Plan your trip to Half Moon Bay, CA

The coastal city of Half Moon Bay is just a short 30-mile drive south of San Francisco, Calif. The picturesque farming and surfing beach destination began as home to Coastanoan Indians, and was then settled by Spanish and Mexican settlers, giving the early town the nickname “Spanishtown.”

Visit the many flower farms that dot the Coastside, or come to Half Moon Bay in October, for the annual Art and Pumpkin Festival—where you can taste all sorts of foods made from the gourd, as well as view some truly giant pumpkins.

Venture just a short distance north (about five miles) to Pillar Point Harbor, to see the only protected harbor between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Fishermen here sell their catch off their boats year-round. Get closer to the water by taking a kayak tour or fishing excursion. Famed Maverick’s surf break, for only the best and bravest big wave surfers, is just off the shore of Pillar Point.