Articles by Garrick Ramirez

Garrick Ramirez is a freelance writer and photographer who loves sharing compelling destinations within California. As a native, he has yet to tire of exploring the many cities, small towns, and natural splendor found throughout the state. His travel guides have appeared in the SF Chronicle, Via Magazine, and The Mercury News among others. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and son.

Don’t let the diminutive size of Montara fool you. What it lacks in population, it makes up with grand-scale scenery. Engulfed by mountains and the Pacific, the cozy coastal community enjoys one of the most dramatically beautiful pockets along the Half Moon Bay Coastside. Set roughly 20 miles south of San Francisco, the quiet… Read more →
A former stop on the Ocean Shore Railroad, the quiet community of Moss Beach has lured visitors since its inception in the 1880s. Today, the railroad is long gone, but the magnificent coastal splendor remains. Though just 22 miles from the clamor of nearby San Francisco, Moss Beach’s undisturbed coastline feels worlds away. Here,… Read more →
With grand-scale splendor and small-town charm, the Half Moon Bay Coastside is a beloved destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Yet, it’s not just visitors flocking to its shores. As jobs—and housing prices—heat up in nearby San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the Coastside is becoming an attractive residential option… Read more →
Offering more than the usual surf and sand, Miramar Beach is a hidden gem within the Half Moon Bay Coastside. Here, you’ll discover a charming, tight-knit coastal community brimming with quaint beach homes, bohemian vibes, and plenty of activities to fill a weekend. WHAT TO DO Miramar Beach A popular destination on sunny days,… Read more →
Coffin varnish, jiggle soup, and bathtub gin are just some of the colorful names used to describe the moonshine that filled Coastside stills and speakeasies during the Prohibition years of 1920 to 1933. Thanks to a landscape of secluded canyons and fog-shrouded coves—plus close proximity to a major market such as San Francisco—… Read more →