Half Moon Bay, California, a vibrant coastal town located approximately 40 minutes south of San Francisco, is an ideal place for families to plan a fun-filled getaway. In addition to a wide array of family-friendly accommodations and restaurants, there are plenty of entertaining and exciting hands-on activities including educational eco-hikes, hot glass classes, kayaking, horseback riding on the beach, surfing and spectacular theater productions. For more information on Half Moon Bay, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org.
Below is a roundup of family-friendly accommodations in the area, also included are my personal hotel reviews.
Beach House Hotel
4100 N. Cabrillo Highway
(650) 712-0220
www.beach-house.com
Our experience: http://www.jenisonajourney.com/2010/08/beach-house-hotel-half-moon-bay-coastal.html
For a weekend or weekday summer getaway, the Beach House Hotel is a perfect place to bring the family. Overlooking the water on a bluff adjacent to the Coastal Trail, this luxuriously appointed New England-style boutique hotel is a close stroll to the beach and fishing off the nearby coastline. Families will enjoy spacious guestrooms with a king bed and comfy queen sofa bed with lots of extra pillows and blankets and a mini-refrigerator and microwave for convenient family snacks in the room. In addition to guestroom amenities, there is a heated pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the Pacific Ocean which can provide hours of entertainment for both kids and adults. Complimentary parking and daily Continental breakfast are also included during the stay. For mini-travelers, there is a special “King or Queen” add-on package for $25 per room that
includes a special gift at check-in such as beach toys, balls, Frisbees, games and snacks personalized for specific ages ranging from 3-8 years old.
Comfort Inn
2930 N. Cabrillo Highway
(650) 712-1999
www.comfortinn.com
Located close to the beach with 54 stylishly appointed rooms, families will enjoy all the comforts of a home away from home with complimentary continental breakfast and rooms outfitted with coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators, cable TV and high speed Internet access. In addition to the standard rooms there is also a multi-room suite with a kitchenette that is ideal for families. Family pets (50 pounds and under) are always welcome.
Half Moon Bay Inn
401 Main Street
(650) 726-1177
www.halfmoonbayinn.com
Our experience: http://www.jenisonajourney.com/2010/11/half-moon-bay-inn-comfortable-and-cozy.html
Located in the heart of Main Street just steps from shopping, dining and numerous activities, families can choose between one of the Bella Vista Villas or the Hacienda Familia Villa for the perfect getaway. Both two-bedroom Bella Vista Villas have a queen size bedroom and a room with either a daybed/trundle or a queen size sofa bed. These Mediterranean-style villas each feature a large marble bathroom, a full eat-in kitchen, a laundry room with a washer and dryer and a balcony overlooking the serene courtyard of It’s Italia restaurant. The Hacienda Familia Villa is a large one bedroom with a queen size bed and a daybed/trundle, a large bathroom with a walk-in shower, a microwave oven, a bar size refrigerator and a flat screen TV. Families are welcome to bring their dog along (dog beds, dishes and treats are provided). There is for a
onetime fee of $25 for one dog and $35 for two dogs.
Half Moon Bay Lodge
2400 S. Cabrillo Highway
(650) 726-9000
www.halfmoonbaylodge.com
This Spanish-style, family-friendly lodge has everything a family needs to plan a fun and exciting stay including a large heated outdoor pool, whirlpool and a relaxing outdoor fireplace. An ample complimentary continental breakfast including make-your-own waffles is provided each morning. The ongoing “Family Dinner and a Movie” package includes overnight accommodations, a $50 gift certificate to nearby Cameron’s Restaurant & Inn with an additional $20 in quarters to use on games at Cameron’s, complimentary ice cream and an in-room movie.
Oceano Hotel & Spa
280 Capistrano Road
(650) 726-5400
www.OceanoHalfMoonBay.com
With a spectacular location overlooking picturesque Pillar Point Harbor, families will enjoy the luxury and convenience of one of the 11 Villa Suites. Each suite boasts cozy fireplaces, private balconies, stylish bathrooms, organic fine quality bed linens and pillow top mattresses, 42 inch flat screen HD televisions, wireless Internet access, room service, and a loft style bedroom that is situated above a kitchen and family living area for additional space and privacy.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
1 Miramontes Point Road
(650) 712-7000
www.ritzcarlton.com
Highly luxurious, this grand seaside resort and spa is situated on dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Reminiscent of the seaside lodges of the early 19th century, the hotel features 261 luxurious guestrooms, a bluffside Jacuzzi and fireplace, world-class dining, two championship golf courses, tennis courts and coastal walking trails. Making it an ideal location for family getaways, “The Ritz Kids Program” is offered year-round and has fun activities such as swimming, board games, basketball, arts and crafts projects, tennis, nature exploration and much more. The program is for children age five to 12 and is offered on a full or half-day basis every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It is available on Monday through Thursday with 24-hour advance notice.
Meals, water, bedding, toys, and potty pads are easily
packed and can help keep the dog healthy and glad to be on the highway.