Where is Half Moon Bay, California

Half Moon Bay is a coastal city on California's San Mateo County coast, about 30 miles south of San Francisco. It sits along the Pacific Ocean and is known for its beaches, coastal bluffs, farming history, and the annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. Nearby beaches, trails, and the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific coastline make the city a well-known destination on the Bay Area coast.

Location Map of Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, in the U.S. state of California.

Half Moon Bay Map, California

Where is Half Moon Bay Located?

Half Moon Bay is a city located in San Mateo County, California, the United States. It lies on the Pacific coast about 30 miles south of San Francisco and roughly 25 miles northwest of Santa Cruz. The city is part of the San Francisco Bay Area and occupies a coastal valley bordered by the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Half Moon Bay is located at approximately 37.463° North latitude and 122.428° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 11,795 residents. The city covers about 6.45 square miles, or 16.71 square kilometers, including land and water. The community grew from a small agricultural and coastal settlement and incorporated as a city in 1959. Farming remains an important part of the surrounding landscape, especially along the fertile coastal plain. Half Moon Bay is famous for its beaches, coastal trails, surfing areas, and dramatic ocean cliffs. Pillar Point Harbor and nearby Mavericks are major local landmarks, with Mavericks known for its powerful winter waves. Half Moon Bay State Beach provides several miles of sandy shoreline. California State Route 1 connects the city with Pacifica, Santa Cruz, and other coastal communities, while Highway 92 links it to the San Mateo Peninsula and the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Half Moon Bay City Facts

Distance from Half Moon Bay, CA to Nearby Cities

• Pacifica, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
• San Mateo, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• South San Francisco, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• San Francisco, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Redwood City, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Daly City, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Foster City, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Santa Cruz, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Mountain View, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Palo Alto, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• San Jose, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Watsonville, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Livermore, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
• Oakland, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Santa Rosa, CA – 85 miles (137 km)

Top Attractions in Half Moon Bay

• Half Moon Bay State Beach – A scenic coastal park with sandy beaches, walking areas, picnic facilities, and views of the Pacific Ocean.
• Pillar Point Harbor – A working harbor north of the city with fishing boats, seafood businesses, coastal views, and access to nearby trails.
• Mavericks – A famous surfing location near Pillar Point known for exceptionally large winter waves and big-wave surfing.
• Main Street – Half Moon Bay's historic downtown street lined with older buildings, local shops, restaurants, and community landmarks.
• Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve – A nearby open-space preserve with redwood forests, mountain trails, and views of the coastal landscape.
• Poplar Beach – A coastal beach area south of downtown with walking paths, cliffs, and views along the Pacific shore.
• Francis Beach – A popular section of Half Moon Bay State Beach with camping, picnic areas, trails, and sandy shoreline.
• Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail – A scenic walking and cycling route following the coastline and connecting several beaches and viewpoints.

Airports Near Half Moon Bay

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 22 miles
• San Carlos Airport (SQL) – 25 miles
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 40 miles
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 50 miles
• Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 105 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Half Moon Bay city website and local government records.

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