Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the dramatic Pacific coastline while taking an invigorating walk along the Coastside Trail, also known as the California Coastal Trail. This scenic oceanfront trail extends from Seymour Bridge in Half Moon Bay to Pillar Point Harbor, totaling a little less than five miles in length. Most of its length is an asphalt-paved trail that runs along the path that used to be the route for the Ocean Shore Railroad. As a result, it is wheelchair accessible and also a popular place for in-line skating and cyclists, as well as those on foot. The Pillar Point Harbor fishing pier is in the neighboring community of Princeton-by-the-Sea. This harbor is also the departure point for whale-watching tours during whale migration season. Visitors will also find several excellent seafood restaurants in this area.
Mavericks Beach at Pillar Point near Half Moon Bay, CA is the site of the annual big wave surfing competition called Maverick’s. The big wave surf area is located a quarter-mile from the house. This is the closest house to the Mavericks beach. You can also enjoy the tidal pools with kids at low tides here. Just turn right on the beach and follow the trail to the left along the bottom of the hill.
With docks of colorful fishing boats and charming waterfront eateries, the cozy seaside hamlet of Pillar Point Harbor offers a taste of New England along the California coast. Ever present ocean views and salt-tinged breezes lure all those who share a love of the sea, from commercial fishermen to world-renowned surfers. Explore the coastal haven by foot and discover sandy beaches, scenic trails, and a killer seafood shack or two. You can buy fish directly from the boats. Look at the board by the harbormaster to find out which boat came back with which catch of the day.
Across Capistrano Rd from Johnson Pier is the relatively new Oceano Hotel & Retail complex. It is beautiful architecturally but the stores have not been all that successful so far. Still it’s a generally pleasant commercial area to walk though not nearly so stunning as the nature you can see nearby. The retail mall called the Shoppes at Harbor Village is a “village street” covered by a greenhouse roof. There is a bookstore and a few other small shops to quickly browse through. Mezza Luna Caffe, in front of the mall, is a cute little place with gelato, pastries, snacks, and coffee.
Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant: the nice setting, service, food, and prices combine to make it one of our long-time favorites.
Live band occasionally. Has great views and ambiance. A short walk from the house.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is a warm oceanfront brewery and restaurant at Pillar Point Harbor in Princeton-by-the-Sea Calif.
The restaurant dates back to the Prohibition era when it was a speakeasy called Frank’s Place. Owner Frank Torres built the club in 1927. Reportedly, illegal whisky was brought from ships, to the beach, and into vehicles for transport to San Francisco.
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