Located just 25 miles south of San Francisco in San Mateo County, Half Moon Bay is like the best of California in one beautiful seaside setting. The sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs offer spectacular scenery and big wave surfing, and occasional sightings of grey whales.
The walkable Main Street is full of small-town charm with boutique shopping, historic architecture, unique eats, and art galleries. A drive along Highways 92 and 35 brings you to the giant redwood forests and small farms scattered along country roads.
The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a tidal reef ecosystem home to marine species like sea urchins, anemones, sponges, hermit crabs, and sea stars. There are also harbor seals and the occasional sea otter, along with the ubiquitous shorebirds.
Lodgings like gorgeous boutique hotels and spas, seaside lodges and historic inns full of character really capture the magic of the place. Here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Half Moon Bay (in no particular order)…
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – a modern, elegant and upscale hotel featuring an on-site spa perfect for a relaxing getaway
Perched above a stunning oceanside bluff in the San Francisco Bay area, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay offers guests a truly one-of-a-kind traveling experience.
The Forbes Five-Star luxury resort is known for its superb accommodations, services and sumptuous lodgings. It’s surrounded by two world-renowned championship golf courses and features a full-service spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and six lighted tennis courts.
The resort’s exquisite 19th-century-inspired design and picturesque surroundings are an Instagrammer’s dream.
The resort’s 239 guest rooms and 22 suites are immersed in elegance and style. The modern décor is enhanced by coastal and beachside accents.
All of the rooms and suites feature plush bedding, a deep-soaking tub and have sweeping views of the golf course, Northern California mountains or the Pacific Ocean. Hungry guests can dine on top cuisine offered at one of the resort’s three restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton is close to notable attractions such as the Elephant Seal Preserve and Art Museum. And it’s just 30 minutes from San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
2. Seal Cove Inn – an idyllic, lavish and newly renovated accommodation offering a complimentary gourmet breakfast and an evening wine reception
Spoil yourself in the luxurious accommodations offered at Seal Cove Inn. Located in Half Moon Bay, Seal Cove Inn sits on a bluff at the edge of the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by majestic cypress trees.
The hotel is in a great location for guests who want to explore and see the sights. It’s near art galleries, boutique shops, beautiful beaches, golf courses, farms and top restaurants. And it’s just 30 minutes south of San Francisco.
All of Seal Cove Inn’s guest rooms have been restyled to include romantic touches such as a fireplace, premium linens, monogrammed throws and a private balcony or terrace.
Custom artwork and photography created by local artists adorn the walls of all of the guest rooms and throughout the hotel. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV, a private bathroom, plush robes and free Wi-Fi. Guests are served a complimentary gourmet breakfast daily in their rooms or in the hotel dining room.
Complimentary locally roasted coffee brewed in the hotel’s espresso bar is also available to guests, as well as China Mist organic teas. And in-room spa services are available to guests with 48-hour advance notice.
To book, check prices or availability for Seal Cove Inn
3. Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor – an upscale, unique and stylish hotel overlooking the picturesque Pillar Point Harbor
This gorgeous gem of a place sits right on the very pretty Pillar Point Harbor and offers incredible ocean views. Inside the decor of this upscale 4-star hotel is just sublime with a mix of the modern and traditional and the opulent and the laid back.
Amenities include patios and balconies, cozy fireplaces, wet bars, free WiFi, and a laid-back grill.
Outside the location puts you close to the Cabrillo Highway and only 3 miles from Half Moon Bay State Beach.
4. Nantucket Whale Inn, Half Moon Bay – a chic, elegant, boutique hotel ideal for guests who enjoy outdoor activities
Nantucket Whale Inn Half Moon Bayis the ideal destination for travelers who are looking for a comfortable bed and breakfast boutique inn that offers stellar accommodations in a luxurious setting.
The inn is distinguished by its perfect balance of friendly, friendly service and absolute respect for guests during their stay. It’s located in the picturesque coastal town of Half Moon Bay, which is just 20 miles from San Francisco.
The exquisite 1898 Victorian chic décor captures the essence and elegance of a Nantucket Island home. It features seven unique guest rooms and suites, six in the main house and one off the garden.
They are all equipped with HD DirecTV and a DVD player and a private full bathroom with thick plush towels and HERMÈS bath products from France. And some rooms include gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Guests receive complimentary wine and a full delicious, hot, homemade breakfast.
There are a number of activities available for guests, including hiking, electric biking, kayaking, and visiting Fitzgerald Marine Reserve or one of the 20-plus beautiful beaches in the area. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options in the area.
5. Half Moon Bay Lodge – a classic, cozy, lodge-style accommodation with an outdoor swimming and located next to a golf course
Come unwind at the Half Moon Bay Lodge, which offers excellent service and accommodations in a picturesque setting. Half Moon Bay is noted for its small-town charm, hospitality and natural beauty, and the lodge is a reflection of that.
Located just 30 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay Lodge offers 80 spacious guest rooms and suites that include a flat-screen TV, plush bathrobes, complimentary Wi-Fi and a wood-burning fireplace.
All of the rooms feature a private terrace or balcony with garden or golf course views. The cozy accommodations exemplify a lodge-style atmosphere, and the décor features warm, earthy tones.
