Half Moon Bay | San Mateo County, CA | Coastside Living at Its Finest
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Browse All ListingsPopulation: 13,000+
Cabrillo Unified School District serves the coastside communities from Montara to Pescadero, including Half Moon Bay. The district provides K–12 education with a focus on environmental science and small-class learning.
| School | Level | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Half Moon Bay High School | High | B+ |
| Cunha Intermediate School | Middle | B |
| Hatch Elementary | Elementary | 7/10 |
| Alvin S. Hatch Elementary | Elementary | 7/10 |
Charming Main Street with locally owned shops, galleries, restaurants, and the historic feel of a coastal village.
Beachfront neighborhood north of downtown known for Miramar Beach, surf breaks, and the Oceano Hotel & Spa.
Residential area with ocean views on the bluffs, newer construction, and proximity to the Coastal Trail.
Established residential neighborhoods with a range of home styles, community parks, and a family-oriented atmosphere.
Southern residential area near Poplar Beach, offering a mix of homes with easy access to the Coastside Trail and open farmland.
Highway 92 connects to the Peninsula over the Santa Cruz Mountains (~30 min to I-280/US-101). Highway 1 runs along the coast. No direct rail service — SamTrans Route 17 connects to Hillsdale Caltrain. SFO approximately 35 minutes away. Devil's Slide tunnel provides reliable coastal access.
Main Street features farm-to-table restaurants, artisan bakeries, and local shops. Notable spots include It's Italia, Main Street Grill, and La Costanera (Peruvian fine dining on the cliffs). Weekend visitors flock to the coastside for fresh seafood, u-pick farms, and breweries.
Half Moon Bay State Beach (4 miles of sandy coastline), Poplar Beach, Coastal Trail for walking and biking, Pillar Point Harbor and Mavericks surf break, horseback riding on the beach, and world-class golf at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ritz-Carlton).
Seton Coastside Medical Center provides basic emergency and outpatient services. For specialized care, residents travel over the hill to Peninsula hospitals (Mills-Peninsula, Sequoia, Stanford). Telemedicine is increasingly used.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (attracts 250,000+ visitors each October), Coastside Farmers' Market, Fourth of July celebration, Mavericks Surf Competition (big wave surfing), and the Dream Machines car show.
The commute from Half Moon Bay involves driving over Highway 92 through the Santa Cruz Mountains to reach the Peninsula. In good conditions it takes about 25–30 minutes to reach I-280 or US-101. During peak hours or bad weather, it can take 45–60+ minutes. There is no direct rail service. Many residents work remotely or have flexible schedules.
The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is held annually in October and draws over 250,000 visitors. It features the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off (winners often exceed 2,000 lbs), live music, arts and crafts vendors, and a parade. Main Street transforms into a massive festival grounds.
Mavericks is a world-famous big wave surf break located at Pillar Point, just north of Half Moon Bay. Waves can reach 40–60+ feet during winter swells. The Mavericks Surf Competition invites the world's top big wave surfers and draws international attention. Even on calm days, Pillar Point Harbor is a scenic destination.
Yes, Half Moon Bay experiences coastal fog, especially in summer months (locals call it 'June Gloom'). Morning fog often burns off by midday. Fog is less prevalent in fall and spring. Many residents enjoy the cooler microclimate as a contrast to the warmer Peninsula, and the atmospheric conditions contribute to the town's coastal charm.
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