Attractions

Known for its stunning scenery and challenging play, Half Moon Bay Golf Links has been recognized among the top golf resorts in the country. Players can enjoy full practice facilities, professional instruction, and a clubhouse with dining that overlooks both the course and the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or visiting for the views, Half Moon Bay Golf Links delivers a world-class coastal golf experience just 30 minutes south of San Francisco.

Visit www.halfmoonbaygolf.com

Located just west of downtown Half Moon Bay, Oceanview Driving Range is your go-to destination for golf practice along the coast. With 22 spacious stalls, well-placed hitting targets, and a dedicated putting and chipping green, it’s the perfect place to refine your swing and short game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, you’ll find a welcoming environment to enhance your skills in a beautiful seaside setting. Visit us at www.oceanviewdrivingrange.com

Sea Horse Ranch in Half Moon Bay offers guided horseback riding adventures along the beach and coastal bluffs. Riders can experience the thrill of trotting or walking on the sandy shoreline, with waves crashing nearby and views stretching across the Pacific. Trails also wind through open fields and coastal ridges, making each ride both scenic and memorable.

The ranch accommodates beginners and experienced riders, with well-trained horses and knowledgeable guides ensuring a safe, enjoyable outing. Popular options include one-hour, 90-minute, and longer rides—many timed around low tide for optimal beach access.

Perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking a unique coastal experience, Sea Horse Ranch is one of the most iconic ways to enjoy Half Moon Bay’s natural beauty from a horseback vantage.

Visit www.seahorseranch.org

The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is a scenic multi-use path that runs for nearly 7 miles along the stunning San Mateo County coastline. Following the route of the old Ocean Shore Railroad, the trail stretches from Pillar Point Harbor in the north to Poplar Beach in the south, connecting a series of beautiful state beaches including Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice, and Francis.

Perfect for walking, running, or biking, the paved trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, wildflower-covered bluffs, and migrating whales offshore in season. Benches and access points along the way make it easy to stop, rest, and enjoy the coastal beauty.

This accessible trail provides a safe and leisurely way to experience the Half Moon Bay shoreline, whether for a quick stroll, a family outing, or a longer ride. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and parking is available at multiple state beach lots along the route.

Nestled along the rugged San Mateo County coastline in Moss Beach, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is one of California’s most celebrated tidepooling destinations. At low tide, the reef reveals a vibrant world of sea stars, crabs, anemones, and colorful marine algae. Visitors can explore the tidepools, watch harbor seals bask on offshore rocks, and wander scenic blufftop trails shaded by Monterey cypress groves.

The reserve offers a rare combination of oceanfront beauty and ecological diversity, with habitats ranging from rocky intertidal zones to coastal scrub and riparian marshland. Whether you’re here for a peaceful walk, a family outing, or an educational experience, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve provides a window into the delicate balance of coastal life.

Visit smcgov.org/parks/fitzgerald-marine-reserve

Perched on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific, Moss Beach Distillery is a historic restaurant known for its oceanfront dining and coastal charm. Originally built in the 1920s as a speakeasy during Prohibition, it has since become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers fresh seafood, steak, and California coastal cuisine, with indoor and outdoor seating that takes full advantage of sweeping ocean views. Guests can enjoy the heated outdoor patio with fire pits while watching sunsets or spotting migrating whales offshore. Adding to its allure, the Distillery is famous for the legend of the “Blue Lady” ghost, a story that has captivated guests for generations and adds a touch of mystery to the dining experience. With its rich history, outstanding views, and relaxed yet refined atmosphere, Moss Beach Distillery is both a dining destination and a true piece of Half Moon Bay Coastside history. The official website for Moss Beach Distillery is https://mossbeachdistillery.com/

Pasta Moon is a contemporary Italian restaurant in Half Moon Bay that emphasizes farm-to-table cuisine, house-made pastas, seasonal ingredients, and local produce. It features an elegant-casual atmosphere with vaulted ceilings and multiple dining rooms, and it’s a longtime staple in the community (over 30 years). 

Visit www.pastamoon.com