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 Santa Clara takes 1h 01m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Jose, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 16m 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 Sacramento, the bus ride to Half Moon Bay takes 125 miles and will cost you around $19. From Fresno, the ticket costs about $34 for a journey of 265 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 Santa Clara takes 1h 01m and costs around $18 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from San Jose, expect to pay about $19 for a 1h 16m 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 Sacramento, the bus ride to Half Moon Bay takes 125 miles and will cost you around $19. From Fresno, the ticket costs about $34 for a journey of 265 miles.

Airports near Half Moon Bay

Airlines serving Half Moon Bay

Lufthansa
Good (4,690 reviews)
KLM
Good (838 reviews)
SWISS
Good (956 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,653 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,239 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,573 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,601 reviews)
Air France
Good (985 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,108 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,420 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,994 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (6,020 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (860 reviews)
LOT
Good (678 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (802 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (933 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,173 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (840 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Half Moon Bay

Average rates range from around $342 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $1,075 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, 314 reviews)
$372+
Oceano Hotel and Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 511 reviews)
$369+
Bay Landing Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1568 reviews)
$121+
Aristocrat Hotel, BW Signature Collection
2 stars
Excellent (8.6, 513 reviews)
$239+
The Oceanfront Hotel On Miramarbeach Hmb
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 277 reviews)
$415+
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, 112 reviews)
$1,075+

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 18% cheaper than airport locations in Half Moon Bay.

Expect to pay $3.82 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 $45.88 and $61.17. The most frequently booked car type in Half Moon Bay is Compact (Ford EcoSport or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 75% 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 18% cheaper than airport locations in Half Moon Bay.

Expect to pay $3.82 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 $45.88 and $61.17. The most frequently booked car type in Half Moon Bay is Compact (Ford EcoSport or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Spark or similar) are, on average, 75% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.