Below is a summary of what’s new along the Half Moon Bay Coastside. To plan a trip, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org and also download iCoastside to access information on the region’s cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, renowned restaurants, farm visits, golfing, wine tasting, fishing, whale watching, surfing and much more.
Special Note: All locations are in Half Moon Bay unless otherwise noted.
TIS THE SEASON FOR…
Surfing
Half Moon Bay is home to the world-famous surfing spot Mavericks, located one-half mile off of the coast by Pillar Point Harbor. Mavericks is considered to be one of the most challenging surfing areas in the world, attracting the most elite surfers to brave the waves for the annual contest, most recently renamed "Titans of Mavericks.” The official contest window is open January 1 through March 31, and during this time, the organizers monitor weather conditions and swell size in order to give competitors 48 hours notice to make their way to Half Moon Bay. Swells at Mavericks typically need to reach 30-40 feet in order for the contest to take place. The official contestant line-up was announced in October and includes big wave surfers from all over the globe including Brazil, Hawaii and South Africa, as well as many local surfers from Pacifica, Santa Cruz and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.titansofmavericks.com.Whale Watching
The annual migration of the gray whale is currently underway, and Half Moon Bay is the perfect spot for witnessing the journey of these spectacular creatures. Beginning in January and running through the end of March, approximately 15,000 gray whales swim south from the icy waters of the Arctic to mate and nurse their young in the warm, shallow lagoons along Magdalena Bay in Baja, California. The full round-trip migration from the Bering Sea to the Baja calving lagoons is approximately 10,000 miles, the longest known migration for any mammal. Gray whales move at a steady speed of about five miles per hour, and most can be spotted in an area that extends from the kelp beds (about 3/4 miles from the shoreline) out to the horizon. For those who like to plan ahead, March through early April is a great time to spot humpback whales as they begin moving closer to shore.Several local companies offer whale-watching excursions:
- Half Moon Bay Sportfishing & Tackle, (650) 728-3377
- Huli Cat Sportfishing, (650) 726-2926
- Riptide Sportfishing, (888) 747-8433
- UPCOMING EVENTS -
Beer vs. Wine Dinner at HMB Brewing Company
January 27, 7 - 10 p.m.Join the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company for their second annual Beer vs. Wine Dinner featuring wines from local Fogerty Winery and home-brewed seasonal beer by the Brewing Company's Brewmaster James Costa. Guests will enjoy four delicious courses of local and seasonal coastal cuisine prepared by the Brewing Company's Executive Chef Gaston Alfaro. Each course will feature a healthy pour of both wine and beer, specifically chosen by a winemaker from Fogerty Winery and Brewmaster Costa. Throughout the meal, the winemaker and brewmaster will discuss how and why they chose this particular beverage to pair with the dish being served. Throughout the meal, guests will vote for which of these beverages went best with each dish, and the winner will be announced at the conclusion. The dinner is $75 per person (plus a small processing fee) inclusive of tax and gratuity. To purchase tickets, visit http://hmbbrewingco.inticketing.com/events/370303. Space is limited to 30 people and tickets are expected to sell out.
Embark on an Elephant Seal Adventure
Año Nuevo State Park
January 24, 25 & February 14
Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend an entire morning or afternoon viewing elephant seals at the peak of their breeding season. Visitors will meet with elephant seal researchers and learn from volunteer naturalists while having an amazing experience to surely go down in memory books. Seal Adventures are co-sponsored by Coastside State Parks Association and California State Parks to raise money to support educational and interpretive programs at Año Nuevo and 14 other state parks and beaches along the San Mateo Coast. Cost to participate is $60 per person and advanced reservations are required.www.CoastsideStateParks.org/pages/Seal_Adventure.html. Media Contact: Janet Oulton,Janet@CoastsideStateParks.org.
March 27, :30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Agriculture is Half Moon Bay’s premier industry, and each year residents gather to celebrate the hardworking farmers that contribute so much bounty to the area at Farm Day, started by the late Coastside farmer Mel Mello. Local farm families come together to create a delicious lunch utilizing local produce. Among the many awards, a Coastside farmer will be chosen as “Farmer of the Year.” Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Half Moon Bay Chamber, (650) 726-8380. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 727-8380,charise@hmbchamber.com
April 11, a.m. – 5 p.m.
