Half Moon Bay began as a rural agriculture area, primarily used for grazing of cattle, horses, and oxen used by Mission San Francisco de Asis (established in June 1776). In the early nineteenth century land grants were given to Spanish settlers, who established farms and ranches.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Francis State Beach also known as Half Moon Bay State Beach is a protected beach located in Half Moon Bay in California. Four miles of broad, sandy beaches stretch out to welcome visitors to Half Moon Bay. This picturesque setting is ideal for sunbathing, fishing and picnicking. A campground provides accommodations for those who wish to visit longer.
Pillar Point Harbor
Half Moon Bay's abundance of sea life makes for more than good sight seeing- -it makes for great catching and eating, too. You can head down to Pillar Point Harbor, a working fishing harbor and gateway to the National Marine Sanctuary and the open ocean, to drop a line or watch fishermen offload the day's catches (including squid, crab, salmon, rock cod, albacore tuna, sand dabs, and halibut), or buy fresh seafood pulled straight from the ocean.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is located next to the famous Mavericks surf break, home to some of the world´s toughest big wave surfing and the annual Mavericks Surf Competition. From kayaking and surfing to mountain biking and hiking, the brewery provides the ideal ending or beginning to an active day at the coast. Guests can relax on the patio and enjoy a cool brew and/or delicious meal while taking in the sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
Lemos Farm
Established in 1942, Lemos Farm began as a dairy farm, morphed to a Christmas tree farm and is now brings hours of fun to children young and old. Kids can ride ponies, explore two haunted houses (one that's more young child friendly and one that's scarier), and tour the farms pumpkin patch from a seat on the John Deer Choo-choo train.
The Johnston House
The James Johnston house sits on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, east of Route One, just south of the city of Half Moon Bay. Isolated, its silhouette is a remarkable sight against the rolling hillsides golden brown until the winter rains turns them green. The classic New England salt-box (two stories in front, one in back) was built by '49er pioneer James
