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 6 of the best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay to make your decision just a little bit easier!
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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.
The 6 Best Airbnbs in Half Moon Bay, California
Best for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. 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 for Small Groups and Families
2. 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!
3. 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 for Large Groups and Events
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. 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!
That’s it – 6 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.
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