What is there to do on the Coastside? What is the weather like on the Coastside? Do you have beachfront vacation rentals? Can I go horseback riding on the beach? When is whale watching season? When can I see the elephant seals? Where is Mavericks with the "big waves" I've heard about? Ask your question!   What is there to do on the Coastside? The beaches and mountains, of course; prowling around postcard pretty Pillar Point Harbor with its fleets of fishing and pleasure craft, offering deep sea fishing or whale watching in season; horseback riding, hiking amongst the redwoods, browsing through dozens of shops with a huge selection of everyday and travelers' needs, arts, crafts, and antiques. We have several art galleries on the Coastside featuring nationally known as well as many talented local artists. You can even pick (in season) your own berries, kiwis, pumpkins, and Christmas trees on several Coastside farms. Our calendar is full, and you're invited to all the exciting events-among them the popular Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival every October, the Pentecostal Festival (Portuguese Pentecostal Festival of the Holy Ghost), an old-fashioned Fourth of July parade and fireworks, a Tour des Fleurs through local nurseries, the Christmas season's Night of Lights Festival, and the annual Dream Machines with its wild and wonderful displays of planes, helicopters, tractors, trucks, and cars. A special mention: Coastal Repertory Theatre has live theater entertainment in Half Moon Bay year round. Historic points of interest are a delight year round. back to list What is the weather like on the Coastside? Weather on the Coastside is quite temperate year round, with seasonal fog in the late summer. Cool breezes off the ocean are common. The average yearly rainfall is 23.43 inches and the temperatures may vary between 40 and 75 degrees. On average, we have 160 CLEAR days per year, 100 PARTLY CLOUDY days per year, and 105 CLOUDY days per year. We normally have approximately 66 days with precipitation per year. back to list Do you have beachfront vacation rentals? Yes, we have members that offer large single-family beachfront homes available for short term rentals. You can peruse our list of well-appointed and conveniently located short term cottages & apartments. back to list Can I go horseback riding on the beach? Yes, you can! Beach rides are one of our most popular tourist attractions. Horse rentals are available daily, 365 days per year (weather permitting). Guides ride along to assist novice riders if requested. back to list When is whale watching season? The most common whale migration period is late December through early April. During this time numerous female whales are migrating north with their young calves. Whale watching tours depart from Pillar Point Harbor, 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay, regularly during the peak season. Depending on "whale traffic" and migration patterns in a given year, excursions may be available year-round. Check our list of whale watching tour guides. back to list When can I see the elephant seals? The 4,000 acre Ano Nuevo State Reserve is a majoring gathering area for northern elephant seals, which may be seen year-round. The males battle for mates on the beaches. The females give birth to their young on the dunes. During the breeding season, December 15 through March 31, daily access to the Reserve is available only via guided walks. Advance reservations are recommended for walks. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to sunset. Recorded information (650) 879-0227; reservations (800) 444-4445; office (650) 879-2025. back to list Where is Mavericks with the "big waves" I've heard about? The "big waves" of the world famous surfing spot known as Mavericks break about 1 mile off shore in Princeton-by-the Sea, a small community about 4 miles north of Half Moon Bay and 25 miles south of San Francisco. The "viewing" area is a very isolated and sensitive wildlife habitat. Spectators are generally discouraged, as access is limited and visibility is poor. For information on tide conditions and surfing events, please check the Mavericks website. Directions to Mavericks: Take Highway 1 north of Half Moon Bay about 4 miles. Turn left on Capistrano Road at the traffic light. Turn left on Prospect Way. Drive west on Harvard Avenue until it merges onto West Point Avenue. Follow West Point up the hill to the small, unmarked parking lot. You can park in the lot and hike about 1 mile uphill along the footpath to the viewing area on the bluffs. PLEASE…do not leave any trash behind, stay out of the marsh and off the delicate reefs, do not disturb the wildlife, and enjoy. back to list Can't find the answer to your question? Click here to submit your questions on the Half Moon Bay Coastside!   Click here if you'd like to be added to our mailing list for periodic Half Moon Bay Coastside updates!