Christmas Tree Farms in Half Moon Bay

There are several Christmas tree farms in Half Moon Bay including:

Santa’s Tree Farm, 78 Pilarcitos Creek Road, Half Moon Bay, CA, 650-726-2246, www.santstreefarm.com

Lemos Farm, 12320 San Mateo Road (Highway 92), Half Moon Bay, CA, 650-726-2342, www.lemosfarm.com

Repetto’s nursery, 12331 San Mateo Road (Highway 92), Half Moon Bay, CA, 650-726-6414, www.repettonurseryflorist.com

Four C’s Christmas Tree Farm, Highway 92 near La Nebbia Winery, Half Moon Bay, CA.

The Pacific Victorian B&B is located in Half Moon Bay California. Make sure to visit Half Moon Bay, California and get a terrific tree at one of our local tree farms.

Kayaking in Half Moon Bay

Sea kayaking

Sea kayaking is very popular in Half Moon Bay. There’s no better place to experience it first hand than along the gorgeous Half Moon Bay coastline. In this dynamic and diverse environment, explorers can choose from many kayaking adventures including paddling among the harbor seals, seabirds and other marine sanctuary wildlife in protected Pillar Point Harbor or along the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve with kelp beds and secluded beaches. Two companies offer tours and rentals: (more…)

Hiking Trails Near Our Inn

Hiking on trail

Burleigh-Murray Ranch State Park

“Rolling grassland, eucalyptus grove windbreaks, an old barn and a bunkhouse—this is ranch country, not the redwood country more typically associated with the Santa Cruz Mountains. For the hiker, Burleigh-Murray State Park offers a distinct change of pace from the trail systems of other nearby parks, most of which travel to, or within, stands of first- and second-generation redwoods.”

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25160

McNee Ranch State Park

“McNee Ranch State Park is a beautiful, scenic, and surprising park. Comprised almost entirely of wide, multi-use fire roads, McNee Ranch lacks the facilities we expect from most state parks. No visitor center, signposts, or restrooms (although there is one portable toilet). It’s even tough to park here! Instead of these niceties you will find steep, tough fire roads winding through a spectacular assortment of bay area plants, leading to a nearly 1900 foot peak with wonderful views.”

http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/mcneeranch.html

Coastside Trail

“Three miles of shoreline and four beaches—Roosevelt, Dunes, Venice and Francis—comprise Half Moon Bay State Park. Extending north of the park is more accessible—and walkable—shoreline.
Coastside Trail, extending along the park’s eastern boundary, is a multiuse pathway open to cyclists and walkers. Depending on the tide, you can return via the beach. Coastside Trail is a better bike ride than walk; its function is to link the various state beaches and it does that quite well but it isn’t all that interesting of a saunter. It does, however, bring some marvelous beaches within reach, and for that reason is worth the walk.”

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=531

Purisima Creek Trails

“The centerpiece of this 3,360-acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, with its towering redwoods, rushing creek, and understory of ferns, berries, and wildflowers. Coastal scrub and hardwood forests of tanoak, madrone, and Douglas fir border the cool moist canyon. Magnificent views of the coast and Half Moon Bay are visible from the northern part of the preserve. Twenty-one miles of developed trails and historical logging roads provide opportunities for easy walks or long, strenuous hikes or rides. Remember to carry water on your hike, since the trails out of the canyon climb up to 1,600 feet and can be quite strenuous! The specially surfaced Redwood Trail, which is suitable for visitors of all physical abilities, winds through tall redwoods just off Skyline Boulevard. Visitors will find wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and a restroom along this flat easy route. The Redwood Trail was built through a grant from Peninsula Open Space Trust.”

http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_purisima.asp

Quarry Park

“Quarry Park is a 40 acre community park in beautiful El Granada.  The park features a large family picnic meadow with tables and barbecue pits, next to a play area for toddlers (the “Tot Lot”). The Treehouse, built in 2008, functions as a play structure, conversation area, or stage. Beyond the Meadow, a dirt road leads to the quarry floor and up to a view site overlooking Princeton Harbor. A network of trails winds through Quarry Park and the adjoining Wicklow open space area. Quarry Park is open from sunrise to sunset.  There is no charge for parking or for park entrance. Park maintenance activities are performed by volunteers and by the County. Special projects at the Park are supported by private donations and by grants from organizations such as the Half Moon Bay Lions Club.”