Half Moon Bay celebrates the return of spring wildflowers with Coastal Wildflower Day, a day-long festival of native plants and wildflowers, filled with activities for the entire family. Seek advice on how to start a drought-tolerant native plant garden, tour the state beach gardens led by botanists and park volunteers, view exhibits and presentations about native plants and animals and have fun with educational games for children. Guests can take home some of these plants and seeds for a minimal donation to support the nursery and local parks. Those who are interested in helping the state parks can join actual restoration projects underway during the event, with activities suitable for anyone, from adults who like to garden and teenagers looking for community service projects, to youngsters who just like to dig in the dirt. Admission to the event is free, however there is a $10 parking fee for California State Parks if you do not have a park pass. For more information, visit www.CoastsideStateParks.org. Media Contact: Janet Oulton,Janet@coastsidestateparks.org.
April 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Half Moon Bay’s spectacular showcase of motorized mechanical marvels from the 20th and 21st centuries celebrates its 25th anniversary with a mesmerizing array of more than 2,000 ultra cool antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic machines on display for public viewing. Automobiles range from hot rods, dragsters, customs, low riders, imports, street machines and muscle cars to fanciful touring, luxury, and sports cars. View exceptional vintage warbirds, classics from the 40s and 50s and homebuilt aircraft, tricked out trucks and motorcycles, military tanks and vehicles. Enjoy a special display of vintage police cars, world-record streamliners, hydroplanes, model-T fire engines, SWAT vehicles, antique engines, tractors, helicopter and plane rides. Custom bicycles will be on display along with kinetic art, rolling sculptures, extreme toys, mega-modified machines, advanced “green” technology vehicles, jaw-dropping flyovers by historic military aircraft, monster truck rides, unimotorcycle drag races and dynojet dynamometer performance testing. Families will love the super-thrilling zip-line, bungee jump and kid’s amusements, fabulous food and drink, and stellar live music all to benefit the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. Admission is $25 for adults, $15 for ages 11-17 and 70+, and free for kids 10 and younger. For more information, call (650) 726-2328 or visit www.miramarevents.com. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (650) 726-3491, tim@miramarevents.com.
Winter Wave: Stay two nights and receive a 10% discount off the room rate on select winter dates (save up to $39 per night).
Stay and Save- Guests staying three consecutive nights or more will enjoy a 15% savings (up to $59 per night).Both specials are available through March 31, 2015. Savings vary by room type and reservations are required. 4100 North Cabrillo Hwy, (800) 315-9366,www.beachhouse.com. Media Contact: Marje Bennetts, (310) 802-4101 marje@beach-house.com.
The New Year Detox Seaweed Wrap- this treatment has slimming and detoxifying properties due to rich infusions of marine clays and algae. Begin with a warm seaweed soak in a private room with a warm mug of detox tea, then enjoy a full body dry brush to help circulation and rid of dead skin cells. The finale is a warm seaweed wrap with green tea and grapefruit extracts. Get your body motivated and ready for the New Year! $150 per person ($215 value). Package valid through February 15, 2015.
Milk and Honey Special- this treatment begins with a glass of champagne followed by a therapeutic soak in a milk and honey salt bath. Next, enjoy a 60-minute full body massage with milk and honey warm shea butter…. a hydrating and relaxing treat after the holidays! $100 for a 90-minute treatment. Package valid January 1, 2015 through May 1, 2015.270 Capistrano Road, (650) 263-2008, www.oceanocoastalspa.com.
Valentine's Day, SF Beer Week and Strong Beer Month, guests will enjoy specialty strong beers paired with some desserts. Patrons dining on Valentine's Day have some great menu specials to look forward to and St. Patrick’s Day guests will enjoy a variety of specials from March 14-17 including St. Paddy’s corn beef hash. The month of March brings Beer and Cheese Month with a special menu to honor this scrumptious pairing each week. For more menu details and to make reservations, call (650) 728-2739 or visit www.hmbbrewingco.com. 390 Capistrano Rd. Media Contact: Caitlin Sandberg (530) 400-9207, caitlin@ellipsespr.com.
###
46th Annual Farm Day
IDES Hall, 735 Main StreetMarch 27, :30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Agriculture is Half Moon Bay’s premier industry, and each year residents gather to celebrate the hardworking farmers that contribute so much bounty to the area at Farm Day, started by the late Coastside farmer Mel Mello. Local farm families come together to create a delicious lunch utilizing local produce. Among the many awards, a Coastside farmer will be chosen as “Farmer of the Year.” Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Half Moon Bay Chamber, (650) 726-8380. Media Contact: Charise McHugh, (650) 727-8380,charise@hmbchamber.com
Coastal Wildflower Day
Half Moon Bay State Beach (Francis Beach parking lot), 95 Kelly AvenueApril 11, a.m. – 5 p.m.
