Sometimes Romance needs a little help. If you are looking for a few good ideas to add spark to your relationship, time in Half Moon Bay
will definitely provide you with the serenity, the intimacy, and the variety every relationship boost needs.
 Day 1
Set the mood with amorous accommodations: Jumpstart romance by securing
spectacular B&B hospitality and gorgeous gardens at
Mill Rose Inn or Old Thyme Inn. Or go for casual refinement with a spacious and airy junior suite overlooking the beach at beachfront luxury boutique
Beach House Hotel, or consider staying amongst the Half Moon Bay Golf Links at the Half Moon Bay Lodge. To take it over the top, splurge on
full-blown luxury at one of the super-luxurious spa rooms at the oceanfront
Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, which boasts every possible service and amenity your loving heart desires.
Dine Oceanfront at Miramar Beach Restaurant: Arrive in time for the sun dip beyond the Pacific Ocean horizon and let the lapping waves outside the window set the mood as you toast each other with a glass of California wine and indulge in tasty classics like their famous clam chowder, filet mignon with smoked tomato butter and caramelized onion mashed potatoes, and shrimp scampi.
Day 2
Beach it: Drive south down famed coast-hugging Highway 1 for 17 miles to Bean Hollow State Beach where you can stroll in private and linger on the pristine sandy shoreline or stick closer to home by spending the morning at the section of expansive Half Moon Bay State Beach known as Venice Beach. If you'd like a little seaside exploration with your golden sand, head to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve during low tide to explore the tide pools where you'll find starfish, hermit crabs, urchins, and other marine life flourishing.
Meander downtown Half Moon Bay's historic Main Street: Further ease into the relaxation of coastal living by lingering over a latte on the sidewalk patio at local favorite Moonside Bakery & Café. Then spend an hour or two wandering the street's boutiques showcasing local fine art and crafts, and clothing.
Stop for lunch at the deliciously laid back San Benito House Deli (356 Main Street, 650-726-3425) for the best sandwiches in town, which can be enjoyed alfresco at a picnic table overlooking Main Street.
Hit the spa: Book a couples massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa and make sure to allow enough time to relax in their candlelit co-ed Roman Mineral Bath and/or oceanfront Jacuzzi.
Dinner at Navio: Stick around the Ritz to indulge all the senses in their dining room. Its handsome setting swathed in brown and dark woods overlooks the ocean and its menu features the best of the region's bounty fresh from the farm and sea. Finish the evening with a nightcap in the hotel's sumptuous and softly lit library.
Day 3
Take a scenic drive: Discover the diversity of the region by jumping in the car and making a loop inland, south, and back up the coast to Half Moon bay.
See California Redwoods: Take Highway 92 to Highway 35 to pass through California's famed giant trees in their towering grandeur and majesty.
Taste wine: On highway 92 to stop, sniff, swirl, and sip excellent California wines from Northern and Central California at Obester Winery. Continue south on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) to nearby Thomas Fogarty Winery, which features sensational Santa Cruz Mountain wines.
Visit a stunning nursery: Still headed south, make a point of stopping at Yerba Buena Nursery. It's not only California's oldest nursery dedicated to native plants, but also it's incredibly scenic with babbling brooks, ferns and grottos, and even a tea room.
Do lunch: From Highway 35, get onto Highway 84 headed west and follow to Highway 1 south. Take Highway 1 south to Pescadero Road. Turn onto Pescadero Road and follow to the stop sign at Stage Road and take a left. Stop for lunch at historic Duarte's Tavern, directly on your right in Pescadero. Definitely try classics like the French dip sandwich or fish and chips, but don't miss the spectacular cream of green chili soup or cream of artichoke soup.
Take a beach break: Follow Pescadero Road back to Highway 1. Stop at Pescadero Beach for a walk along the mile-long shore.
Return to Half Moon Bay (north on Highway 1) and have dinner at Café Gibraltar: Reserve one of the back dinner tables at this hidden gem where you can kick off your shoes, recline on pillows, and whisper sweet somethings over outstanding Mediterranean-inspired cuisine (425 Avenue Alhambra, El Granada, 650-560-9039). |
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