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Half Moon Bay, United States

Top things to do in Half Moon Bay

15 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Poplar Beach
Park & nature4

Poplar Beach

66 reviews

A popular sandy beach on the California coast, known for its wide shoreline, gentle waves, and scenic views of the Pacific, ideal for walks and relaxation.

Tickets & tours

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Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Half Moon Bay?

Poplar Beach draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Half Moon Bay, with 66 of them, rated 4.0 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Browse Half Moon Bay by type: parks & nature. Planning your trip to Half Moon Bay? See where to eat, build a Half Moon Bay itinerary, or check visa requirements.
Market
Market

Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival

An annual celebration featuring giant pumpkins, arts, crafts, and live entertainment in downtown Half Moon Bay.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Miramar Beach, California

A quiet, sandy beach in Half Moon Bay ideal for walking, picnicking, and enjoying sunset views over the Pacific.

Museum
Museum

James Johnston House (Half Moon Bay, California)

Historic 1853 saltbox house offering guided tours that reveal pioneer life on the early California coast.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Martins Beach

A secluded beach in Half Moon Bay accessed via a private road, known for its rugged beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Outdoor & fun
Outdoor & fun

Mavericks Beach

World-renowned big-wave surf break hosting elite competitions; dramatic winter swells attract spectators and photographers.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Half Moon Bay State Beach

Miles of sandy shoreline, picnic areas, and coastal trails make this state beach a serene escape along the Pacific.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Montara Mountain

A hiking destination offering panoramic views of the coast and San Francisco Bay from its trails through coastal scrub and forests.

Landmark
Landmark

Moss Beach Distillery

Historic restaurant and bar perched on a bluff with sweeping ocean views, known for its Prohibition-era ambiance and ghost stories.

Outdoor & fun
Outdoor & fun

Pillar Point Harbor

Active working harbor with fishing charters, a marina, and fresh seafood restaurants overlooking the water.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Protected tide pool reserve teeming with colorful marine life, accessible at low tide along a scenic coastal bluff.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Old-growth redwood forest with miles of hiking trails through lush, fern-lined canyons and along ridges.

Landmark
Landmark

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

Luxury oceanfront resort with a championship golf course, spa, and dramatic cliffside setting along the Pacific Coast.

Sight
Sight

Seal Rock (San Mateo County, California)

A coastal rock formation in Half Moon Bay where harbor seals and sea lions often haul out, offering excellent wildlife viewing.

Entertainment
Entertainment

Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society

A cultural venue hosting live jazz concerts with direct beach access, combining music and oceanfront relaxation.