Just 28 miles south of San Francisco rests our No. 8 California vacation destination: Half Moon Bay. This seaside village offers a historic downtown, local farmers’ markets and miles of coastline with truly incredible views.

A quiet and friendly town, Half Moon Bay gives visitors a sense of California hospitality and culture. Roadside stands offer local agriculture and floriculture, from locally grown fruit to herbs. The dining is just as wholesome, offering farm-fresh organic produce and some of the freshest catches on the coast. Go horseback riding along the beautiful beaches or through orchards. October is one of the more festive times of year, with pumpkin patches, pony rides and arts & crafts – a perfect family vacation spot. There are plenty of beaches to explore, including Gray Whale Cove, on which you can often spot gray whales! Stop by Pillar Point Harbor to watch a working fishing harbor in action, unloading their daily catch of squid, crabs, salmon, rockfish and more.

Half Moon Bay Coastside has a variety of unique shops in the historic downtown area – choose from artistic jewelry, gourmet chocolates and more. Plus, make sure to browse the famous general store.