Just off Main Street, the Coastside History Museum is situated behind the Half Moon Bay’s historic 1919 jail, where visitors can wander through a concrete cellblock and browse exhibits that trace the varied past of the San Mateo County coast. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from early coastal farming communities, railroads, and the mid-century surfing scene, along with stories from the Ohlone period and immigrant populations that helped shape the region. Exhibits are thoughtfully curated and updated, with a clear emphasis on local voices and timelines.
Between the jail and the museum building, a native plant garden brings another layer of history to life. Designed to reflect the original coastal ecosystem, the garden supports pollinators and birds while showcasing species once common across the blufftops and valleys. It’s a pleasant stop—especially for those who enjoy slow, sensory detail. Open on weekends and select weekdays, the site is ADA accessible and staffed by knowledgeable docents when available. Visitors are encouraged to take photos in the jail (yes, “cell-fies” are a thing) and linger among the plants that once helped define this part of the California coast.
