This Absolutely Stunning Stretch of Highway 1 Is Right Outside San Francisco

Less than an hour south of San Francisco, the San Mateo Coast feels worlds away from life in the city. Winding roads hug dramatic coastal bluffs, fog rolls over pumpkin patches and berry farms, redwood groves smell of damp earth and moss, and historic towns somehow still maintain their old-world seafaring charm. It’s the very definition of a trip where the journey is just as rewarding as the destination itself. Here’s how to make the most of your time exploring what locals call the Coastside, from Pacifica south to Año Nuevo State Park.

What to Do

There’s so much more to the agricultural heritage in the area than the wildly popular Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and ultra-cutesy pumpkin patches that line the highway in fall—though those are admittedly a great time. In Pescadero, Harley Farms Goat Dairy offers tours of its working dairy, where visitors can meet the resident goats and stock up on award-winning chèvre. Nearby in San Gregorio, Blue House Farm is worth a stop for its seasonal produce and more than 30 varieties of heirloom dry beans, a delicious souvenir of the region’s rich farming traditions. Farther south along Highway 1, Pie Ranch combines regenerative agriculture and native plant education in tandem with Indigenous Ohlone land stewards at Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Amah Mutsun Land Trust. Their farm stand is known for their incredible freshly baked pies as well as jams and sourdough boules.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy by Erin Kunkel

In this area, nature abounds. Año Nuevo State Park is home to one of California’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles, where thousands of northern elephant seals return annually to breed, give birth, and molt. Guided walks during breeding season in the winter offer a chance to observe these massive marine mammals. But the beaches are spectacular year-round. Whale and wildlife watching at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is another must-do, as is watching big wave surfers at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay during the winter swell season.

For a change of pace that involves a little window shopping, Downtown Half Moon Bay is home to a collection of independent shops worth exploring. Peruse the shelves at Ink Spell Books, hunt for secondhand treasures at Vessel Vintage and Thrift, or stock up on colorful yarns at Fengari Fiber Arts. Or take home a little slice of local surf culture with finds from Cowboy Surf Shop, where OG shaper Craig “Cowboy” MacArthur has been serving the local community since 1971.

Bean Hollow by Sgoodwin4813/Getty Images

Where to Hike

For sweeping Pacific views, walk or bike the Devil’s Slide Trail, a 1.3-mile stretch of former Highway 1 between Pacifica and Montara, where spring wildflowers brighten the coastal cliffs. Just south, Montara State Beach offers a dramatic sweep of sand backed by rugged bluffs, which also come alive with wildflowers in spring. In neighboring Moss Beach, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a tide pooler’s paradise, with sea stars, anemones, and crabs inhabiting its rocky shoreline. (Be sure to check the tide charts before visiting, especially with this year’s El Niño and Kelvin wave.)

Half Moon Bay Brewing Company by Thomas J. Story

In Half Moon Bay, the Coastal Trail connects beaches along the bluffs, while farther south near Pescadero, Bean Hollow State Beach is known for its sculptural sandstone formations. For a change of scenery, head inland to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve or Butano State Park near Pescadero, where fern-lined trails wind beneath towering redwoods, and you’re sure to spot the local mascot, bright yellow banana slugs.

Where to Eat

The food scene along the coast blends old-school institutions with newcomers bringing fresh energy to the region’s culinary landscape. Exhibit A: In Half Moon Bay, former fine-dining chef Scott Clark serves inventive comfort food from a historic train caboose at Dad’s Luncheonette. Even carnivores will adore the hen-of-the-woods mushroom sandwich, served with a side of house-made potato chips. Downtown, Michelin-rated Pasta Moon showcases seasonal California ingredients through an Italian lens, while The Barn serves burgers, dogs, and kid-friendly fare in a sprawling outdoor space ideal for lounging all afternoon. In nearby El Granada, Breakwater Barbecue draws crowds for expertly smoked brisket and ribs alongside classic sides like mac and cheese and slaw, the latter punched up with fresh local ingredients like shaved fennel and apple. Be sure to check their calendar for live music, too.

Downtown Local by Thomas J. Story

Continuing south to Pescadero, Duarte’s Tavern is a must. The family-run institution dates back to 1894, is beloved for its artichoke soup, but the sleeper hit is the luscious French dip sandwich with perfectly crispy fries. Nearby, Arcangeli Grocery Co. is famous for its freshly baked artichoke garlic herb bread. Take home a loaf, or better yet combine it with a farm stand spread or goodies from Downtown Local and The Sunshine for a perfect picnic.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay by Blake Marvin

Where to Drink

In Moss Beach, the historic Moss Beach Distillery has been welcoming guests since the Prohibition Era. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, it’s an atmospheric spot for a sunset cocktail, complete with outdoor firepits and tales of its resident ghost, the Blue Lady. Farther south in Princeton-by-the-Sea, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company pours locally brewed beers near Pillar Point Harbor. Downtown Half Moon Bay’s Lab and Hound Wine Bar offers a cozy setting for a glass of wine, while Cameron’s Pub proudly serves what many call the best British fish and chips in the West.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Where to Stay

For a luxurious coastal escape, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay sits dramatically above the Pacific, with ocean-view accommodations, stunning coastal walking paths, and outdoor fire pits where guests can unwind to the sounds of a bagpiper performing at sunset, an iconic coastside ritual that’s a must for visitors and locals alike. For a more rustic experience, Costanoa, near Año Nuevo State Park, offers accommodations ranging from tent bungalows to lodge rooms, with easy access to beaches and hiking trails, plus a charming farm-to-table restaurant when you don’t feel like cooking back at camp.