Año Nuevo State Park's rich variety of natural and cultural resources draws visitors from around the world. The park’s Natural Preserve offers an extraordinary wilderness experience, where every year up to 10,000 elephant seals return to breed, give birth, and molt their skin amongst the scenic dunes and beaches.
Barbara’s Fishtrap’s beachfront location offers diners an idyllic view between spoonfuls of clam chowder. But the restaurant’s interior offers lots to take in, too: baby blue walls, a ceiling covered in Christmas lights and fish netting, colorfully painted wooden fish, and coral reef-patterned curtains.
Blue Ocean Brewing is the newest craft brewery in the harbor and is already a hit. The three local owners have created a welcoming taproom with a delicious selection of beers, and the resident food truck offers amazing Oaxacan food.
Duarte’s Tavern is in Pescadero, a coastal farming community, so quiet in the morning you can hear the waves crash on the beach two miles away. It is a valley of fava beans and brussel sprouts, pastures of cows and goats, egrets in the marsh and hawks in the creekside trees. It is as serene and lovely as it was a century ago. It is where friends meet.
Situated on more than a mile of beautiful beaches along the San Mateo County Coast of California, Half Moon Bay Golf Links features 36 holes of stunning golf located just 30 minutes from Costanoa.
Looking for a different view of the coast? Half Moon Bay Kayak Co has rentals of bicycles and paddle boards! The Coastal trail is a nice, mostly-flat path with stunning views of the Pacific. The harbor also provides a calm and semi-protected place to rent paddle boards. Seals are often seen in this area!
The Harbor Cafe has been a staple in the local community for over 60 years. What started out as a local hangout for Sailors and Fishermen has expanded into an award-winning Santa Cruz brunch hot spot. Incredible food, cocktails & service are combined with fun & casual good vibes.
Humble Sea is a coastal brewery making beer in the kook capital of the world — Santa Cruz, California. They make soft, hoppy flavorful beers, mixed culture barrel aged beers, bold imperial stouts, and lagers crafted closely to tradition.
Jettywave Distillery a critically acclaimed seaside destination crafted for those who prefer to ride beach cruisers while waving at passing friends along PCH... to enjoy a spirited experience worthy of the modern coastal life.
Loma Mar Store & Kitchen is a historic Bay Area gathering place, established around 1930, offerIng food, groceries, supplies and live music with small-town hospitality.
WHERE SURF, LIVE MUSIC, FOOD AND GOOD TIMES GATHER. A year-round venue for live music, Old Princeton Landing (OPL) is also known as the the Coastside’s Biggest Little Music House.
Pie Ranch farmstand is packed with lots of goodies, including Senatore Cappelli whole grain flour, blue corn flour, dry heirloom beans, and so many preserves. They sell prints, jewelry, and ceramics from local artists, as well as medicinal herbs, grass-fed beef and locally pastured chicken and pork, and Pie Ranch hats, shirts, and tote bags.
Perched on a cliff on the central California coast, 50 miles south of San Francisco, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in America, has been guiding mariners since 1872.
Pillar Point Bluff offers hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and dog-walkers a chance to take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean. The 220-acre bluff top includes a section of the California Coastal Trail and offers views of Half Moon Bay and Pillar Point Harbor, agricultural lands and the world famous Mavericks surf break.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains overlooking Half Moon Bay. The centerpiece of this 5,412-acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, rushing creek, and understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Magnificent views of the coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve.
Ridge Monte Bello is considered by many to be among the best wines in the world, and certainly among the most, if not the most famous, from California. Through its Monte Bello Cabernet-based bottling, Ridge helped show that California wine could compete with the most respected wines in the world. At the same time, no other winery in California has done so much to elevate Zinfandel from its early reputation as jug wine to fine wine respectability.
Sam’s Chowder House restaurant in Half Moon Bay serves sustainable ocean fresh seafood, reminiscent of a New England style seafood house. Voted “Best Seafood in the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Bay Area A-List, and named “Top Three Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area” by San Francisco Magazine, this iconic Half Moon Bay restaurant serves lobster, crab, fish and chips, fried calamari, fresh oysters and clams from the raw bar, and many fresh fish dishes such as salmon and halibut.
The Garden Deli @ San Benito House is widely known for having the best sandwiches on the coast. It’s no secret to the many locals and travelers who line the sidewalk on a daily basis. The difference is the homemade bread, offered in three varieties, freshly baked every morning. The Cantina features craft beer, tequila, & Mexican Fare located within one of the oldest buildings in Half Moon Bay. The atmosphere is fun, and the service is warm and friendly. Tequila, Cervezas, & Mexican Fare. What more do you need?
Historic old west general store - classic country bar - picnic fare, clothes, books, gifts, curiosities - live music Friday through Sunday, just one mile from San Gregorio state beach.
The family-operated Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been entertaining locals and visitors since 1907. The oldest amusement park in California and one of the last seaside amusement parks on the west coast of the United States, the Boardwalk remains a favorite destination for Northern California families. The Giant Dipper roller coaster and Looff Carousel are both National Historic Landmarks and the entire Boardwalk property is a California Historic Landmark.
Shark Fin Cove is a small and quiet cove, named after the giant rock shaped like a shark's fin, located along the Pacific Coast. Here, you can swim in the waters, laze by the beach, explore the sea caves and old mining tunnel, and even embark on a hike along the trails at the top of the cove—it's great for its sunset views, too. Just make sure to visit during low tide if you want to access the cove.
Located directly on the beach, this Taco Bell even has a walk-up ordering window for surfers. Tacos with a magnificent ocean view? Yes, please.
The Mystery Spot is a visual illusion–based tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, California. George Prather opened The Mystery Spot in 1941. Visitors of the Mystery Spot experience gravity-defying demonstrations on the short but steep uphill walk