http://www.mpl.sanmateo.org/parks.html

Tour des Fleurs Half Moon Bay

 

 

Tour des Fleurs – A Unique Experience Awaits You on the Coastside

“… Tour des Fleurs offers the public a once-a-year opportunity to tour our local nurseries/greenhouses, wineries and farms. Many of these businesses are not ordinarily open to the public and during Tour des Fleurs they invite you for a “behind the scenes” tour of their facilities and operations. Some will share helpful tips to pruning and caring for flowers, others will share their key to an efficient operation whether it’s a nursery or winery, and some will share their colorful and fascinating family history and how it shaped their businesses today.

Special flower gardens, calla lilies, dahlias, violas, oceans of roses and hydrangeas, organic herbs and field greens, California native plants surrounded by streams and waterfalls, a working dairy farm, acres of succulent berries, Coastal wineries, an abundance of potted plants of every variety and new this year, a Farmer’s Market Tour await you on this year’s Tour des Fleurs.

Each tour package takes you to three different nurseries. You drive yourself to each nursery in your package and enjoy a one hour guided tour. There are five different tour packages to choose from, and each tour package of three nurseries costs only $20.00.

For further information, please call the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce and Visitors’ Bureau at (650) 726-8380 x100.

 

2010 Tour Locations include:

Bay City Flower Company – This third generation family owned business is one of the largest Hydrangea growers and also one of the most efficient commercial potted plant growers in the nation. They grow for high end commercial merchants such as Smith-Hawkins, Calyx Flowers and Red Envelope. You can also find their potted flowers and plants under the label Hana Bay Flower in upscale garden centers.

Coastside Farmer’s Market – John Muller, 2002 Farmer of the Year with 30 years experience, will tour you through our diverse Farmer’s Market complete with flowers, fruits, vegetables, fish, herbs, handmade crafts and soaps, and much more from some of the most fertile farmland in the West.  This market is very locally focused and folks will meet a dozen Coastside Farmers in one fell swoop. Farmer John is a wealth of information and has represented American farmers on numerous governmental committees and water boards, and is the Mayor of Half Moon Bay!

Green Oaks Creek Farm & Retreat – Owner Stephanie Jennings will take you on a guided tour of her working organic farm which offers educational programs for children and adults.

Harley Farms Goat Dairy – Harley Farms Goat Dairy, the home of 300 Alpine goats produces fresh award winning cheese daily in what is now the last remaining dairy farm in San Mateo County.

Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo – At this stunning certified organic farm in Pescadero, tour, touch and taste while learning about organic crop production. Begun in 1980, this original family farm site launched what has now become the nation’s largest grower/shipper of fine organic culinary herbs and edible flowers.

La Nebbia Winery – Owner Kendyl Kellogg will take you on a guided tour of this private winery, learn some valued tips to grape growing, and sample wines with a unique edible flower pairing.

Nurserymen’s Exchange – Founded by Carl and Virginia Pearlstein more than 60 years ago, Nurserymen’s Exchange has grown into one of America’s leading Wholesale Home and Garden companies. Wholesale only, their BloomRite® brand includes blooming plants, tropical plants and foliage, bulbs and packaged shrubs. They also carry a complete line of home and garden designs.

H. Pastorino & Son Company – Owner Hank Pastorino will guide you through hot houses, fields of flowers, and a unique on-site pottery shop.

PIE Ranch – Tour the historic Steele Ranch grounds and their diversified farm operation with fruit, vegetables, flowers, grains, beans, poultry, and livestock. The afternoon also coincides with their monthly community volunteer day, so people are welcome to stay and get their hands on a farm project, join in the evening potluck from 6:00pm-7:00pm and barn dance from 7:00pm-10:00pm.

Yerba Buena Nursery – Noted for native California plants, ferns, a meandering babbling brook, and a turn of the century historic house, is the pride of Kathy Crane, owner and tour guide.

Activities Near Our Inn

Coastal Elegance Tours

  • · Nature Hikes

The Coastal/Beach Hike on rural bluffs highlight marine animals, birds, wildflowers and seals, and possibly a few star fish and sea anemones if the surf is low enough. The Giant Redwood Hike includes a picture of your family inside an old growth redwood. Special lilies and iris bloom in the forest each Spring. Both hikes are 2-3 hours. $75 per person.

