Pumpkin patches, fields of Christmas trees, fresh produce at roadside stands- Half Moon Bay is a treat to visit year-round.   Signs along both Highway 1 and 92 welcome you- strawberries, carrots, peas, honey; take advantage of the opportunity to get impossibly fresh veggies and sweet berries.

Growing up in the Bay Area, I vividly remember field trips to the pumpkin patch.  Running through the rows of pumpkins, some bigger than we were- searching for the perfect one to take home.  Last weekend driving along Highway 92, the nostalgia hit me, prompting me to pull into the pumpkin patch for old times sake.

Moving from Fall to Winter, Christmas tree farms replace pumpkin patches.  Heading west on Highway 92, cars and trucks pass on the other side, topped with freshly cut trees.  For years, it was a tradition for me, little sis KT and mama to head to Half Moon Bay to cut down our tree.  And I mean ‘cut down’ in the literal sense, as we were greeted on our way into the tree farm with a ‘happy holidays!’ and a dull hand saw.  My dad politely passed on this annual field trip, so it was just the girls.  Living off the land and fending for ourselves, one Christmas tree at a time.  Climbing under a tree and sawing it down is more than a notion.  I have fond memories of the hot mess we were, year after year.  After several years of struggling with that damn dull saw and trying to lift that heavy tree onto the car, we stumbled upon a farm where you could pick your perfect tree and staff would come and cut it with a power saw and load it on your car.  #Winning.  Still, I’m convinced those years with that dull hand saw built character (and arm strength!).

With Half Moon Bay at about 70 feet elevation, fish could almost jump right from the ocean onto your plate.  Take advantage of the opportunity and have lunch at Flying Fish Bar & Grill.  If you’re a fan of prawns, try the tacos or the shrimp platter, yumm!

This one is a no brainer.  The ocean will call you; you may pull over in turnouts and at beaches along the way.  Go with it!  There’s nothing like driving around a curve on Highway 1 and catching your first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean.  On a clear, cloudless day, shades of blue dominate the view from the sky to the water below.

Driving south, from San Francisco towards Half Moon Bay last weekend, I saw easily more than a hundred surfers dotting the waves at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica.  Clearly, I wasn’t the only one taking advantage of this 70 degree day, just days before November.  I continued on to my favorite Half Moon Bay beach, a spot I discovered years ago when I made a random turn from Cabrillo Highway onto Medio Avenue and ran directly into Miramar Beach.

Park at the end of Medio and take a walk.  If you’re lucky enough to stay in the area overnight, check out one of the beachfront properties along this stretch of beach.  I’ve got my eye on Cypress Inn for my next staycation.

If you’ve been following my ever-growing collection of wine itineraries from Sonoma to Napa and beyond, you won’t find it shocking that there are places to taste wine in Half Moon Bay- and I found them.  Be sure to make a stop at La Nebbia, just a short drive from Main Street.

Their back patio is a gorgeous place to have lunch on a nice day.  You can bring your own food and buy a nice bottle of wine to enjoy.  If you aren’t sure what wine you might like, they have a tasting menu for $12 that will let you sample five selections… and you get to keep the wine glass!

Like in many small towns, Main Street is the center of  activity in the town.  Wander and do a little window shopping.  Get inspiration for your dream home at Cottage Industries.

Peruse the vibrant and beautifully handcrafted gifts at LuzLuna Imports.  You’ll find unique gifts that also support indigenous artisans from all over the world.

Stop into Half Moon Bay Wine and Cheese Company, browse their collection of wines from around the world, enjoy a flight and cheese plate and do a little shopping for the wine enthusiasts in your life.   Check their calendar for special events like their music series.

Have a margarita by the fire at San Benito House.  Hopefully you’ll catch a vibe like the New Orleans inspired blues playlist piping through the outdoor patio, during our visit.  They must have known TK would appreciate the nod to her hometown.

Or in this case, eat farm to barn.  Grass fed burgers, perfectly seasoned fries and thick milkshakes with unique flavor options- The Barn is a perfect choice for a casual lunch or dinner in Half Moon Bay.  They got TK’s seal of approval on the fries, which is the equivalent of a Michelin star.  Grab your food and enjoy the outdoor beer garden.

Weekends in Cali often deliver magical days like this- and yes, I did all these things on one sunny Saturday in October.  And yet, I still have a full list of things I’d still like to explore in and around Half Moon Bay.  Maybe the family needs to dust off the old tradition and make a trip down South for another Christmas tree 😉