Half Moon Bay, California
City in California, United States
About
Half Moon Bay is a coastal city in San Mateo County, California, United States, approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of San Francisco. Its population was 11,795 as of the 2020 census. Immediately north of Half Moon Bay is Pillar Point Harbor and the unincorporated community of Princeton-by-the-Sea. Half Moon Bay is known for Mavericks, a big-wave surf location. It is called Half Moon Bay because of its crescent shape.
Originally an agricultural outpost to Mission San Francisco de Asís, the town was founded in the 1840s first as San Benito, and then as its Anglo fishing community grew, it was renamed Spanishtown. In 1874, it was again renamed Half Moon Bay. After rail and road connections in the early 1900s, the town grew. The foggy weather of the coast made the town a popular destination for booze-running during Prohibition.
Nearby
More to see within walking distance
Pilarcitos Creek
River in California, United States
1.3 mi away
Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival
Annual festival in Half Moon Bay, California
0.4 mi away
James Johnston House (Half Moon Bay, California)
United States historic place
0.9 mi away
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Group of beaches in San Mateo County, California
1.2 mi away
Poplar Beach
Beach in California, United States
0.5 mi away
Community United Methodist Church (Half Moon Bay, California)
Historic church in California, United States
0.6 mi awayPlaces to eat nearby
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Tickets and tours for Half Moon Bay, California
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