Redwood tree

  • · Half Moon Bay Coastal Eco-Cycling Group Events

Guests experience the areas rich ecological diversity while cycling along the Pacific Ocean. The trained naturalist guides inform participants about the native people, coastal and inter-tidal habitats. Cycle on trails along a secluded beach and rural Pacific Ocean bluffs. Curious seals, brown pelicans and shore birds are often seen and photos are shown of marine life animals that live in the inter-tidal zone. $120 per person, age 12 and older.

  • · Ultimate California Cycling Adventure

A three day/two night package begins with a 4:00 p.m. lodging check-in. On Day Two, the guided eco-culture cycling tour begins at 10:00 a.m. Enjoy the panoramic scenic 20-mile drive, visit ancient redwoods, secluded coastal beaches on rural country roads and stop for lunch in historic Pescadero. Day Three will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail. The terrain includes country lanes, bike paths and some dirt trials with spectacular views from the scenic Pacific Coast bluffs. Visit Pillar Point Lighthouse, the harbor, Mavericks, and enjoy lunch at the base of Montara Mountain. Rates and lodging options are available on the website.

Tours by reservation only: 650-712-8456

Farmers Markets

  • · Coastside Farmers’ Market ~  May – December

Farm fresh produce, fresh fish, local art and live music. Shoreline Station, Half Moon Bay ~ Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 650-726-4895 ~ www.coastsidefarmersmarket.org

Half Moon Bay Golf Links

The golf course will host the U.S. Open Qualifier on May 17, 2010. Learn more and sign up by visiting http://halfmoonbaygolflinksblog.com. Two Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay ~ 650-726-1800

Pescadero

“Capradero – A Lot of Goats” ~ through May 27, 2010

An outdoor exhibit of goat sculptures in the grass lot next to Country Roads Antiques is a celebration of rural beauty. On Fridays-Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. the “goat meadow” is open to the public. Children can make their own goat masks, and families may picnic on the grass (blankets provided by the artists). Local musicians Suzana Gulmert & Abalone Dreams and Andy Markham & The Polyglot Quartet will play at 2 p.m. on May 8 and May 15, respectively. 320 Stage Road, Pescadero.

Mother’s Day Activities Near Our Inn

Basket of flowers

Cetrella – Brunch ~ 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Three-course dinner; $45 per person. 845 Main St., Half Moon Bay ~ 650-726-4090 ~ www.cetrella.com

Costanoa -Wildflower Walk ~ 10:00 a.m.

Meet Costanoa naturalist Terry Strachan in front of the Ranch House to explore nearby foothills and revel in the bounty of local Lupines, Asters and Poppies. 2001 Rossi Road, Pescadero ~ 650-879-1100 ~ www.costanoa.com

 

Moss Beach Distillery-Brunch ~ 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Two-course prix fixe menu with unlimited champagne and mimosas. $48.95 per person; $27.95 for children under 12). 140 Beach Way, Moss Beach ~ 650-728-5595 ~ www.mossbeachdistillery.com

Pasta Moon-Three-Course Lunch ~ 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

$45.00 Adults; $15.00 Children (excludes tax & gratuity). Reservations recommended. 315 Main Street, Half Moon Bay ~ 650-726-5125 ~ http://www.pastamoon.com/

 

Goat farm near Half Moon Bay

Alpine goat

Alpine goat

A terrific day trip from our Inn is to Pescadero and Harley Farms goat dairy. “Harley Farms is a restored 1910 dairy farm, with 200 alpine goats on nine acres of pasture in Pescadero, California. The farm grew from six pet goats to today’s herd, with their delicious, critically-acclaimed cheese. The Harley Farms chevre, fromage blanc, ricotta and feta cheeses are consistent winners at the American Cheese Society awards, and hold two international World Cheese Show medals. (more…)

Half Moon Bay Activities

There are many activities to do near our Inn in Miramar Beach, Half Moon Bay, including hiking, golfing, wine tasting, walking on the beach, dining, shopping, art viewing, whale watching, boating, surfing and relaxing. Check our Area page on our website.

Sunset at Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay