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Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay History

   Half Moon Bay is part of a group of communities known as Coastside. Unlike other Coastside towns, which are unincorporated, Half Moon Bay became an incorporated city in 1959.
   Coastside stretches along the Pacific for about 50 miles, on land originally inhabited by the Ohlone Indians. The region was ruled by Spain and Mexico until California became a state in 1850. At that point, the land along the San Mateo County coast was used primarily as ranchos for raising horses and cattle.
   Half Moon Bay is the oldest town in San Mateo County. The community dates back to 1840, when it was known as Spanishtown for its large number of Spanish-speaking residents. In 1874, the town changed its name to Half Moon Bay. The community thrived due to its coastal location and rich land, drawing a diverse group of immigrants including Chinese, Germans, Scots and Portuguese.
   Through the early 1900s, Half Moon Bay and the Coastside communities were isolated from the rest of the state. Only two roads led to the area until 1906, when the Ocean Shore Railway started a high-speed rail line between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Small seaside communities developed along the rail line, and existing towns like Half Moon Bay grew to accommodate the new visitors.
   Agriculture continues to be a major industry in Half Moon Bay. Among the crops grown in the region are brussels sprouts, artichokes, peas and pumpkins. The city also remains popular with tourists.

Activities

   Several of Half Moon Bay's original historic structures still stand, including the Pilarcitos Creek Bridge, built in 1900; the Vasques Ranchero, built in 1869; and the town's oldest building, the Zaballa home, which was built in 1859.
   Pillar Point Harbor services Half Moon Bay and neighboring El Granada. The harbor offers access to charter boats, whale-watching excursions and nature trips. It's also home to California's second largest fishing fleet.
   The Pigeon Point Lighthouse has guided mariners since 1872. The lighthouse, which is open to the public, still contains its original Fresnel lens, and it's among the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
   Half Moon Bay is home to several wildlife communities. Gray whales can be spotted offshore during migration season, and the city's docks are home to shorebirds, seals and the occasional sea otter.
   The Año Nuevo State Reserve is haven to northern elephant seals, which come ashore from early December through March to mate and give birth. This unforgettable natural spectacle is witnessed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
   Pescadero Marsh is one of the most important wetlands on the Pacific coast. Each year, the marsh is home to nearly 200 species of migrating birds, including great blue herons, northern harriers and snowy egrets. The marsh also offers scenic views of the ocean and Half Moon Bay.
   Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located on the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking Half Moon Bay. Within the preserve, Purisima Creek Canyon offers towering redwoods, hardwood forests and a cool, rushing creek.
   The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is a major Coastside event. The annual festival features pumpkin-carving and pie-eating contests, food and wine tasting, and the fun-filled Great Pumpkin Parade.
   Another popular event is the annual Chamarita Festival, which takes its name from a Portuguese folk dance. Also known as the Holy Ghost Festival, the religious celebration has a century-long tradition in Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay Fast Facts

   Location: Half Moon Bay is located on the Pacific coast, about 30 miles south of San Francisco
  *Total area: 6.49 square miles (6.47 square miles land area; 0.02 square miles water area)
  *Population: 11,842
  *Housing units: 4,114
   Average annual rainfall: 27.96 inches
   Average temperatures: 59ºF in summer, 51ºF in winter
*Information provided by 2000 Census

Schools

   There are four public schools in Half Moon Bay: one elementary school, one intermediate school and two high schools.

Beaches

   Half Moon Bay State Beach actually comprises four small beaches. Because of the cold water, swimming is not recommended, but the beaches are popular for camping, picnicking, surfing and surf fishing.
   Cowell Ranch State Beach, located south of Half Moon Bay, is a pocket beach offering private shores rimmed by sandstone ridges. More than 100 steps lead down to the long, sandy cove.
   Further south of town, Bean Hollow State Beach features fishing, picnicking and beachcombing. The beach also has several tidepools with anemones, crabs, sea urchins and other marine life.

Real Estate

   There are a variety of designs in Half Moon Bay. These pictures give a few examples:

Maps of Half Moon Bay

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