There’s a little known secret about the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay. It’s luxurious, yes (everyone knows that) and if the cost of a room there doesn’t make you cringe, it’s worth an overnight trip. But did you know that the hotel provides free public parking and unrestricted access to its pristine beaches, even if you’re not a guest of the hotel? Located just thirty-five minutes from downtown San Francisco, it’s the best weekend excursion around.
The hotel is situated about a half mile off Highway 1, just south of Highway 92, perched atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It has all the amenities of a five-star hotel: a fabulous restaurant, a world-class spa, a golf course, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, and a well-appointed gym. But with such stunning natural surroundings to explore, why spend the money on a room when you can stay nearby for half the cost, or make it a day trip and explore the beaches for free?
Here’s my recommendation: Pack a picnic and head to Half Moon Bay early. (When the weather is warm, traffic heading down Highway 1 can get heavy by mid-morning.) Park at the Ritz and follow the pedestrian path to the staircase that leads to the beach. Spread out your blanket, pop open the sun umbrella, and crack open a good book. Break only for an occasional perusal of the tide pools (be sure to check the tide tables before you go) or an aimless stroll in any which direction.
If you want to add a touch of luxury without going all out for a room, stay for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Navio. The oyster selection is outstanding and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. The lobster is my favorite entree and, paired with a glass of Hanzell Chardonnay, makes one of my favorite meals of all time. Rich, simple, and deeply satisfying. Have the chocolate peanut butter crunch bar with banana ice cream for dessert. (Hey, you might as well.) It’s the pastry chef’s signature dish, and it’s no mystery why.
I visited the Ritz Carlton a few months ago for a bridal shower and couldn’t wait to go back with my camera. (I’ve recently graduated to a Nikon D200, for you camera nerds out there, which made me extra-excited to get out and photograph something… anything!) So a few weeks ago I drove down on a Saturday afternoon and arrived just as the sun was dipping toward the horizon. Everything was awash in warm, golden light. A wedding was taking place in the hotel’s coast-side courtyard, and a bagpiper was beginning to play in the distance. It was nothing less than spectacular. I hope these photos inspire you to make the trip and see it for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Where to stay:
The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
One Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay, Ca
(650) 712-7000
Beach House
4100 Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay, Ca
(650) 712-0220
These are beautiful!
Thanks Carmen! I hope you get the chance to visit this spot yourself someday.
Wow, gorgeous Half Moon Bay images!
Thanks Erika! You and your hubby should definitely go down there for the day, or a quick overnight getaway. It is so beautiful, I can hardly stay away lately.
I love your itinerary suggestion, and the images are breath taking!
You gotta get down there!
I love your itinerary suggestion, and the images are breath taking!
Thanks Emily! I hope you get a chance to go down there. Let me know how it is if you go!
Your photos are amazing… thanks so much for sharing, as i am into the beach and ocean!
i am simply in awe of the various water fronts – from Miami south beach, St Thomas in the Carribbean to point reyes, my next beach adventure will be in Depoe Bay Oregon (Sept)… Can NOT wait!!!
Thanks Julie!
Beautiful photos, Miriam! Thanks for sharing them! I’ve been pretty busy the last few months, so hadn’t read your blog for awhile, and didn’t even know you DID get your own TV show! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’d love to know how to watch it, but don’t know where to look for info. Regarding Half Moon Bay, I love that area too! So nice to read about your peaceful walks on the beach, and treating yourself to scrumptious lobster with wine for dinner and yummy peanut butter-chocolate-banana dessert! One of the things I love about driving to the coast is the chance to drive on Highway 1. That gorgeous highway is one of my favorite things about Northern California. I’ve stayed several times at Lighthouse Hostels along the coast – one near Half Moon Bay, one near Pescadero. For anyone who wants a really low-cost vacation, that’s one way to do it! It’s possible to reserve a single room, if you reserve far enough in advance. Also, you can save a lot by buying locally grown produce (Half Moon Bay has lots of farms, many of them organic) and cooking in the hostel’s shared kitchen, which I really enjoy – I always make more than I can eat and share with others. Best of all, I always meet wonderful people from all over the world. During one stay I met a darling guy from Spain, three adorable guys from Paris, two nice married couples, from Australia and Alaska, and lots of nice folks from California. Definitely the opposite of the Ritz-Carlton, but a lot of fun too! I love beach-combing too, Miriam, listening to the ocean and looking for shells. I always try not to bring home too many shells, and always do anyway! But I love looking at my treasures later on. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful photos, your delicious recipes, and most of all, thanks for your enthusiasm for life! I always enjoy reading your posts!