Food Scene
Always open and always friendly - great ;little pastries and grab and go sandwiches and such...take it to the beach or sit and watch the ocean.
13 locals recommend
Here Comes the Sun Coffee House
8455 CA-1Always open and always friendly - great ;little pastries and grab and go sandwiches and such...take it to the beach or sit and watch the ocean.
Gherkin's Sandwich Shop
171 7th StThe biggest sandwiches! Fresh food and friendly service!
Moss Beach Distillery
140 Beach WayIconic! Good food and a lot of fun and views.
Down about 2 miles from our unit - lovely service and food and a great location for a stroll in the Pillar Point Harbor after dinner.
45 locals recommend
Mezza Luna Restaurant
459 Prospect WayDown about 2 miles from our unit - lovely service and food and a great location for a stroll in the Pillar Point Harbor after dinner.
Our personal favorite! Crunchy salads, fish tacos, clam chowder and the classics...chicken fried chicken and mashed potatoes! Carrot cake beyond belief!
25 locals recommend
Ketch Joanne Restaurant & Harbor Bar
17 Johnson PierOur personal favorite! Crunchy salads, fish tacos, clam chowder and the classics...chicken fried chicken and mashed potatoes! Carrot cake beyond belief!
Really good food, almost everything can be made vegan! Moles, enchiladas, homemade soups, salads and fish, yummy! Order at the counter and go find a seat - I love sitting at the high bar overlooking the sidewalk....or sitting in the private and sunny back patio. A treasure in our little town.
8 locals recommend
Chez Shea
408 Main StReally good food, almost everything can be made vegan! Moles, enchiladas, homemade soups, salads and fish, yummy! Order at the counter and go find a seat - I love sitting at the high bar overlooking the sidewalk....or sitting in the private and sunny back patio. A treasure in our little town.
Looking for a beautiful lunch or dinner?! This is one favorite for the special occasion spots or just a place for awesome food - great thin crust pizza! the freshest of ingredients and super friendly staff!
36 locals recommend
It's Italia
401 Main StLooking for a beautiful lunch or dinner?! This is one favorite for the special occasion spots or just a place for awesome food - great thin crust pizza! the freshest of ingredients and super friendly staff!
Fish and chips! Take it to go and walk it out to the end of that little pier out from Barbara's - one of our favorite spots along the coast.
36 locals recommend
Barbara's Fishtrap
281 Capistrano RdFish and chips! Take it to go and walk it out to the end of that little pier out from Barbara's - one of our favorite spots along the coast.
Caffé Mezza Luna
240 Capistrano RdThe little sister of Mezza Luna in Princeton -- Gelato anyone?
Street side taco joint - huge quesadillas and burritos, and hot salsa fresca!! Yum! Very affordable and fast. Cures the crave.
16 locals recommend
El Gran Amigo Taqueria
2448 Cabrillo HwyStreet side taco joint - huge quesadillas and burritos, and hot salsa fresca!! Yum! Very affordable and fast. Cures the crave.
Pick fruit or go in an grab a hand pie - this is truly a great little shop to stop and explore - we've been down there when some Irish Fiddlers were going at it! Take cash - they have an honor register - really!! You add up what you owe and place your cash in the til, and take the change. You'll love it. All overlooking the beautiful ocean.
Swanton Berry Farm - U-Pick Coastways Ranch
640 Cabrillo HwyPick fruit or go in an grab a hand pie - this is truly a great little shop to stop and explore - we've been down there when some Irish Fiddlers were going at it! Take cash - they have an honor register - really!! You add up what you owe and place your cash in the til, and take the change. You'll love it. All overlooking the beautiful ocean.
OK, so this one may be the busiest of the spots found in the rural area along the coast - if you catch on a quiet day, you'll discover why it got so darned popular. They grown veggies to put in their salads and bloody marys!! Pickled long beans! yum! We love the artichoke soup (creamy - not vegan) and the green chili soup. They have some nice fish dishes too.
59 locals recommend
Duarte's Tavern
202 Stage RdOK, so this one may be the busiest of the spots found in the rural area along the coast - if you catch on a quiet day, you'll discover why it got so darned popular. They grown veggies to put in their salads and bloody marys!! Pickled long beans! yum! We love the artichoke soup (creamy - not vegan) and the green chili soup. They have some nice fish dishes too.
A winery in Princeton?? You betcha! You'll find some of the finest Sangiovese and Pinot Noir you've ever had! They pour in this tasting room (warehouse) all weekend - the hosts are great friends of ours - they'll treat you right!
Trojak Knier Winery
151 Harvard AveA winery in Princeton?? You betcha! You'll find some of the finest Sangiovese and Pinot Noir you've ever had! They pour in this tasting room (warehouse) all weekend - the hosts are great friends of ours - they'll treat you right!
Peruvian food with a view of Montara Beach. Pisco sours - mmm, our favorite!
