Things to Do in Half Moon BayIf you’re searching for things to do in Half Moon Bay, you’re likely exploring more than a day-trip destination—you’re looking at a place where locals embrace the ocean, celebrate agriculture, and live life at a gentler pace. Half Moon Bay sits along the San Mateo County coast, tucked between dramatic bluffs and the Pacific. As a local realtor, I’ve watched families, retirees, and young professionals fall in love with this town not only for its real estate opportunities, but for the daily quality of life that makes living here feel like a perpetual getaway.Beaches and Oceanfront EscapesHalf Moon Bay is defined by its coastline. Locals treat the beach as an extension of their backyard.Half Moon Bay State BeachThis stretch of coastline offers a wide sandy beac... 11/28/2025

Half Moon Bay Restaurants: Where Flavor Meets Ocean ViewsWhen exploring life on the California coast, few places deliver the charm and culinary richness quite like Half Moon Bay. As a local realtor, I often hear the same question from prospective buyers and sellers: What’s the dining scene like around here? The answer is simple—Half Moon Bay restaurants offer a standout blend of oceanfront ambiance, locally sourced ingredients, and diverse global flavors. Whether you’re planning to move here or sell your home and relocate elsewhere, knowing where to enjoy a great meal is essential for getting to know the lifestyle.Why Dining in Half Moon Bay is Part of the Coastal ExperienceLiving in Half Moon Bay means more than owning real estate—it’s about embracing a lifestyle steeped in coastal bea... 08/06/2025

Half Moon Bay is a coastal gem known for its scenic cliffs, charming downtown, and tight-knit community. But if you're considering moving to this beautiful area—or already lucky enough to call it home—you’ll be delighted to know that it’s also a foodie haven. From oceanfront fine dining to casual local favorites, the variety of restaurants in Half Moon Bay offers something for every taste.As a local realtor, I’ve had the pleasure of not only exploring the housing market here but also sampling the area's best eats. Below, I’ve curated a list of the top 10 restaurants in Half Moon Bay you can’t miss—perfect for a night out, a family dinner, or a weekend brunch after house hunting.1. Navio at The Ritz-Carlton Location: 1 Miramontes Point RdCuisine: Coastal Fine DiningWhy You’ll Love It:Nav... 07/10/2025

Are you ready to find your perfect slice of paradise on the crescent-shaped coast of Half Moon Bay, CA? This charming seaside town, formerly known as "San Benito" and "Spanishtown," boasts a rich history and a vibrant present. Let's explore what makes the homes for sale in Half Moon Bay, CA, such an enticing place to call home.A Glimpse into Half Moon Bay's PastHalf Moon Bay's history is a tapestry woven with stories of cattle, horses, and oxen grazing on the fertile land. Back in the 1840s, it was the first town to emerge in San Mateo County, signifying its early significance. However, it was after World War II that Half Moon Bay truly flourished, with the emergence of various subdivisions and its official incorporation in 1959.The Contemporary Half Moon BayToday, Half Moon Bay stands ... 12/21/2023

Well, Fall is certainly upon us.  Half Moon Bay, situated south of San Francisco and North of Santa Cruz is a rather sleepy town which is mostly known for two things-- Mavericks, which is a surf break known the world over for its monster waves when a swell pays a visit.The other thing Half Moon Bay is known for is the giant pumpkin contest:Half Moon Bay Pumpkin FestThe Contest results for 2021 can be viewed here:2021 Contest results This years Winning gourd weighed in at 2,194 pounds.  I have no idea how many pumpkin spice lattes that would convert to, but I think it is a lot.To get to Half Moon Bay, from the north, just head south on Highway 1.  A lot of tourist will crowd there on the weekend to sample one of the many restaurants or just enjoy the beach or hike along the beach trail b... 10/29/2021