Half Moon Bay celebrates the return of spring wildflowers with Coastal Wildflower Day, a day-long festival of native plants and wildflowers, filled with activities for the entire family. Seek advice on how to start a drought-tolerant native plant garden, tour the state beach gardens led by botanists and park volunteers, view exhibits and presentations about native plants and animals and have fun with educational games for children. Guests can take home some of these plants and seeds for a minimal donation to support the nursery and local parks. Those who are interested in helping the state parks can join actual restoration projects underway during the event, with activities suitable for anyone, from adults who like to garden and teenagers looking for community service projects, to youngsters who just like to dig in the dirt. Admission to the event is free, however there is a $10 parking fee for California State Parks if you do not have a park pass. For more information, visit www.CoastsideStateParks.org. Media Contact: Janet Oulton,Janet@coastsidestateparks.org.
25th Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway (Hwy. 1)April 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Half Moon Bay’s spectacular showcase of motorized mechanical marvels from the 20th and 21st centuries celebrates its 25th anniversary with a mesmerizing array of more than 2,000 ultra cool antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic machines on display for public viewing. Automobiles range from hot rods, dragsters, customs, low riders, imports, street machines and muscle cars to fanciful touring, luxury, and sports cars. View exceptional vintage warbirds, classics from the 40s and 50s and homebuilt aircraft, tricked out trucks and motorcycles, military tanks and vehicles. Enjoy a special display of vintage police cars, world-record streamliners, hydroplanes, model-T fire engines, SWAT vehicles, antique engines, tractors, helicopter and plane rides. Custom bicycles will be on display along with kinetic art, rolling sculptures, extreme toys, mega-modified machines, advanced “green” technology vehicles, jaw-dropping flyovers by historic military aircraft, monster truck rides, unimotorcycle drag races and dynojet dynamometer performance testing. Families will love the super-thrilling zip-line, bungee jump and kid’s amusements, fabulous food and drink, and stellar live music all to benefit the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. Admission is $25 for adults, $15 for ages 11-17 and 70+, and free for kids 10 and younger. For more information, call (650) 726-2328 or visit www.miramarevents.com. Media Contact: Tim Beeman, (650) 726-3491, tim@miramarevents.com.
–ACCOMMODATIONS –
Seal Cove Inn Gets a Fresh New Look
This serene hideaway set amongst a meadow of wildflowers and bordered by cypress trees, has completed a large remodel that spanned well over a year. Guests will now enjoy new landscaping, new hardwood floors in the downstairs common areas, new carpeting, new fireplaces, mantels and hearths. The reception area has been updated and includes custom cabinetry for a built-in technology center and a Super Automatic Espresso Machine Bar offering self-serve drinks. Venturing into the dining room, guests will find custom-designed tables and chairs from a local craftsman. In addition, the living room furniture has been replaced and guestrooms have been graced with all new sheets, pillows and towels. Gaia Essentials continues to add to the signature bath amenity line with a new bath salt-scrub that contains lavender buds and eucalyptus leaves. 221 Cypress Avenue, Moss Beach, (800) 995-9987, www.sealcoveinn.com.Cozy Up At The Beach House Hotel
Staying on the coast during the winter months has great charm – chilly nights, clear skies and some of the best sunsets of the year. This season, the luxuriously appointed New England-style Beach House Hotel is offering two great packages for guests to experience this special time of the year.Winter Wave: Stay two nights and receive a 10% discount off the room rate on select winter dates (save up to $39 per night).
Stay and Save- Guests staying three consecutive nights or more will enjoy a 15% savings (up to $59 per night).Both specials are available through March 31, 2015. Savings vary by room type and reservations are required. 4100 North Cabrillo Hwy, (800) 315-9366,www.beachhouse.com. Media Contact: Marje Bennetts, (310) 802-4101 marje@beach-house.com.
New Year's Day Special at the Oceano Hotel and Spa
With a spectacular location overlooking picturesque Pillar Point Harbor, the luxurious seaside Oceano Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate the New Year. Escape to Half Moon Bay and enjoy the New Year's Package which includes a one-night stay on New Year's Eve in a deluxe suite along with a bottle of champagne for the perfect midnight toast, a $75 gift certificate for dinner at Flavor and brunch for two on New Year's Day at the Oceano Bar and Grill. Rate per package is $409, excluding tax. Offer good only on December 31, 2014 - January 1, 2015. Subject to availability. For reservations call (650) 726-5400. 280 Capistrano Road, www.oceanohalfmoonbay.com.
