From Santa Cruz we headed about an hour north along Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay. We stayed in an RV park just off the beach, separated from the edge of the cliffs by several holes of a links golf course. I had driven through this area on my way north once, many years ago, but I really had no idea what to expect, other than that the weather would be rather cool and the mornings would be foggy.
Well, the weather was definitely cool, and the mornings (and afternoons and evenings) were definitely foggy. The overall effect was just very gray. Gray skies, gray water. Thankfully, the beautiful deep green of the golf course next to us served to break up the gray, as did the wildflowers growing everywhere along the walking trails and cart paths, along the edges of the cliffs, and on the dunes. From what I can tell, these features pretty much sum up what Half Moon Bay is all about: rocky cliffs, hiking trails, and golf courses. And lovely views of the Pacific Ocean, often glimpsed as various shades of gray.
It can be hard to appreciate the beauty of the place in the fog and mist. Luckily, for a few hours each afternoon (at least during our visit). the cloud cover thinned a bit and the sun peaked through just enough to draw us outside for a walk. By late afternoon, the fog was usually back, sneaking over the hills until it covered the coastline once again.
We discovered that the sun does in fact shine in Half Moon Bay, at least occasionally. On our 5th and final day in town, at around 5:00 in the afternoon, the cloud cover completely dissipated and the sun shone brightly for several hours. By then, we had begun to pack up to leave and I saw no point in taking more photos of the exact same landscape I’d been taking every day since we arrived.
There are supposed to be some charming older buildings in the small downtown area but I didn’t see anything that caused me to get out of the car and walk around with my camera. Perhaps it would have been more appealing in the sunshine.
We ended up spending most of our time in the area close to our RV Park, enjoying the walking paths and the beach.
From Half Moon Bay, we headed inland to just south of San Jose, to spend a few days exploring the Santa Clara County winery scene. I’ll have a few things to say about the area and the wine, but I won’t be posting again until we get to the next destination, which will be Oceano Dunes, just south of Pismo Beach.
Sounded like remarks in an afternoon showing at a museum … “A Study in Gray.” 😊
Loved the beach. And you were right, the Ritz looked like it belonged. Travel safely!
Hey John,
Thanks again for commenting. I’m sure as soon as I get back to PS I’ll wish I was ensconced in one of the paintings in that museum, or simply in its earthly equivalent, Half Moon Bay, but while I was there I found it a bit oppressive. And the Ritz was divine…the back patio was expansive and overlooked the ocean and a gorgeous green lawn. I could almost stay there, if I were guaranteed at least a few hours of sunshine every other day.
Nice cool gray weather. We are craving that in Palm Springs right now!
Raphael,
I totally get it. I’m sure I’ll feel the same way later this week when I return to the Oven that is Palm Springs in the summer. Still I miss the place, and the sunshine. And the people. Its just not like anywhere else.
Been to half Moon Bay a few times. Yes, I believe your experience would have been much better in the sunshine. Sorry you had so much gray cover… To be expected though. Hope your Oceano experience is better! You’re heading to one of the five drivable beaches California has to offer… Have you ever been to Avila? They have a great dog beach ….It’s just up the road from Oceano… There’s A great place called Sycamore Mineral Springs to soak away some of your woes… 🥰 Have a blast, say hi to Frank and Fiona😘
Tarah,
Thanks first of all for the suggestion. I went to Sycamore Mineral Springs and loved it. Two hours yesterday in and out of my own private hot tub in the trees.
The Pismo Beach area remains on my list of favorites places to which I’m happy to return again and again. That’s a pretty short list for me…I love to go new places and explore. But some places just feel right, and Pismo is one of them. Specifically, I love the Oceano Dunes; I’ll be posting tons of photos of the dunes in the next few days. I did quite a bit of climbing yesterday. I love having a giant sandbox to play in. I just wish I would have discovered it when my son was young because he would have absolutely loved it too.