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Half Moon Bay is a dream for foodies. From May through December the Coastside farmer’s market showcases some of the best in local produce, but year round you’ll find outstanding farms, seafood and great restaurants that utilize the best local products. Here are some top picks for a long weekend getaway.

FRIDAY

Ease into the weekend

Get into the swing of things before checking in to your hotel. Half Moon Bay Distillery is a craft distillery, located at Pillar Point Harbor. Ulli and Caesar Bisono make high quality premium spirits in small batches. Take a tour and taste their Purissima vodka and Harvard Avenue Gin. If you prefer wine, head inland to La Nebbia Winery based in Half Moon Bay with a lovely garden and tasting room where you can try wines made from grapes from a variety of regions in California.

HMB Distillery
Ulli and Caesar Bisono at the Half Moon Bay Distillery
Check in

Half Moon Bay Inn is located right on Main Street downtown, in a 1932 Spanish Revival style building. Each room is beautifully and uniquely furnished and has luxurious touches like marble bathrooms and artful decor. Park and then enjoy exploring downtown on foot.

HMB Inn
Half Moon Bay Inn is located right on Main Street downtown
A meal to remember

While the Ritz Carlton is famous for their weekend brunch, the elegant dining room Navio with jaw dropping views of the coast is the perfect spot for a memorable dinner. Chef Pringle buys local and even sources wild foraged ingredients to use in his modern cuisine.

Navio seafond
Chef Pringle buys local and even sources wild foraged ingredients to use in his modern cuisine

SATURDAY

Grab a bite and have some coffee

Walk over to Half Moon Bay Coffee Co. and soak up the vibes. This is a place where locals congregate and it’s in part due to their tremendous selection of whole bean coffees. Whether you’re stopping in a for a quick cup or a leisurely breakfast, it’s comfortable and friendly.

HMB Coffee Co
Half Moon Bay Coffee Co.
Off to the farm

Harley Farms is an award-winning goat farm located in Pescadero. The friendly goats are the main attraction, but the cheese is also outstanding. Be sure to plan ahead as their tours are very popular! Pick up a pretty round topped with fresh flowers or take home some of their goat milk enriched bath and body products.

Goat Cheese
Freshly made goat cheese at Harley Farms
A classic lunch spot

Duarte’s Tavern also located in Pescadero is a James Beard Award winning “American Classic.” Get there early to dig into their famous cream of artichoke soup (or try it with a swirl of cream of green chile soup) as well as local fish or oysters and a slice of their olallieberry pie.

Duarte's Pie
Olallieberry pie at Duarte's in Pescadero
It’s happening at the harbor

Head to Pillar Point Harbor for a walk along the docks. You can check out the boats, birds and maybe get a glimpse of the fishermen’s catch. You can often buy fresh fish or crab right off the boat at this real working harbor.

Seagull
At Pillar Point Harbor, you can check out the boats, birds and maybe get a glimpse of the fishermen’s catch
Drinks, dinner and music

One of the most scenic spots for dining on the coast is Sam’s Chowder House. Sam’s not only has great chowder, but expertly prepared fresh local seafood. Fridays and Saturdays there’s live music in the bar, everything from blues and jazz to flamenco guitar. 

Cioppino at Sam's
Cioppino at Sam's Chowder House

SUNDAY

Treat yourself to breakfast

Cute little Moonside Bakery offers a variety of baked goods and breakfast options including breakfast pizzas and burritos, eggs, pancakes, waffles, and their decadent brioche French toast.   It’s casual, affordable and portions are generous.

Breakfast at Moonside Bakery
Breakfast at Moonside Bakery
A hot spot for lunch

Look for the red caboose and you’ve found Dad’s Luncheonette. Chef Scott Clark has drawn raves for his short but sweet menu of burger, mushroom sandwich, mac and cheese, herb salad, homemade potato chips and a daily soup and dessert. You can’t go wrong no matter what you order.

Dad's Luncheonette
Salad at Dad's Luncheonette
Pick up a souvenir

If you’re looking for something sweet, look no further than Sweet 55, a little chocolate and pastry shop in a strip mall just next to Dad’s Luncheonette. The award winning Swiss style chocolate confections by Ursula Schnyder, who grew up, trained and worked in Switzerland. Don’t miss the Good Food award-winning Swiss alp “EMJ” bar with praline filling.

Sweet 55
Sweet 55
Farm to table Italian style

Pasta Moon is a long time favorite of locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s mission is supporting local farms and has been committed to sustainable dining for over 30 years. They specialize in pasta including a signature dish their butternut squash ravioli, but also offer terrific pizzas and a wide variety of antipasti, soups and salads.

Lasagne at Pasta Moon
Lasagne at Pasta Moon

Ready to spend some time with us in Half Moon Bay? Book your stay today.

Amy Sherman is a local food and travel writer. She’s the author of Williams Sonoma New Flavors for Appetizers and Wine Passport Portugal and has written for food, travel and lifestyle publications including Afar, Food Network, Marin magazine, Fodor's and 7x7. After years of driving past Half Moon Bay on her way to and from UC Santa Cruz, she’s now happy to stop and fully enjoy its charms.