70 locals recommend
La Costanera
260 Capistrano RdPeruvian food with a view of Montara Beach. Pisco sours - mmm, our favorite!
Along the way to Santa Cruz, just past Costanoa, this is the Pie Scene! Check their calendar and your trip might just coincide with one of their off the chart dinners! Super special occasion opportunity.
9 locals recommend
Pie Ranch
2080 CA-1Along the way to Santa Cruz, just past Costanoa, this is the Pie Scene! Check their calendar and your trip might just coincide with one of their off the chart dinners! Super special occasion opportunity.
Parks & Nature
The most beautiful beach in the world (IMHO). Grab a coffee and watch the whales an the waves.
44 locals recommend
Montara Beach
Cabrillo HwyThe most beautiful beach in the world (IMHO). Grab a coffee and watch the whales an the waves.
Looking for sea life? Listen for the seals and watch the kayakers and paddle-boarders! Looking for fresh fish to grill? Walk out to the pier and read the white boards that list the boats that are selling their catch - cod, crab, halibut, etc...the white boards will tell you where to find the boats that are selling their catch.
23 locals recommend
Pillar Point Harbor
Looking for sea life? Listen for the seals and watch the kayakers and paddle-boarders! Looking for fresh fish to grill? Walk out to the pier and read the white boards that list the boats that are selling their catch - cod, crab, halibut, etc...the white boards will tell you where to find the boats that are selling their catch.
Montara Mountain
You will love this on foot or on bike!
Parking across from the beach - so be careful crossing highway 1, this beach is astounding!
33 locals recommend
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Parking across from the beach - so be careful crossing highway 1, this beach is astounding!
Amazing nature is found here with wonderful views...so many birds and otters and beavers, prepare to be amazed...don't take your dog here, they don't allow the pooches.
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve
Amazing nature is found here with wonderful views...so many birds and otters and beavers, prepare to be amazed...don't take your dog here, they don't allow the pooches.
A great stop along the way to Santa Cruz, yummy deli and freshly made food - an amazing find! Back in the late 1990's, I actually helped open this Camp Cush! I was the Director of Sales here - if you mention this, I will by you lunch at the deli at Costanoa!! It'll show me that this is actually being seen...heehee ;) Have fun!
8 locals recommend
Costanoa
2001 Rossi RdA great stop along the way to Santa Cruz, yummy deli and freshly made food - an amazing find! Back in the late 1990's, I actually helped open this Camp Cush! I was the Director of Sales here - if you mention this, I will by you lunch at the deli at Costanoa!! It'll show me that this is actually being seen...heehee ;) Have fun!
Essentials
Safeway
1380 Linda Mar Shopping CenterClose and comprehensive groceries.
Another favorite - so close and small. Juice bar, cheeses, wine/beer, bread, dairy and meat and organic produce!
27 locals recommend
Spangler's Market
401 Ave AlhambraAnother favorite - so close and small. Juice bar, cheeses, wine/beer, bread, dairy and meat and organic produce!
Neighborhood Mart
8445 Cabrillo HwyDonuts, gas, eggs, bacon and juice - it'll get you by.
We LOVE New Leaf - they have Everything your heart desires that is good for you - organic and sourced, quality selections in every department - beautiful sundries, soap, lotions, holistic remedies. The cheese selections is top notch, great meat dept, hot food bar with 4 soups daily (always has a vegan option). Sushi bar, juice bar and delectable bakery treats.
56 locals recommend
New Leaf Community Markets
150 San Mateo RdWe LOVE New Leaf - they have Everything your heart desires that is good for you - organic and sourced, quality selections in every department - beautiful sundries, soap, lotions, holistic remedies. The cheese selections is top notch, great meat dept, hot food bar with 4 soups daily (always has a vegan option). Sushi bar, juice bar and delectable bakery treats.
They will get you in and out in no time so you can get back to what you were doing!
Holly Nail & Hair
160 San Mateo RdThey will get you in and out in no time so you can get back to what you were doing!
Not just for your feet! This is by far, the best quick, last minute treat...they charge very little for all they do. Give them a call - they massage until about 9pm! Treat yourself.
7 locals recommend
Cloud 9 Foot Spa
2320 Cabrillo Hwy SNot just for your feet! This is by far, the best quick, last minute treat...they charge very little for all they do. Give them a call - they massage until about 9pm! Treat yourself.
Greenhouse Cleaners
80 Cabrillo HwyThe best and conveniently located.
Rite Aid
170 San Mateo RdRx needs
Seton Coastside Medical Center station
In case of an emergency.
Seton Medical Center
1900 Sullivan AveA bigger hospital.
Arts & Culture
Check out our brand new library! State of the art features - something we are so proud of having in our town.
Half Moon Bay Library
620 Correas StCheck out our brand new library! State of the art features - something we are so proud of having in our town.
