If you are like me, living in climate that has hot summers, it is nice to escape and "beat the heat". One of my favorite destinations during the summer is the sleepy little coastal community of Half Moon Bay, CA. Why Half Moon Bay? While it is far from being a ghost town, it is not a major tourist trap, so getting there and being able to relax and enjoy a more serene, less crowded place that actually has things to do can be perfect. Half Moon Bay is only slightly larger than six square miles, so getting from point A to B can be easy too.
The temperature highs in Half Moon Bay, CA during June are in the 60+ degree range, with the lows in in the mid to high 50 degree range. The coastline has nice walking/bike trails, little places to rent kayaks or canoes and bikes.
In the civic center, you will not find a Starbucks, but you will find quaint restaurants and many little unique stores for foodies and shoppers. My favorite place for breakfast in Half Moon Bay is the Main Street Grill. The pancakes are definitely in the running for "best ever". Other entrees are equally tasty. If you must have your Starbucks, there is one centrally located on the main highway.
If the laid back environment becomes too much, a day trip to Napa/Sonoma, which is only about an hour and a half northeast of this little town, is a worthy excursion. San Francisco is an approximate 45 minute drive north, and Filoli Gardens is about a 25 minute drive southeast of Half Moon Bay.
