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 around Half Moon Bay 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!
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit
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
misssrobin
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?
Catherine
Yes, that is the best. It’s like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, there’s no place like home!
Nicole Nenninger
Makes me want to visit San Francisco! We have a lot of stuff like that over here on Long Island too. There’s beauty everywhere–thanks for sharing a little bit about your corner of the world.
Bev @ Linkouture
Ooh, I’ll have to check this place out the next time I’m in the Bay Area, it looks awesome!
Dana
I’m bookmarking this page – we are taking the kids to California this summer, and I’d love to get some great ideas of things to do. Happy SITS day – looking forward to reading more of your blog!
Rabia @ TheLiebers
Looks like an awesome trip! Hopefully some day I’ll make it to the left coast! 🙂
Catherine
Yes, definitely put SF on your bucket list!
Sheila Skillingstead
Beautiful pictures of a fun road trip. I’ve been to the Monterey Aquarium and absolutely loved it. I also couldn’t get enough of Point Lobos. There’s room for indoor and outdoor enjoyment. Have a great SITS Day.
KG
Happy SITS Day!
Looks like you had a blast! would love to visit something like this here in Florida as I’m quite far from Cali. Great pics too.
Enjoy your day.
Pam
What a fun day. There are so many great places around where I live that I have never visited. I need to plan a day like yours. Your photos are beautiful. Happy SITS day to you!
Beth (OMG! Yummy)
Isn’t it great to be a tourist in your own town? We forget to do that, don’t we? And Half Moon Bay was a perfect place to do it. I will jot down that Cafe and the Marine Reserve — both look like great finds. Another fun one is Ano Nuevo during sea lion season – it’s a bit south of Half Moon Bay. Great day trip. And you can have lunch or dinner in HMB afterwards!
Hope you are having a great SITS day!
homejobsbymom
Looks like you had an amazing time. Love the pics!
Adrienn
Great post! Wonderful pictures too, I love Cali! Stopping by from SITS, have a great day!
Sydnie
I have never been to San Fransisco but definitely want to. Looks like you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing!
Andrea
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!
Catherine
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!
Akaleistar
Looks like a wonderful time!
Catherine
That you Akaleistar for stopping by!
Kelly
I am very jealous of your trip and I love your photos. Pretty nosy interrupting those poor little mating creatures! I hope I can do something like that soon. As a vegan wannabe crunchy mama, I am told that I belong in San Fran/CA – but I am from NY and I have never been to the other coast. Happy SITS Day!
Kate
Happy SITS day! I really enjoyed your pics. Thanks for sharing. What an amazing starfish!
Kim@Co-Pilot Mom
Looks like an awesome adventure! Love walking in and beach, and seeing so many creatures would be amazing. My boys would love it!
Becky
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!
Catherine
Becky, I”m so glad you stopped by as well. Thank you and hope you’re having an amazing weekend!
Miranda Pridgeon
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!
Catherine
Miranda, you will have to come over to SF one of these days! xoxoxo, catherine
Julie @ This Gal Cooks
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!
Catherine
Julie, thank you so much for stopping by. You must come to SF one day and check it out!
Simone Anne
I love it! yay! 🙂 haha. So fun to read about my hometown in your eyes!
Catherine
HMB is awesome. we love the small hometown feel and there is so much to explore. the dining there is fantastic too!