04/13/2020

There's a special beauty in hiking among the redwood trees on a rainy day. Along with fresh air and incredible beauty, Saturday's hike made me feel close to my brother-in-law who passed away the day before in a skilled nursing facility in New Jersey. Dave shared the same love of hiking, history and nature that my husband and I do. I'm thankful that over the years we spent a number of happy days hiking together, both in California when he'd visit, or in New Jersey and the White Mountains of New Hampshire on our trips back east.Come join me for a snippet of yesterday's hike. 04/05/2020

Lock Watch for the Week of 12/17/2018 Volatility-O-Meter:FOMC statement and virtual certainty of another rate hike (.25%).  This will not surprise anyone, but against the backdrop of recent market volatility, the ensuing statement could.  Then, GDP on Friday. Economicalendar (all times are Pacific):Mon, 12/17:      Empire State Mfg Survey (5:30am), Housing Market Index (7am).Tues, 12/18:     Housing Starts (5:30am).Weds, 12/19:     Existing Home Sales (7am) and FOMC Meeting (11am).Thurs, 12/20:    Jobless Claims and Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey (5:30am).Fri, 12/21:        Durable Goods and GDP (5:30am).  Personal Income and Outlays and Consumer Sentiment (7am). 10-Year Treasury History2.87%     Today's Open 2.86%     One Week Ago3.08%     One Month Ago2.39%     One Year Ago ... 12/17/2018

 As a realtor who specializes in Probate sales I have recently been involved with a number of families were trying to sell homes they thought they inherited or had title to, but wound up in Probate instead. Since the Probate courts are backed up, this can cause delays, heartache, and tension for the families and were problems that probably could have been avoided. I want to say firmly, I am not a lawyer. I am a Realtor who specializes in selling homes in Probate and this is not legal advice. If you are going to be involved in intra family title changes PLEASE get the advice of a lawyer. This is complicated stuff. I just want to give you a few examples so you can see that you should not assume anything when it comes to Probate sales. To see First Example click here 3rd Example: Mom and D... 11/21/2016

Today, I'm thankful for the nearby redwood forests which provide wonderful, contemplative hiking opportunities for those of us fortunate enough to live in this area. These photos were taken on Sunday when my husband went for a 10-mile hike at Purissima Creek Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County, California.The quietude of the forest, replete with ferns, banana slugs, burbling creeks and fresh air gives us an opportunity to be aware of our surroundings without taking them for granted. The gentle colors of autumn are just right for this time of year, and lead us deeper into the redwoods.  11/15/2016

Do You Have a Right To Sell That Half Moon Bay Probate Home Part 2? As a realtor who specializes in Probate sales I have recently been involved with a number of families were trying to sell homes they thought they inherited or had title to, but wound up in Probate instead. Since the Probate courts are backed up, this can cause delays, heartache, and tension for the families and were problems that probably could have been avoided. I want to say firmly, I am not a lawyer. I am a Realtor who specializes in selling homes in Probate and this is not legal advice. If you are going to be involved in intra family title changes PLEASE get the advice of a lawyer. This is complicated stuff. I just want to give you a few examples so you can see that you should not assume anything when it comes to Pr... 11/14/2016

  Recently I have been involved with a number of families were trying to sell homes they thought they inherited or had title to, but wound up in Probate instead. Since the Probate courts are backed up, this can cause delays, heartache, and tension for the families and were problems that probably could have been avoided. I want to say firmly, I am not a lawyer. I am a Realtor who specializes in selling homes in Probate and this is not legal advice. If you are going to be involved in intra family title changes PLEASE get the advice of a lawyer. This is complicated stuff. I just want to give you a few examples so you can see that you should not assume anything when it comes to Probate sales. First Example: Mom owns home in Redwood City free and clear with no mortgage. She has 4 children an... 11/11/2016

Rent Payments Can Really Add Up!No matter how much you pay in rent, you might be surprised what it adds up to over the years. Investing your money is a wiser financial choice. With the current home prices and mortgage rates, this is an excellent time to look into buying your own home in Half Moon Bay , California. Rent Payments Can Really Add Up! No matter how much you pay in rent, you might be surprised what it adds up to over the years. Investing your money is a wiser financial choice. With the current home prices and mortgage rates, this is an excellent time to look into buying your own home in Burlingame, California. Common Concerns of Renters and Homeowners - Advantages and Considerations BUYINGProperty builds equityResponsible for maintenanceTax deductible mortgage interest*Respon... 05/25/2016