There are also plenty of fantastic dining choices in the area, as well as many bars and nightspots. And the Half Moon Bay Lodge is near some of Northern California’s most beautiful beaches. So it’s a great spot for both beachgoers and those who enjoy fine dining.
6. Mill Rose Inn – Luxury Garden Rooms & Suites – a beautiful, charming, boutique hotel perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway
Mill Rose Inn Rooms & Suites is ideal for travelers who are looking for a charming and cozy destination with beautiful surroundings.
The Four Diamond AAA award-winning European boutique inn is famous for its gorgeous floral gardens, comfortable rooms and luxurious suites.
It’s located in Half Moon Bay along the picturesque Northern California shoreline–just 28 miles south of San Francisco and 36 miles north of the heart of Silicon Valley–and is within walking distance of beaches, shops, galleries and restaurants.
Mills Rose Inn has served as a venue for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, reunions and conferences, as well as provided accommodations for big-name business groups.
The inn features six opulent rooms and suites. Each room is uniquely designed with special features and touches, including European antiques.
The décor is tasteful and elegant. All of the rooms feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite TV, a complimentary wine bar, refrigerator, complimentary beverages and garden views. Gourmet breakfast is available to guests in the rooms and suites, as well as in one of the garden courtyards or in the dining room.
7. A Little Piece of Heaven – an Instagrammable, modern and trendy accommodation perfect for a Millennials and Gen Zs memorable group vacation
This aptly named Airbnb offers a great getaway destination for visitors to Half Moon Bay. The stylish, modern beachfront home was completely rebuilt and decorated by a famous San Francisco architect.
This is one of the things that makes it so cool and unique. The home features two bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and microwave, two bathrooms with a hot tub, and a washing machine.
Guests have beautiful garden views, access to a patio, free private parking and free Wi-Fi. The home’s wellness area consists of a hot tub, sauna and shower. Other amenities include indoor and outdoor wood-burning fire pits as well as an outdoor gas fire pit.
The property is within a few walking blocks of terrific restaurants, a winery and a distillery.
Hiking trails are also nearby, as well as several gorgeous beaches. The home has a six-person maximum and four-car parking, including a Tesla charger.
8. Modern indoor-outdoor living wHot Tub Walk to Beaches & Mountain Trails – a creative, trendy and Insta-worthy accommodation where guests can experience a unique stay
Located in beautiful Montara California, this Airbnb offers visitors a versatile getaway destination. It’s perfect for family vacations, travelers to the Bay Area, San Francisco and Half Moon Bay.
The four-bedroom ranch-style home is packed with all the amenities and features you could ask for. It includes an open dining room area, a well-stocked kitchen, cedar hot tub, an Internet streaming TV, high-speed reliable Wi-Fi, three bathrooms (with a shower), gas barbeque, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer, ev charger and more.
Additionally, the property boasts hand-made doors and barrel vault, walnut stairs and heated concrete and Douglas fir floors.
The 10-guest home sits between the Montara Mountains and Montara Beach with over 10,000 acres of open space to roam and explore.
Everything is within walking or biking distance. Guests can bike or hike to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, McNee Ranch State Park and Old San Pedro Mountain Road all the way to Gray Whale Cove State Beach and around Rancho Corral de Tierra.
9. Luxury Beachfront Penthouse Walk to the Beach Restaurants Entertainment – a chic, contemporary and hip accommodation where guests can enjoy watching picturesque sunsets over the ocean
Located in picturesque Half Moon Bay, this Instagrammable beachfront penthouse offers guests luxurious accommodations and incredible ocean, beach and sunset views from nearly every room.
It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, bed linen, balcony, washer and dryer, fully equipped kitchen, cable and Internet streaming TV, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the house, towels and more.
It also boasts a private rooftop patio that overlooks the ocean and mountains. The penthouse is airy and open with tastefully chic décor.
It’s close to several of Half Moon Bay’s golden beaches, and it’s also near great live entertainment venues, award-winning beach restaurants, multi-use paved California Coastal Trail, open space trails and state parks.
The area is great for both hiking and biking. Topflight golf courses are also nearby.
10. Beach Villa Home – Walk to Beaches Trails Restaurants Activities & more – a modern, quiet and pet-friendly accommodation steps away from Miramar beach
Beach Villa Home offers guests sumptuous accommodations in the gorgeous setting of Half Moon Bay. It’s the perfect destination for visitors to Northern California as well as locals looking to escape to a quiet hideaway.
The home is spacious and open with smart, stylish décor. It has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchenette with a four-burner gas stove, full-size refrigerator, fireplace, pool table, cable and Internet streaming TV, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the premises, convection oven and microwave, and more.
It also boasts two ocean-facing verandas with filtered views of the Pacific Ocean. The home is near several beaches, award-winning beach restaurants, hiking trails and golf courses. Beach Villa Home has a four-person maximum.
Beth was born under a wandering star, with drama in her veins and ink in her pen. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. She toured Italian Schools with a children’s theatre troop, lived as an au-pair in both Rome and Washington DC, explored the British countryside, worked her way through much of Europe, Salsa danced in Cuba and road tripped down America’s west coast where she discovered her spiritual home; Portland, Oregon. In between adventures she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele.
