Half Moon Bay

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Pumpkin Capital of the World

A travel journal to Half Moon Bay by Judy Andreson Best of IgoUgo

Know for its agriculture, this neat Pacific coastal town is know for its annual Pumpkin Festival, nice beaches and friendly locals.

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Pumpkin Capital of the WorldBest of IgoUgo

Overview

If you visit in October you've got to attend the memorable Art and Pumpkin Festival. Horseback ride at the state beach, have a meal at one of the excellent restaurants.

Quick Tips:

Spend some time here if you can. The town is growing and there's always lots of new places to check out.

Best Way To Get Around:

As with most of California, you need a car to get around.

The Miramar Beach RestaurantBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This well known seafood restaurant is built right on the coast. During the Prohibition is was a roadhouse and bordello. (What could be more romantic than that?!) Try their clam chowder, it's famous!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 11, 2000

The Miramar Beach Restaurant
Mirada Road Half Moon Bay, California 94019
(650) 726-9053

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin FestivalBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival"

Every October for more than 25 years, people flock to Half Moon Bay for the Pumpkin Festival. It's all happening on Main Street where you'll find artist booths, live music, street performers, home-baked goods (yum!). The Great Pumpkin Parade is a highlight as well as pumpkin carving and giant pumpkin contests. There's a haunted house for the kids.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 11, 2000

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Main Street Half Moon Bay, California 94019

Half Moon Bay State BeachBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This beautiful beach is ideal for building up your tan, beachcombing, walking, having a picnic and going horseback riding. It's windswept huge beach provides a good place to enjoy the coast.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 11, 2000

Half Moon Bay State Beach
95 Kelly Avenue Half Moon Bay, California 94019
(650) 726-8819

a Horse RanchBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Sea Horse Ranch & Friendly Acres Ranch"

There isn't much that is more romantic or just plain fun than riding horseback along the beach or coastal trail. The ranch offers horses or ponies admidst 12,000 acres and miles of beautiful beaches and interesting trails. Great adventure for couples or entire families.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Judy Andreson on September 11, 2000

a Horse Ranch
1828 Cabrillo Hwy N Half Moon Bay, California 94019
(650) 712-3200

Memories of Half Moon BayBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

I'll never forget my first trip to Half Moon Bay. It was in October sometime in the early 1980s. My sister and I drove down the coast from San Francisco. I wasn't living in California then.

Along the way we saw farms with fields of pumpkins. I never saw so many pumpkins in my entire life!

A few years later I went horseback riding with some friends along the beach. It was one of the few times I've ever ridden and the horse I had was a bit fiesty! It was a beautiful ride oceanside and on high bluffs overlooking the ocean.

I have comfortable, really swell memories of Half Moon Bay!

About the Writer

Judy Andreson
Judy Andreson
Elko, Nevada
  • "Experienced travel writer with more than 200 published articles on travel in the U.S. and Europe."
  • 26 journals
  • 0 photos
  • 122 reviews

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