When my son suggested that we consider Half Moon Bay for our annual California get-a-way weekend, I had to pull up a map to see where it is. I discovered it, directly west of Silicone Valley, south of San Francisco.
Looking at photos of the area I realized that it fit our criteria perfectly. Gorgeous scenery. Beach. Outdoor activities. Not too far from S.F.
While the craggy California coast, sandwiched between S.F. and better known Carmel or Big Sur, has a reputation for lots of fog and big winds, we hit the sweet spot of perfect weather for our long weekend the end of April. We also hit maximum traffic and congestion, something Californians are used to but we shake our heads at. Amazed there can be so many people going so many different directions.
On the Sunday of our weekend there, it took us an hour to go ten miles on Route 1 because everyone apparently wanted to go the same place we did. The town and the area doesn’t feel overdeveloped though. I understand they are strict environmental codes.
We dealt with the traffic and enjoyed our time there—walking the Coastal trail, enjoying the expansive ocean from our beach side hotel and soaking up the scenes. I loved seeing the surfers and the families digging for clams early in the morning.
I also really loved an evening at the spectacular Ritz-Carlton where we enjoyed the “wow’ of a view of velvet green golf course contrasted with cobalt blue of the ocean. The most elite traveler has to be in awe. Nothing to be blasé about. Savoring fancy cocktails we listened to the timeless sounds of a bagpiper sounding as if he came directly from Scotland.
It was an emotional respite, a psychic clearing. Really a great getaway. Hope you enjoy these scenes and you’ll see why I liked my four days there so much.
