Savvy surfers, seashell seekers,
creators of castles in the sand, beach bums, nurturers of nature, and those
looking for relaxing rejuvenation will find it in Half Moon Bay, CA. It is just
a short drive south of San Francisco.
The Beach House Inn on California’s
famed Highway 1, just north of the village of Half Moon Bay, is the perfect base
from which to taste all the treats on this part of the California coast. At the
Beach House one can gaze mesmerized by the Pacific from their balcony, stroll
along the 6-mile coastal trail, or unwind with an aroma therapy massage. The
temptation to sit on the balcony watching the ever-changing sea until the sun
sets, and then cozy up around the fireplace with a glass of local wine at night
is strong, but there is much to do in the area.
Head north to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
located in Moss Beach. This spectacular stretch of coastline includes a large,
shallow marine shelf. During low tide, each pool is a treasure chest of
discovery. The tide pools are full of marine life in a resplendent array of
colors and textures. Since becoming a protected area in 1969, scientists have
discovered 25 new marine invertebrate and plant species while gaining insight
into the complex interdependencies of the coastal marine ecosystem. The
retreating tides expose a changing array of seashore life clinging to rocks.
Look and admire the shells, but take nothing from the protected area.
On the return stop at Moss Beach
Distillery for lunch with a view. It is where the word spirits take on a new
meaning. The Distillery, known as one of the best dining places along Highway 1,
is home to the Blue Lady Keep an eye on the Tiffany lights hanging over the
bar. They have been known to sway. Is it the spirit of the Blue Lady, or the
bartender’s shenanigans? The Blue Lady, a married lady, was carrying on an
illicit affair with piano playing dandy more than 80 years ago. Tragically
killed in a car accident, her restless spirit is often seen in and around the
distillery. Even when she remains illusive the staff and diners sometimes feel
her presence.
Wander Pillar Point docks where
the fishermen bring in the fresh catch of the day ranging from sardines to
salmon. We were amazed at the number of sardines being put on ice and loaded
into a tractor trailer truck. “Dutch,” who was overseeing the transfer from boat
to container to truck explained, “We don’t over fish. We know how to protect our
ocean so our children can enjoy it.” And enjoy the ocean is exactly what people
do – from fishermen to surfers to kayakers to whale watchers.
Looking for something a bit more
energetic? Check out the Half Moon Bay Golf Links featuring two award-winning
18-hole championship golf courses overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Or, horseback
or bike riding along the coastal trail. Or just wander the shore looking for
shells, seals, and surfers.
Wander the village of Half Moon Bay
with its trendy shops and restaurants. Try to plan a visit during one of their
festivals such as their popular Pumpkin Festival. Create your own adventure.
Discover the beaches, parks, bird refuges, go fishing, whale watching, or
kayaking. Visit historic Johnston House, enjoy wine tasting at one of the
wineries, go horseback riding, visit a lighthouse, golf, so shopping… so much to
do, so little time.
TM
Savvy surfers, seashell seekers,
creators of castles in the sand, beach bums, nurturers of nature, and those
looking for relaxing rejuvenation will find it in Half Moon Bay, CA. It is just
a short drive south of San Francisco.
The Beach House Inn on California’s
famed Highway 1, just north of the village of Half Moon Bay, is the perfect base
from which to taste all the treats on this part of the California coast. At the
Beach House one can gaze mesmerized by the Pacific from their balcony, stroll
along the 6-mile coastal trail, or unwind with an aroma therapy massage. The
temptation to sit on the balcony watching the ever-changing sea until the sun
sets, and then cozy up around the fireplace with a glass of local wine at night
is strong, but there is much to do in the area. 
Head north to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
located in Moss Beach. This spectacular stretch of coastline includes a large,
shallow marine shelf. During low tide, each pool is a treasure chest of
discovery. The tide pools are full of marine life in a resplendent array of
colors and textures. Since becoming a protected area in 1969, scientists have
discovered 25 new marine invertebrate and plant species while gaining insight
into the complex interdependencies of the coastal marine ecosystem. The
retreating tides expose a changing array of seashore life clinging to rocks.
Look and admire the shells, but take nothing from the protected area.
On the return stop at Moss Beach
Distillery for lunch with a view. It is where the word spirits take on a new
meaning. The Distillery, known as one of the best dining places along Highway 1,
is home to the Blue Lady Keep an eye on the Tiffany lights hanging over the
bar. They have been known to sway. Is it the spirit of the Blue Lady, or the
bartender’s shenanigans? The Blue Lady, a married lady, was carrying on an
illicit affair with piano playing dandy more than 80 years ago. Tragically
killed in a car accident, her restless spirit is often seen in and around the
distillery. Even when she remains illusive the staff and diners sometimes feel
her presence. 
Wander Pillar Point docks where
the fishermen bring in the fresh catch of the day ranging from sardines to
salmon. We were amazed at the number of sardines being put on ice and loaded
into a tractor trailer truck. “Dutch,” who was overseeing the transfer from boat
to container to truck explained, “We don’t over fish. We know how to protect our
ocean so our children can enjoy it.” And enjoy the ocean is exactly what people
do – from fishermen to surfers to kayakers to whale watchers. 
Looking for something a bit more
energetic? Check out the Half Moon Bay Golf Links featuring two award-winning
18-hole championship golf courses overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Or, horseback
or bike riding along the coastal trail. Or just wander the shore looking for
shells, seals, and surfers.
Wander the village of Half Moon Bay
with its trendy shops and restaurants. Try to plan a visit during one of their
festivals such as their popular Pumpkin Festival. Create your own adventure.
Discover the beaches, parks, bird refuges, go fishing, whale watching, or
kayaking. Visit historic Johnston House, enjoy wine tasting at one of the
wineries, go horseback riding, visit a lighthouse, golf, so shopping… so much to
do, so little time.