Nothing beats the thrill of real-life play and wonder. In Half Moon Bay, kids can trade Wi-Fi for tidepools, pony rides, and wide-open space—while parents get a chance to slow down.
With a dazzling landscape of farms and beaches, the Half Moon Bay Coastside is a nature-filled playground that inspires adventure in all ages. Below, we’ve rounded up kid-friendly activities and attractions sure to delight little ones and the young-at-heart.
Bike the California Coastal Trail
Don’t pass up an opportunity to cruise this exhilarating path as it winds over rivers, through fields of colorful wildflowers, and along the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Nearly completely removed from traffic, the level dedicated trail provides a fun and safe way for families to experience the beauty of the coast.
Go Tidepooling at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
At low tide, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve transforms into a natural aquarium where kids can spot sea stars, crabs, and anemones in shallow tidepools. Smooth coastal trails and a gentle bluff-top overlook make it accessible for younger children and strollers, while the opportunity to explore hands-on marine life encourages curiosity and outdoor play.
Pet Goats at Harley Farms
Even adults will feel like a kid at this magical goat farm set in the serene pastures of Pescadero. While the formal two-hour tour may not be suited for little ones, everyone will enjoy wandering the scenic grounds, admiring the goats and llamas, and sampling savory and sweet goodies in the farm-chic cheese shop housed in a converted hay barn.
Enjoy Rootin’ Tootin’ Fun at Lemos Farm
See the Coast by Horseback with Sea Horse Ranch
If pony rides are no longer cutting it with your older ones, kids aged seven and older can saddle up on a gentle horse ride that takes them clip-clopping along the region’s coastal bluffs and sandy shores. Sea Horse Ranch welcomes both first-time and seasoned riders, and will match guests with a horse to suit their experience and comfort. Note: reservations are required.
Explore Francis Beach
Picking a beach in Half Moon Bay is a game of eeny-meeny-miney-moe: you can’t go wrong. Yet Francis Beach is an especially good option for families thanks to its easy accessibility. A parking lot with immediate beach access relieves the need to scramble down a steep cliff to reach the sand. Oceanfront tables are perfect for family picnics, and a nearby visitor center invites little hands to fidget with a range of interactive nature exhibits.
Easy Hiking on the Devil’s Slide Trail
Enjoy a Frozen Treat at Gulino Gelato
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Small Town Sweets
Family Friendly Dining
Half Moon Bay offers a wide range of dining options, and truthfully, just about any restaurant here can be a great choice for families. Many spots welcome kids with relaxed service, flexible menus, and outdoor seating that makes mealtimes easy. Still, a few places stand out for going the extra mile to make little ones feel right at home—whether it’s a fun setting, kid-friendly favorites, or space to move around.
Dad's Luncheonette
What’s more fun than dining from a 100-year-old train caboose? At Dad’s Luncheonette, kiddos get simplified burgers and kid-approved mac-and-cheese, while adults savor fried egg-topped burgers and mushroom sandwiches (trust us: they’re delicious). Don’t let the humble setting fool you. Before opening this fun roadside eatery, talented co-owner Scott Clark (aka Dad) cooked at San Francisco’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Saison.
Full Hearts Arcade and Eats
This fun and unexpected addition to downtown is sure to be a hit with families. The casual eatery combines comfort food with a retro-style arcade—think pinball machines, vintage video games, and kid-friendly fun in a laid-back setting. It’s a spot where parents can enjoy a meal while kids stay entertained, making it especially handy on foggy days or for an easy evening out.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Located steps from Pillar Point Harbor, this spot has a large outdoor patio where families can dine with an ocean breeze. There’s a kids’ menu with crowd-pleasers like grilled cheese and chicken strips, and plenty to watch—from fishing boats to sea lions just offshore. Bonus: adults can relax with a local beer while kids explore the nearby harbor path.
Ketch Harbor Pub
Ketch Harbor Pub offers relaxed harborside dining with plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy a meal together. The casual atmosphere, outdoor seating, and views of Pillar Point Harbor make it a great stop after a beach walk or tidepool adventure. The menu includes chowder, sandwiches, seafood plates, and shareable sides—easy wins for both kids and adults. The friendly service and laid-back vibe make it a comfortable option for families with school-age children and up.
Nano's Ohana Cafe
Sam's Chowder House
Make the Most of Your Coastside Visit
Whether you’re building sandcastles, meeting goats, or digging into a post-beach burger, Half Moon Bay offers families a laid-back mix of nature, play, and good food. It’s a place where kids can roam safely and freely, and parents can slow their pace without sacrificing comfort or quality. With so many easygoing activities packed into one stretch of coastline, even a short visit can feel full and memorable.
Planning ahead can help you fit more into your day, but spontaneity works here too. Follow the coastal trail until someone spots a tidepool, pop into a sweet shop between meals, or take your time lingering over a harbor-view lunch. There’s no wrong way to experience the Coastside.
And whether you’re here for a few hours, a full weekend, or a midweek escape, you’ll find plenty of reasons to come back. The fog rolls in, the farms change with the seasons, and new favorites are always popping up along Main Street. For families looking to connect, Half Moon Bay is worth visiting again and again.