• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Burleigh H. Murray Ranch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Courtesy of Pakhnyushchyy - Fotolia.com

2. Crystal Springs Reservoir ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Matt Boyle Photos - Fotolia.com

3. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

4. Francis Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Jo Ann Snover - Fotolia.com

5. Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of inacioluc - Fotolia.com

6. Half Moon Bay Distillery

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Half Moon Bay Distillery

7. Half Moon Bay Brewing

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Half Moon Bay Brewing

8. Half Moon Bay Kayak Company Day Tours

Tours in the Area
© Half Moon Bay Kayak Company Day Tours

9. Half Moon Bay State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Sunil Singh - Fotolia.com

10. Miramar Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Xiaodong Ye - Fotolia.com

11. Montara Mountain

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of inacioluc - Fotolia.com

12. Oceanic Society - Half Moon Bay Gray Whale Watching

© Oceanic Society - Half Moon Bay Gray Whale Watching

13. Pescadero Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Yuval Helfman - Fotolia.com

14. Pillar Point Surf School

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Pillar Point Surf School

15. Poplar Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of Lynn Yeh - Fotolia.com

16. Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of mtilghma - Fotolia.com

17. Alvaro's Adventures Birding & Nature Tours

Tours in the Area
© Alvaro's Adventures Birding & Nature Tours

18. Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of pikappa 51 - Fotolia.com

19. Venice State Beach

Category: Relaxing Beaches
© Courtesy of brandonvaccaro - Fotolia.com

20. Lemos Farm

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Lemos Farm

21. Half Moon Bay Art Glass

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Half Moon Bay Art Glass

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Once a quaint agricultural area and a hotbed of rum smuggling during the Prohibition, Half Moon Bay is today known for its diverse artist community, spectacular beaches, and lovely historical downtown. Located on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay is surrounded by magnificent nature and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views.

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