We spent Thanksgiving locally here in the Bay Area. The following day I volunteered at my high school’s homecoming event. By the time Sunday rolled around, I was itching to get out of town. I spent Saturday night researching places until 3am. Still hadn’t figured it out in the morning, then settled on Half Moon Bay since it was already Noon and figured the drive was only about 30 minutes.
I furiously scrawled down restaurants, beaches, state parks, a church, and other points of interest on the front and back of a yellow piece of construction paper.
We had a beautiful drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and stopped in the beachy town of El Granada for a late brunch at Cafe Classique. Too cute and the food was delish. I got a ginormous chocolate chip cookie that I can only describe as fluffy. I considered buying a couple for the road.
With happy tummies, we back-tracked literally a few seconds away to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach. After all these years growing up in the Bay Area, I’d never heard of this place. Tidal pools are best for marine life viewing during low tide (duh); so it’s best to check the tidal schedule which I found online. Seems like other people were just as smart as I was because there were definitely other groups of people there, including a Boy Scout troop.
This is probably the best educational, science-y, day trip experience I’ve had since Roatan. We saw: sea anemones, urchins, sponges, starfish, shrimp, tiny fish, hermit crabs, regular crabs, harbor seals, and a heron. I could’ve spent hours there. Forget Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is the place to be! The docents are rockstars–generous of their time and extremely knowledgable. Also check out the 2 pairs of marine life I found mating. I bet they were super annoyed that I picked them up to take their picture. Hey, you gotta capture the moment!
We ended our day walking around downtown Half Moon Bay, and watching the Niners game at a majestic bar serving very tasty bratwursts. I am falling in love with the Bay Area all over again!
Girl, thanks so much for sharing this post! I can’t wait to explore these places with my hubby.
The Marine Reserve looks like so much fun and, like you said, way better than the aquarium. XOXO
Sounds like a fun day. I love the marine life photos. Isn’t it wonderful to discover something new and awesome in your own backyard?
Yes, that is the best. It’s like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home!
Looks like an awesome trip! Hopefully some day I’ll make it to the left coast!
Yes, definitely put SF on your bucket list!
Cat you have got to try La Taqueria on Mission! Not sure if you’ve been before, but if you haven’t please go. It is my favorite taco spot. I’ve been going there since elementary school. LOVE the tacos! Happy SITS Day again!
Andrea, that is so funny, we had a debate last night with friends on the best Mexican in the city and one of my friends insisted it’s La Taqueria. And she is Mexican! I’ve never been so I will definitely give it a try! Thanks for the recommendation!
Looks like a wonderful time!
That you Akaleistar for stopping by!
Looks like it was a fun and gorgeous day! I need to do more seaside walks out here on the East Coast. Glad to have stopped by from SITS!
Becky, I”m so glad you stopped by as well. Thank you and hope you’re having an amazing weekend!
What a beautiful beach! I would love to be able to go to a beach like that and see all that wildlife! Happy SITS day!
Miranda, you will have to come over to SF one of these days! xoxoxo, catherine
I love day trips! It looks like you picked the perfect spot for this particular day trip. I enjoyed the photos; such beautiful wild life.
Stopping by from SITS. Happy belated SITS day to you!
Julie, thank you so much for stopping by. You must come to SF one day and check it out!