Sunset

A cozy winter beach weekend in Half Moon Bay

Posted by Sunset, January 12, 2010 in Coast , Northern California

by MacKenzie Geidt, Sunset assistant travel editor

With 3-day weekend season upon us, it’s time to jump on those getaway plans (unless you’re a far more organized person than I am and you’ve actually planned ahead—feel free to gloat).  If the ski weekend isn’t your thing—or not in the budget—consider a cozy winter beach weekend (and off-season rates!) in Half Moon Bay.

I’m not a B&B fan (I have a thing against flowery bedspreads), but the nearby Ritz really isn’t in the budget either.  And that’s why the Half Moon Bay Inn is my kind of place, and especially affordable right now.

Cozy (without the chintz), and a great Main Street location so you can ditch the car and take a small-town stroll. If you’re looking to sleep in, walk on the beach, browse bookstores and cafes, hike, nap, and generally slow down and recharge in a cute throwback small town, this is your spot.

Book it: Off-season rates (through April) from $130. Book online or call 650/726-1177.

Plan your trip: Check out tips on area beaches, eats, and hiking nearby. And worth the short (and gorgeous) coastal drive away are the towns of Pescadero and San Gregorio.