– SPA –
New Year – New You!
Start the New Year off right with a spa treatment from Oceano Coastal Spa. There are two New Year’s specials to choose from:The New Year Detox Seaweed Wrap- this treatment has slimming and detoxifying properties due to rich infusions of marine clays and algae. Begin with a warm seaweed soak in a private room with a warm mug of detox tea, then enjoy a full body dry brush to help circulation and rid of dead skin cells. The finale is a warm seaweed wrap with green tea and grapefruit extracts. Get your body motivated and ready for the New Year! $150 per person ($215 value). Package valid through February 15, 2015.
Milk and Honey Special- this treatment begins with a glass of champagne followed by a therapeutic soak in a milk and honey salt bath. Next, enjoy a 60-minute full body massage with milk and honey warm shea butter…. a hydrating and relaxing treat after the holidays! $100 for a 90-minute treatment. Package valid January 1, 2015 through May 1, 2015.270 Capistrano Road, (650) 263-2008, www.oceanocoastalspa.com.
- CULINARY NEWS –
ARK Grill
Experience North Indian dining with family recipes that have been perfected through iterations that span multiple generations. In addition to the popular Main Street location, patrons can now experience their favorite Indian cuisine with the ARK Mobile food truck, which has officially hit the streets of the Half Moon Bay Coastside. Savor these aromatic dishes incorporating intoxicating spices such as turmeric, red chili, coriander, garam masala, and cumin at their Downtown Main Street location or while they are out and about with the ARK Mobile. 724 Main Street, (650) 560-8152, www.arkgrill.com.Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
A beloved destination known for its award-winning, handcrafted beer and sustainable coastal cuisine, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is the place to be during the winter and spring months to enjoy a variety of special events. From February 6-15 in celebration ofValentine's Day, SF Beer Week and Strong Beer Month, guests will enjoy specialty strong beers paired with some desserts. Patrons dining on Valentine's Day have some great menu specials to look forward to and St. Patrick’s Day guests will enjoy a variety of specials from March 14-17 including St. Paddy’s corn beef hash. The month of March brings Beer and Cheese Month with a special menu to honor this scrumptious pairing each week. For more menu details and to make reservations, call (650) 728-2739 or visit www.hmbbrewingco.com. 390 Capistrano Rd. Media Contact: Caitlin Sandberg (530) 400-9207, caitlin@ellipsespr.com.
Monster Chef
While the idea of high-end sushi buffets may be new to the United States, it is an established concept in Japan and Hong Kong. The newest restaurant in Half Moon Bay, Monster Chef, is quickly gaining a reputation for serving the highest quality and variety of Japanese cuisine in the area. Everything in the restaurant is made to order and under the direction of Hong Kong native and esteemed Chef Danny Li, who brings over 15 years of experience working in top Bay Area sushi restaurants. Enjoy menu items a la carte or “Houdai” (all you can eat). (650) 713-5140, 10151 Cabrillo Highway North,www.monsterchefcorp.com.Oceano Bar & Grill
The casual harbor front ambiance of the Oceano Bar & Grill is the perfect location for a pre-dinner cocktail or to enjoy delicious coastal fare from the unique menu. Celebrate 2015 in style on New Year’s Day with brunch from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Executive Chef Dominick Bocchimuzzo concentrates on total freshness from local seafood to seasonings for perfect dishes that define the coast. Brunch will feature Mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar for available for an additional charge. $26.95 for adults and $17.95 for children. For reservations call (650) 726-5400 or email elizam@oceanohalfmoonbay.com. 280 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay Harbor, www.oceanohalfmoonbay.com.Seville Tapas
Tapas with inspiration from Spain along with healthy sandwiches, salads and gourmet goodies are just a few of the things to be discovered at recently opened Seville. An exciting addition to the menu is Spanish inspired to-go boxes for picnics on the beach or other local outings. Patrons will enjoy a variety of options such as the “Cheese Box” with various Spanish cheeses, gluten free crackers, house-made 5 pepper jam, almonds and apple slices or the “Spanish Box” which contains a selection of various charcuterie, Aged Manchego Cheese, Spanish Iberian Ham, Mediterranean olive mix, Tortilla Espanola and freshly baked mini-baguettes. A number of salads, wraps, snacks and kids box meals are also available to go. For those who’d rather dine in, sip a sangria or glass of wine while cozying up to one of the fire pits with a view of the harbor. Located in Pillar Point Harbor, diners can eat inside, outside on the deck or take the items to go. 450 Capistrano Road, Princeton by the Sea, (650) 563-4181, www.sevilletapas.com. Media contact: Catherine Yaque, (650) 703-5838, eat@sevilletapas.com.Spice Me