One of the most beautiful museums that is about a half hour away from our house - Joan of Arch welcomes you with an incredible backdrop of a magnificent view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk around the back of the museum and find all kinds of Off the beaten path treasures - ps, one of the best public bathrooms is found behind the museum ;)
175 locals recommend
Legion of Honor station
One of the most beautiful museums that is about a half hour away from our house - Joan of Arch welcomes you with an incredible backdrop of a magnificent view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk around the back of the museum and find all kinds of Off the beaten path treasures - ps, one of the best public bathrooms is found behind the museum ;)
A must see - good parking and great Japanese culture is found here - just outside of this area is such great food, restaurants, etc...
6 locals recommend
Japantown Peace Plaza
1610 Geary BlvdA must see - good parking and great Japanese culture is found here - just outside of this area is such great food, restaurants, etc...
Shopping
Paper Crane
412 Main StCards, gifts galore.
From bunnies to chicks and saddles - a real throw back for shopping! A real feed store.
6 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel
331 Main StFrom bunnies to chicks and saddles - a real throw back for shopping! A real feed store.
Clothing and surf boards - you may even meet the Maverick, Jeff Clark himself.
14 locals recommend
Mavericks Surf Company
Pillar Point Harbor BoulevardClothing and surf boards - you may even meet the Maverick, Jeff Clark himself.
Here you will find the most beautiful wear-ables, very affordable and with a fantastic Parisian flair. Gifts and knick knacks, skirts, shirts, blouses, dresses and heritage clothes live here! You may find that hard-to-find dress for the upcoming wedding you're invited to attend!
The Posh Moon
519 Main StHere you will find the most beautiful wear-ables, very affordable and with a fantastic Parisian flair. Gifts and knick knacks, skirts, shirts, blouses, dresses and heritage clothes live here! You may find that hard-to-find dress for the upcoming wedding you're invited to attend!
More than a book store, of course! Cards, books, fun
do-dads, gifts and novelty - beautiful things to browse and share, unforgettable.
Coastside Books, Inc.
432 Main StMore than a book store, of course! Cards, books, fun
do-dads, gifts and novelty - beautiful things to browse and share, unforgettable.
This Bakery has been here for a long, long time - the locals call it "Norms," so don't call it by it's real name - Arcangelis - the bread they bake daily is to die for...our favorite is the herb sourdough - buy two loaves because one will be gone by the time you make it to your destination. They have a deli with really fresh ingredients. They make their own sauces, relishes - a great place to stock up on gifts for making gift baskets. Take a sandwich to the beach or go walk along the board walk in the marsh - amazing birding down there!
19 locals recommend
ARCANGELI GROCERY CO/NORMS MARKET
287 Stage RdThis Bakery has been here for a long, long time - the locals call it "Norms," so don't call it by it's real name - Arcangelis - the bread they bake daily is to die for...our favorite is the herb sourdough - buy two loaves because one will be gone by the time you make it to your destination. They have a deli with really fresh ingredients. They make their own sauces, relishes - a great place to stock up on gifts for making gift baskets. Take a sandwich to the beach or go walk along the board walk in the marsh - amazing birding down there!
Kibbles 'n Gifts
80 Cabrillo Hwy NGifts and animal food for the animal lover.
Mentioned this in the Apple Jacks listing - good food is found here! GO and browse. Check out the La Honda calendar for your stay, there are some events in the Community Center - such as events that sound like Reggae in the Woods! Fun, fun!!
9 locals recommend
La Honda Country Market
8865 La Honda RdMentioned this in the Apple Jacks listing - good food is found here! GO and browse. Check out the La Honda calendar for your stay, there are some events in the Community Center - such as events that sound like Reggae in the Woods! Fun, fun!!
Entertainment & Activities
So fun to cruise down highway 1 and to listen to music in this OLD Mercantile store. Weekends usually has great acoustic music.
32 locals recommend
San Gregorio General Store
7615 Stage RdSo fun to cruise down highway 1 and to listen to music in this OLD Mercantile store. Weekends usually has great acoustic music.
Jazz across from the beach - check out their schedule to see who might be playing while you're in town - they feature some amazing musicians.
Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
311 Mirada RdJazz across from the beach - check out their schedule to see who might be playing while you're in town - they feature some amazing musicians.
Grab a croissant at Mezza Cafe and tootle around the harbor in the early morning, and wake up with the big sea birds and seals; simply put, this is an enchanting experience.
29 locals recommend
Half Moon Bay Kayak Company
2 Johnson PierGrab a croissant at Mezza Cafe and tootle around the harbor in the early morning, and wake up with the big sea birds and seals; simply put, this is an enchanting experience.
Everything Else
Love me some aerial yoga - it's a quiet, beautiful, and easier than it looks, experience. Go ahead and push yourself - you'll be glad you did!
Mojo Yoga
270 Capistrano RdLove me some aerial yoga - it's a quiet, beautiful, and easier than it looks, experience. Go ahead and push yourself - you'll be glad you did!
A nice walk around spot, to view the rugged coastline of Montara - walk along the trails to the north and find the secret beach.
12 locals recommend
HI Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
8800 Cabrillo HwyA nice walk around spot, to view the rugged coastline of Montara - walk along the trails to the north and find the secret beach.