Families

With work, school, and the whirlwind of social activities finding time to spend with the family is precious. Even more precious is engaging in activities that suit the entire family.

Whether you have little ones in tow, or the family is old enough to wander on their own, Half Moon Bay has great activities that everyone will enjoy and remember. Spend one day or three remembering why you had children in the first place!

Day 1

Get settled: Book kid-friendly accommodations. English "bed and beverage" Cameron's Inn is a family favorite thanks to homey digs complete with a downstairs pub (with outstanding burgers) and video arcade within a classic British double-decker bus. Smack in the middle of Main Street shopping and dining, Zaballa House welcomes small families (and dogs!) with pretty B&B-style abodes, some of which have two beds. Both the Ramada Inn and Comfort Inn are well appointed, affordable, and accommodating with kitchens and extra beds.

Dine at Cameron's Inn. Relax in a friendly family pub atmosphere and feast on fish & chips, burgers, pizza, and pub snacks while marveling at the huge beer can collection. Want to have one last pint and linger over the live music? No problem. The on-site video arcade can keep the kids preoccupied.

Day 2

Take the brood on an outdoor adventure. Create a morning to remember by contacting Sea Horse Ranch & Friendly Acres Horse Rentals and scheduling horseback riding through coastal trails and onto Half Moon Bay's pristine beach. Or suit up the clan in life vests, hit the water, and take a kayaking class. Regardless, make sure to spend a little time at Pillar Point Harbor (where kayaking classes embark) to watch fisherman unloading their day's bounty off local fishing boats and take an educational tour with the harbor crew.

Shop and eat downtown: Take the family for a stroll along quaint Main Street where you can browse fun boutiques and grab outstanding- -and very affordable- -sandwiches at San Benito House Deli (356 Main Street, 650-726-3425) and dine at picnic table in the garden overlooking Main Street. Thrill the kids with a stop at Half Moon Bay Feed & Fuel, which showcases and sells chicks, roosters, guinea pigs, and bunnies.

Indulge in a scenic dinner at Miramar Beach Restaurant (Pacific Ocean at Magallen Avenue, 650-726-9053). It's romantic and classy enough to satisfy your desire for great food and oceanfront atmosphere (think rack of lamb with minted lamb jus and waves lapping outside the window) and family-friendly enough to highlight a kids' menu featuring well-priced favorites like grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese.

Day 3

Go on a tidepooling excursion at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. When you embark depends on low tide, but regardless, once the water recedes, you can get up close and personal with plants and marine invertebrates (think hermit crabs, starfish, little fish, and more). To make the most of your experience, stop by the Ranger's building (located near the parking lot) to check out the books and exhibits. And don't forget to wear shoes with good traction- -such as athletic shoes or reef shoes.

Have lunch in Half Moon Bay at Tres Amigos (200 S. Cabrillo Hwy (Hwy 1), 650-726-6080): Join locals for excellent inexpensive Mexican food, including mammoth carne asada burritos and kid-friendly quesadillas.

Spend the afternoon at Lemos Farm: On weekends you can tour the working farm and ride a pony or train.

Dine at Cetrella Bistro & Cafe: Treat the kids and yourself to an evening of delicious cuisine made from the region's bounty fresh from the ocean and local farms- -and live music on Thursday through Saturday nights. If the tot's aren't into adventurous eating, there's always the kids menu featuring pizza, fries, and plain pasta.