwoods? You’re in luck! The Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve is easily accessible. Beachfront hotels in Half Moon Bay include Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach, and  Beach House Half Moon Bay

Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve is easily accessible only a few miles south of Half Moon Bay.

Family Fun

If you’re bringing the whole family or a multigenerational group for a vacation, you’ll enjoy being within driving distance of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with a Japanese Garden, Botanical Garden, California Academy of Sciences as well as the San Francisco Zoo and plenty of beaches and farms for exploring, not to mention Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Local attractions that will appeal to families include a visit to Harley Farms to see the goats, Lemos Family Farm for the train rides and petting zoo and exploring tide pools. Hotels with free breakfast in Half Moon Bay include Mill Rose Inn and the Nantucket Whale Inn.

Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is just 25 miles north of Half Moon Bay.

Patrons of the Arts

Half Moon Bay is within driving distance of the Bay Area’s best arts institutions including the SFMOMA, DeYoung, Anderson Collection at Stanford University and the San Jose Art Museum. And don’t miss local art galleries while you’re here.

Art Galleries
Downtown Half Moon Bay hosts a growing number of art galleries, including Ocean Blue Vault (pictured), the Coastal Arts League, and Mirada Art.

Regardless of the type of vacation you’re planning, you’ll appreciate Half Moon Bay’s diversity of dining options, accommodations and local shopping. Be sure the check out the events calendar if you’d like to include visits to local farmer’s markets, festivals and more during your stay.