Pacific Coast Moss Beach Califonia By Robert Swetz 5-21-2016 IMAGINE YOURSELF HERE ... 05/22/2016

Patricia Kennedy really like Cows and look who Vegas Bob ran into today at Half Moon Bay in Northern California ;o)What a handsome looking fella and I wonder if I should give him a name?What do you think we should call him? Spot or is that a dogs name? Black & White? Hank? Henry? Does anyone have a name we could tag on this friend I found at Half Moon Bay? How about you Pat, what should we call him? And you know Pat, when I saw this cow standing there I had to run over and take a photo for you!      05/18/2016

 What a Beautiful World we live in 4-22-2016 This beautiful photograph was taken with a 250mm telephoto lens attached to a Nikon D-90.This pure white stork was looking over the ocean at Half Moon Bay in Northern California approx. 25 miles southeast of San Francisco.This beautiful bird was admiring the Pacific Coast as if it might have a human spirit inside of it. 04/22/2016

Half Moon Bay California 7-17-2015 by Robert Swetz What a Beautiful World we live in 4-4-2016 One day per week Robert 'Vegas Bob Swetz will be sharing one of his favorite photographs that he finds within his thousands and thousands of photographs loaded to his Apple laptop.The titles will always read:  What a Beautiful World we live in (with the date)This photograph above was taken last year while I was walking along the bluffs of Half Moon Bay located on the pacific coast approx. 29 miles south west of San Francisco and 48 miles north of Santa Cruz.I have been visiting Half Moon Bay since the late 70's when I was a teenager and continue to this day, in fact at one time I was looking for a condo there.Half Moon Bay is by far one of the most beautiful places I have been so far in my life... 04/04/2016

If you are selling a home on the Coastside you are required to have the fire department inspect your smoke detectors.  Cost is approx $25 and its kind of exciting as they drive up to your home in one of their fire engines.   Point-of-sale smoke detector inspections are required for all existing Group R Division 3 Occupancies (does not include mobile homes) in Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Miramar, Princeton, Moss Beach, and Montara. The Coastside Fire Protection District, located in the San Mateo County coastal area of California, serves Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Miramar, Princeton, Moss Beach, and Montara. CFPD can be reached at 650.726.5213.   If you are thinking of selling your home and want to make sure you have completed all your requirements and sales disclosures, please consult wit... 01/12/2015

It is Throwback Thursday, and a gorgeous, sunny day in San Francisco and the Peninsula. The skies are blue, and heat is on the way. The weather might be warmer today than it was 36-38 years ago when this picture was taken, but the pumpkin fields in Half Moon Bay remain a delight and a feast for the eyes. Gorgeous weather to enjoy year-round, and wonderful outdoor places in which to play and explore -- one of the reasons we like living here! 10/02/2014

  $5,600/mo, 6Bd/4Ba Single Family House, 3690 sqft.     Glen Mitchell | Coastal Rentals | 650-260-4536 623 Spruce St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Spanish Mediterranean Style Villa  (includes utilities) 6Bd/4Ba Single Family House   $5,600/mo Year Built 1925 Sq Footage 3690 sqft. Bedrooms 6 Beds Bathrooms 4 Baths Parking 2 Garage Lease Duration 1 Year Deposit $5,600 Pets Policy No Pets Allowed Laundry In Unit Virtual Tour www.coastalrental... Website www.coastalrental...   DESCRIPTION Very spacious and large home with 6 bedrooms and 4 baths.  3,690 sq feet.  Open Kitchen and dining area with artistic details throughout home.  Wood and tile floors on main level.  Grand stone fireplace and unique features add charm not found in most homes.  Plenty of storage throughout home and in two car gar... 08/21/2014