Since opening their doors in October, Spice Me has been providing authentic Thai favorites served in a lively, bright and cozy location. Flavor, spice and a wide variety of vegetables, meats, and seafood are combined with the perfect balance of herbs and spices to captivate taste buds. Aside from the regular menu, Spice Me creates seasonal dishes to promote Thai culture and local festivities. Owner Ratchanee Srikhao exudes the warm Thai hospitality that makes her home country one of the friendliest countries in Asia.(650) 560-0076, 500 Purissima Street, Unit C.VIA UNO Cucina Italiana & Bar
Half Moon Bay’s very own slice of Italy, VIA UNO Cucina Italiana & Bar is proud to present a Calabrian Dinner with Rosetta Costantino, Celebrity Chef and Author on January 29, 2015. Rosetta Costantino is a world-renowned chef who has been celebrated from New York to Yountville. She will be the guest of an honor at VIA UNO’s January Prix Fixe Dinner Event where she will present and speak about each course and its genesis, discuss the wines paired to enhance each dish, and offer book signings and personal greetings. For the event, cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. with dinner seating at 7 p.m.2810 Cabrillo Highway 1 North, (650) 560-8858, www.viaunorestaurant.com. Media Contact: Tonya Hayes, (925) 285-0001, tonya@tonyahayes.com.- THE ARTS –
Hot Glass Hearts
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, visitors can head to Half Moon Bay Art Glass in January and February to create hand blown glass hearts for the ones they love. During the hot glass class, students will gather hot glass from the furnace, color it and then shape it into the heart of their dreams. Class is $59 per student. Hearts are available the next day for pickup or can be shipped for a small fee. Half Moon Bay Art Glass at La Nebbia Winery, 12341 San Mateo Road on Hwy 92, (650) 283-5626, www.hmbartglass.com. To book a class, go tohttp://www.supersaas.com/schedule/HalfMoonBayArtGlass/Blown_Pumpkin_ClassCoastal Repertory
An artistic beacon of the Coastside, Coastal Repertory is a non-profit community theater that draws talent from the Coastside and the greater Bay Area. Known for their high quality performances in a small 158 fixed seat theater, there are two not-to-be-missed productions on the 2015 calendar. February 6 – 28 brings, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” Hailed as the second longest running Off Broadway musical, this is a celebration of the universal mating game. April 3 – 25 begins “Twelve Angry Men,” a poignant drama that highlights how the justice system has evolved and changed…or has it? 1167 Main Street, (650) 726-0998, www.coastalrep.com.- TOURS -
Winter Mavericks Tour and Surf Lessons
Mavericks is one of the world’s top 10 big-surf spots, and it’s located right on the Half Moon Bay Coastside. There is no better way to get up close and personal than with Half Moon Bay Coastside Tours. The tour and surf lessons are by appointment only and will include two hours of surf instruction, surfing and a guided walk to Mavericks Beach. Prices vary depending on size of group and we can accommodate individuals or groups up to 20 people. 225 Cabrillo Highway South, (650) 720-7050, www.hmbcoastsidetours.com.###
About the Half Moon Bay Coastside
The Half Moon Bay Coastside is a charming seaside respite located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco. Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this breathtaking region consists of four distinct areas - the North Coast, Half Moon Bay, the South Coast and the Redwood Region. Featuring the best of Northern California all in one place, visitors will enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, redwood forests, a historic downtown filled with local artisan shops, beautiful state parks, fields of wild flowers, and trails along ocean bluffs and mountain ridges as far as the eye can see. A sampling of activities includes horseback riding on the beach, farm fresh dining, shopping, biking, hiking and world-class golfing and surfing.
For more information on visiting Half Moon Bay, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org, download Half Moon Bay’s free app iCoastside or call (650) 726-8380. For the latest news on the area, visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org/blog, join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/visithalfmoonbay and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/visithmb
and check us out on YouTube www.youtube.com/visithmb.
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