Fall vacation help

Question

My husband and I ( fit early 60’s) are planning a mid to late October trip. We are looking at several options, mainly around the Half Moon Bay Area. We enjoy great food, adventure activities, history, shopping, art, and a good spa. Love the beach for a day or two and a brief hike to see something really cool. I’m just worried there won’t be enough to do within one hour day trip range for this area. We have been to San Diego, SLO, Solvang, Santa Barbara, Carmel, los Olivos, Morro bay, San Francisco, Big Sur, morro Bay, Sonoma, and Temecula. So… help me out! What leaf have I left unturned?

Answer

The Half Moon Bay area is a fantastic base for a fall vacation, especially if you want a mix of coastal scenery, charming towns, and outdoor activities without long drives. Even within an hour's drive, there’s plenty to keep you busy with hiking, art, history, food, and a bit of adventure.

For the immediate Half Moon Bay area:

Beaches: Poplar Beach and Half Moon Bay State Beach are perfect for a day by the ocean. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll, watch surfers, or explore tide pools.
Coastal hikes: The Coastal Trail along the bluffs is easy, scenic, and offers excellent photo opportunities. For a short, “wow” hike, check out the trails around Mavericks Beach or the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve.
Food & wine: Half Moon Bay has great farm-to-table restaurants. Try Sam’s Chowder House for seafood with a view or Pasta Moon for Italian with local ingredients. There are also several small wineries nearby worth sampling.
Spas: Consider Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for a luxury spa day with ocean views, or smaller boutique spas in town for massages and facials.
Shopping & art: Downtown Half Moon Bay has unique shops, galleries, and artisan boutiques. Local art galleries often feature Northern California artists and seasonal exhibitions.

Within a 30–60 minute radius:

Pacifica & Montara: Coastal hikes at Montara Mountain or Devil’s Slide Trail offer short but spectacular vistas.
San Gregorio & Pescadero: Quaint towns with local farms, bakeries (like Pie Ranch), and art studios. Pescadero State Beach is beautiful for tide pools.
Woodside & Portola Valley: Redwoods, estate gardens, and historic sites like Filoli Historic House & Garden provide a mix of nature and history.
Skyline Boulevard / Hwy 35: Scenic drive with easy stops for short hikes, picnic spots, and sweeping views of the Bay Area.
Adventure options: Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail can be rented for bikes, horseback riding on the beach is available seasonally, and nearby golf courses offer coastal views if you enjoy the sport.

Other considerations:

Check local seasonal events—fall harvest festivals and pumpkin patches are common in October around Half Moon Bay.
Sunset watching from the bluff trails or beaches is particularly stunning in fall.
If you want to explore art more deeply, the Bay Area’s Peninsula and San Francisco are within an hour, giving you access to museums, galleries, and historic neighborhoods.

Even if you’ve covered much of California’s famous coastlines, the Half Moon Bay region provides a perfect mix of relaxation, nature, and culinary delights without extensive driving, making it an ideal choice for a short fall getaway.

Fall vacation help

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions