Located 20 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is a quaint town nestled on a crescent-shaped bay. The city is best known for its fog-shrouded beaches, quaint old town, and legendary Mavericks surf break.
With a population of less than 13,000, Half Moon Bay may be small but there are plenty of things to do. From hiking along scenic trails to shopping in the historic downtown to having a picnic on a beautiful beach, there is something for everyone.
With its cool Mediterranean climate, Half Moon Bay is home to a variety of farms. During your trip, you’ll have the chance to sample the area’s farm-fresh specialties from artichokes to goat cheese. The city is also famous for its harbor so you’ll find an abundance of seafood restaurants around town. Many local eateries incorporate locally sourced ingredients into their cuisine, making Half Moon Bay a great city for foodies!
Whether you’re planning a memorable family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a chill weekend with friends, there’s no doubt that you will find a unique Airbnb in Half Moon Bay that is perfect for you. From chic campervans to adorable coastal cottages and luxurious mountain homes, the options are plentiful.
Finding the perfect vacation home might seem overwhelming, so we have picked out 12 of the best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay to make your decision just a little bit easier!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).
Top 10 Things To Do in Half Moon Bay
- Buy fresh seafood directly from a fisherman’s boat at Pillar Point Harbor.
- Take a scenic walk or bike ride along the California Coastal Trail. It stretches roughly six miles from Seymour Bridge to Pillar Point Harbor.
- Explore Half Moon Bay’s historic downtown and shop, wine, and dine on Main Street.
- Enjoy a picnic at one of the area’s many beaches – Half Moon Bay State Beach, Poplar Beach, Dunes Beach, to name a few.
- Watch surfers ride some seriously big waves at Mavericks, a world-famous surf break where waves can reach up to 50 feet high!
- Sample the famous lobster rolls and clam chowder at Sam’s Chowder House, a sustainably sourced seafood restaurant.
- Book a Harley Farms Goat Farm Tour to see cute little goats and sample amazing goat cheese.
- Go grocery shopping at the weekly Coastside Farmers’ Market where you’ll find plenty of locally grown produce, fresh seafood, and creative cuisine.
- Sip a craft beer or two on the water’s edge at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company.
- Find small sea creatures in the tide pools at Fitzgerald Marine Preserve.
Why Stay in an Airbnb in Half Moon Bay
Staying in an Airbnb in Half Moon Bay has plenty of advantages. First of all, you’ll have the chance to live like a local, instead of staying in a touristy hotel. People in Half Moon Bay are extremely friendly and welcoming, which means you are likely going to get a lot of insider information from your Airbnb host.
For such a small city, the selection of unique Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay is diverse. You can opt for a secluded mansion with mountain views, a refurbished Airstream trailer near the beach, or a stylish cottage in the heart of town.
By choosing to stay in an Airbnb, you’ll get far more value compared to staying at a hotel. Most of Half Moon Bay’s vacation homes are much nicer and more spacious than your average hotel room. Plus you’ll likely have a kitchen so you can save on costs by cooking at home!
If you are traveling as a large group, Airbnbs will likely cost less per person than paying for multiple hotel rooms. This is especially true during the holidays and the annual Art and Pumpkin Festival when tourism is at its height.
Search Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Half Moon Bay
The 12 Best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay, California
Best Half Moon Bay Airbnbs for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. Chic 1967 Airstream on the Coast
This stylish 1967 Airstream is definitely the most unique Airbnb in Half Moon Bay. This picture-perfect vacation rental is located just five minutes from both the historic Main Street and the picturesque Poplar Beach.
When it comes to design, every detail of this trailer has been thoroughly thought through. It’s adorned with cute features from a vintage red microwave to potted plants and furry pillows. The space has lots of windows and plenty of natural light.
The kitchenette in this Airbnb has two propane burners, a mini-fridge, and a sink so you can prepare basic meals. There is also a futon to lounge on, a queen-size bed for sleeping, and a table for getting some work done. With its blue tiles and wood countertops, even the bathroom is gorgeous!
The friendly owners happen to be animal lovers, so this Airbnb is completely dog friendly. There is even a private fenced yard so your furry friend can run around and play. In the yard you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating and a fire pit which will come in handy on cool evenings.
2. Modern Apartment with Ocean Views
This spacious 1-bedroom apartment is on the first floor of an architecturally gorgeous home. The unit was recently remodeled so everything is in perfect condition. This Half Moon Bay Airbnb is less than a mile from the beach, restaurants, and shops and there are plenty of hiking trails just a few blocks away.
This 700-square-foot vacation home has large windows throughout, which means you can enjoy ocean and forest views from every room! The open plan living area has a 55-inch smart TV, a wireless Bluetooth speaker, and a modern futon couch (which can be used as an extra bed). The fully equipped kitchen features a stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, and an Aquasana water filtration system. The separate bedroom has a comfy queen-size bed and partial ocean views.
Make sure to take advantage of the completely private patio – it’s a great spot to watch the sun sink into the Pacific each night.
3. Adorable Blue Cottage in Central Half Moon Bay
Casa Blue is a cozy 1-bedroom Airbnb is located on the first story of an adorable blue cottage. The owners, who live upstairs, will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible. This place is right in the heart of town and just steps from the beach, breakfast spots, and breweries.
The bedroom features a plush queen bed with a custom Colorado beetle pine bed frame. You can relax in the sunny living room which has a new leather pull-out couch, a coffee table handmade (by the owner!) from Monterey Cypress wood, and a 40-inch flat-screen with Chromecast and Roku.
The living area includes a kitchenette with everything you need to cook basic meals and a four-person kitchen table. The local grocery store is a short stroll away so it’s a cinch to purchase everything you need to cook at home.
The property is shared but you’ll have access to a tree-studded private patio with a Weber grill and a cozy sitting area.
4. Secluded Airstream with Coastal Views
Surrounded by a grove of pine trees, this adorable Airstream is perched on a cliff halfway between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero (roughly 17 miles away from Half Moon Bay’s main attractions). It’s set in on 7 private acres of land and offers endless views of the coastline. This is by far one of the best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay for an unforgettable romantic getaway.
The Airstream is fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay – a queen bed, a shower with hot water, AC, a kitchenette with basic cooking supplies, and a cozy dining area. Outside you’ll find a propane barbeque so you can grill up the fresh local produce that’s available at the weekly farmer’s market! There are lovely touches both inside and out like cute potted plants, stylish wood floors, and romantic string lights on the patio.
And finally, there is a fire pit and two Adirondack chairs right outside the trailer – it’s a prime spot to catch the sunset!
Best Half Moon Bay Airbnbs for Small Groups and Families
5. Ultra-Modern Home on the Beach
When it comes to aesthetics, this modern marvel is by far the most unique Airbnb in Half Moon Bay. Plus, the beach is literally right across the road!
With its funky design and ultra-modern furnishings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the future. This two-bedroom home was only recently built, which means everything is new and in perfect condition. The master bedroom features a king-size bed and floor-to-ceiling windows offering gorgeous ocean views. The guest bedroom has two queen beds and with the additional sofa bed this vacation rental can comfortably fit eight people.
The open plan living area is on the third story. Glass doors lead out to a large wood deck, which has unobstructed views of the Pillar Point Harbor and Half Moon Bay. The living room features a wraparound leather sofa, two modern chairs, and a flat-screen TV.
If you want to cook meals at home, the kitchen has everything you need. Plus, the panoramic window gives you an amazing view of the surrounding trees!
6. Coastal Garden Retreat with Fire Pit
It’s obvious the owners have put a lot of love into every detail of this modern 3-bedroom vacation home. Not only is it super stylish but Main Street is just 1.5 miles away and the harbor is a mere three miles away. This home can accommodate up to six guests and with plenty of places to socialize, so it’s a great choice for families or a reunion with friends.
With a large couch, a 60-inch smart TV (with Apple TV and Netflix), and a fireplace, the living room is well suited for a cozy movie night. Each bedroom features locally bought items such as luxury eco-certified mattresses from a shop in Berkeley and reclaimed barn closet doors from a farm in Dehoff Canyon.
The kitchen boasts granite countertops, a cozy breakfast bar, and everything you need to prepare a gourmet meal. Plus, the French doors and skylights let in plenty of light. You can also barbeque using the outdoor grill and enjoy your meal at the large indoor glass dining table or outdoor teak table.
You’ll love warming-up around the five-foot-long fire pit surrounded by colorful couches and rocking chairs. The twinkling string lights add to the dreamy atmosphere!
7. The Penthouse at Miramar Beach with Oceanfront Deck
If you’re looking for one of the best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay, this is it! This luxury penthouse is about as picture-perfect as it gets. Plus it is located just across the street from Miramar Beach and minutes away from Pillar Point Harbor.
With three bedrooms, The Penthouse at Miramar can fit up to six people. The living room is the stuff of dreams with exposed wood ceilings, an L-shaped couch, and a farmhouse dining table. The open-plan room features a luxury kitchen so you can cook at home and has a subzero refrigerator, a six-burner stove, and a Gaggenau oven. In fact, the kitchen is so nice that it was previously used for cooking demos on a TV show!
All of the bedrooms are adorned with local art and have comfy beds with 800-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and Cuddledown comforters. Grab a glass of wine and enjoy the ocean view from the sunroom or the spacious deck!
8. Colorful Centrally Located Apartment
If you’re looking for an Airbnb in the center of town, this colorful 2-bedroom apartment is a great pick! It’s a 5-minute walk to the beach and 10 minutes to downtown Half Moon Bay and the farmer’s market.
On the first floor of the apartment you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen with wood cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Everything is top-of-the-line and you’ll have everything you need to prepare meals at home. There is also a cozy breakfast nook. The larger bedroom is on the first floor and boasts large windows, a queen bed, and an en-suite bathroom.
The living room is on the second story. You’ll love the bright orange walls, a cobalt blue sofa, and teal tables. This room has funky vaulted ceilings and two massive solar-powered skylights. French doors open up to a gorgeous repurposed wood deck with ocean views. With huge solar-powered skylights and lots of windows, you can enjoy forest views from the second floor bedroom. The room also features vaulted ceilings, a comfy queen bed, and faux fur rugs.
You’ll have access to the private yard and an outdoor shower – perfect for rinsing off after a day at the beach.
Best Half Moon Bay Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events
9. Modern Mansion with Hot Tub and Game Room
If you’re looking for the ultimate vacation rental for a getaway with family and friends, this is one of the best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay. With four bedrooms, this sprawling mansion can fit up to eight people.
There are so many amenities that make this place stand out from the rest. Your backyard is literally a national forest with tons of hiking trails and the beach is a 15-minute walk away!
What makes this home great for families are the two living rooms, the playroom with laser tag, the movie theater with a 140-inch movie screen (with a projector) and a 49-inch smart TV, and tons of games and toys. There’s even a virtual reality setup!
Adults will love this modern home with its hardware floors, architecturally stunning living room and bedrooms with ocean and forest views, and luxury kitchen. The large outdoor deck is equally as impressive with plenty of contemporary couches, a fire pit, and a hot tub overlooking the ocean.
10. Contemporary Cottage with Ocean Views
Looking to host a massive reunion with family and friends? Then this is the Airbnb for you! With five bedrooms, these two cute cottages can accommodate 16 guests so they’re perfect for larger groups. Plus the property is centrally located so the beach, restaurants, and other activities are just minutes away.
The two units look similar but one is larger than the other. Both feature plush modern couches and beds, pristine white walls with vaulted ceilings and exposed wood beams, and wood floors. You can lounge in one of the two cozy living rooms with comfy couches and flat-screens or cook up a meal for the group in the fully outfitted kitchens. All appliances are top- of- the- line. Each of the bedrooms has plush beds with crisp white linens and a few even have ocean views!
What makes this Airbnb really stand out is the enormous joint deck. Not only are the views awesome but there is a long couch and two chairs where you can gather to watch the sunset each evening!
11. Secluded Mountain Villa with Infinity Pool
This secluded mountain villa is an amazing option if you’re looking for a luxury retreat with family and friends. Located in the town of Woodside, this Airbnb is roughly 15 miles from Half Moon Bay. But its remote setting and 180-degree mountain views are part of its appeal.
This home features six bedrooms and can sleep up to 12 people comfortably, making it an awesome choice for an unforgettable getaway. There are all sorts of cool amenities that both adults and kids will love. You can marvel at the endless mountain views from the infinity pool, play games at the sand volleyball court or the bocce ball court, watch a film in the movie room, enjoy a sunset meal on the outdoor deck, or have fun in the fully outfitted game room.
Every room in the house is spectacular! Each bedroom boasts comfy beds, modern décor, and colorfully painted walls. Although there are restaurants nearby, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the luxurious chef’s kitchen. The living room has towering ceilings, a huge wraparound couch, and a large dining table perfect for hosting large groups. This Half Moon Bay Airbnb really has it all!
12. Massive Coastal Home near Beach
This 6-bedroom vacation home can sleep up to 15 guests, making it an ideal option for a large family vacation, a much-needed reunion with friends, or a company retreat. With 6,000 square feet, there is plenty of space for a large group.
The living area is open plan and designed for a big gathering. The living room boasts chocolate-colored wood floors, a white exposed beam ceiling, a large dark brown leather couch, and a grand piano. The area opens up to the luxurious kitchen with maple wood cabinets, a large island with bar stools, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances including a built-in espresso machine! The bedrooms are all extra spacious, ornately decorated, and have their own bathrooms.
The patio in the backyard is the perfect place to host a large outdoor gathering. You can warm up around the fire pit on chilly nights or cook a barbeque meal in the outdoor kitchen. And if you feel like exploring Half Moon Bay, the ocean and old town are both just a short stroll away.
That’s it – 12 of the best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay! Do you have a favorite vacation rental in Half Moon Bay? Let us know in the comments below.
Didn’t find the perfect Half Moon Bay Airbnb? Try searching here:
Planning a trip to California? Check out our favorite books and resources!
