Half Moon Bay travel guide

Half Moon Bay Tourism | Half Moon Bay Guide

You're Going to Love Half Moon Bay

With a population of 11,324, Half Moon Bay is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Half Moon Bay to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Half Moon Bay

If you’re looking for affordable options, Miramar Beach Restaurant (131 Mirada Road) and VIA UNO Cucina Italiana & Bar (2810 Cabrillo Highway One North) are great picks.

When to visit Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay in December
Estimated hotel price
$217
1 night at 3-star hotel
Half Moon Bay in December
Estimated hotel price
$217
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Half Moon Bay in August, when the average temperature is 59 °F, and the highest can go up to 64.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 42.8 °F, with an average temperature of 50 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 5.2″. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in Half Moon Bay, with an average rainfall of 0.1″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Half Moon Bay

Plane

When flying to Half Moon Bay, you’ll arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO), which is located 11 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Half Moon Bay include American Airlines, Air France and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to Half Moon Bay departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Half Moon Bay. The train journey from Half Moon Bay to Sacramento takes 1h 37m and costs around $29 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $28 for a 4h 00m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Half Moon Bay is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 23 miles from Half Moon Bay. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Half Moon Bay using Greyhound or FlixBus. From Oakland, the bus ride to Half Moon Bay takes 25 miles and will cost you around $9. From Reno, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 395 miles.

Plane

When flying to Half Moon Bay, you’ll arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO), which is located 11 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Half Moon Bay include American Airlines, Air France and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to Half Moon Bay departs from Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Half Moon Bay. The train journey from Half Moon Bay to Sacramento takes 1h 37m and costs around $29 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $28 for a 4h 00m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Half Moon Bay is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 23 miles from Half Moon Bay. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Half Moon Bay using Greyhound or FlixBus. From Oakland, the bus ride to Half Moon Bay takes 25 miles and will cost you around $9. From Reno, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 395 miles.

Airports near Half Moon Bay

Airlines serving Half Moon Bay

Lufthansa
Good (4,678 reviews)
KLM
Good (845 reviews)
SWISS
Good (950 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,622 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,257 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,582 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,109 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,434 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,983 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,996 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (856 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (812 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (934 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,169 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay

Average rates range from around $329 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $1,084 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Half Moon Bay

Most booked hotels in Half Moon Bay

The Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 312 reviews)
$357+
Oceano Hotel and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 513 reviews)
$369+
Bay Landing Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1568 reviews)
$120+
Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 513 reviews)
$238+
The Oceanfront Hotel On Miramarbeach Hmb
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 279 reviews)
$415+
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 113 reviews)
$1,084+

Renting a car in Half Moon Bay

Renting a car in Half Moon Bay costs $59 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 17% cheaper than airport locations in Half Moon Bay.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Half Moon Bay (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Half Moon Bay is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 68% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Half Moon Bay costs $59 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 17% cheaper than airport locations in Half Moon Bay.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Half Moon Bay (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Half Moon Bay is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 68% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.