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The Bay Area has no shortage of worthy sights, attractive cities, and great vacation spots. San Francisco proper is just one part of a bigger, brighter picture. One lesser-known spot much loved by those in the know is Half Moon Bay, a small section of coast with sandy beaches and beautiful bluffs.

While there is debate as to whether Half Moon Bay is technically in the Bay Area, it is just half an hour from San Francisco Airport and easily accessible from the region’s core. It is well worth the trip.

A number of small towns dot the bay in northern California, first and foremost being Half Moon Bay itself, a town known for its incredible eateries as well as its stunning beaches. Art is another big draw. The town has been popular with artists for decades (those aforementioned beaches and bluffs having played a role in bringing them in) and is now home to a great number of exciting galleries. Activities abound.

From the famously large waves of Mavericks Beach at the northern edge of the bay to the golf courses on the southern end, Half Moon Bay is full of wonderful places waiting to be explored. There are miles of sandy shore to walk upon and a large network of pedestrian and bike trails winding through the bluffs and hills. There are a myriad of memories waiting to be made.

To help you find your dream beach house in Half Moon Bay, we’re providing a list of 10 amazing Vrbo vacation rentals. Read on, let your eyes pore over the photos, and discover your next destination.

Striking in appearance both inside and out, to say this home is the perfect backdrop for photos is to understate things. Located in Princeton-by-the-Sea (a fishing village on the northern end of Half Moon Bay), the home sits beside Pillar Point Harbor. Mavericks Beach and El Granada Beach are both less than a mile away. The popular sandy beaches of Miramar are a few minutes’ drive to the east while Half Moon Bay is about 15 minutes away by car.

The home’s fantastic design is complimented by the artworks and furniture (many of which are art objects themselves). It has an oceanfront deck with incredible views of the harbor and beyond, sights also visible from most of the windows. The home has two king bedrooms, two fold-out sofas, and, most importantly, an abundance of style.

Treat yourself and your dearest friends to a coastal getaway by staying in this unabashedly upscale home in Half Moon Bay. The walk to both Poplar Beach and Half Moon Bay State Beach is less than five minutes, but many will be tempted to walk further and explore the vast stretch of scenic coastline. Downtown is just as near and offers just as much opportunity for memorable experiences in the form of unmatched dining.

The kitchen is the envy of any chef just as the downstairs lounge is the envy of any couch potato. There is a picturesque outdoor area perfect for charcuterie and chardonnay , and the fitness center is located in a sunroom with great views on three sides to inspire guests as they work out. Free parking is available for up to four cars.

If you value proximity to the beach, this Miramar home can hardly be beat. The walk down to Miramar Beach takes just a minute or two, giving guests plenty of time for a sandy stroll to check out the half dozen other beaches in the immediate vicinity.

You needn’t leave the cool waters behind at the end of the day as the Pacific Ocean can be seen from home. If you do need a break from all that, the home has an enclosed backyard with a hot tub and sustainable local vegetation. For those who prefer a steam to a soak, the house also has a sauna. There is a king bedroom and two queens, making the house a great location for a getaway with friends.

Enjoy all the amenities of one of the country’s finest Ritz Carlton hotels from the comfort of this grand Bay Area home. There’s a reason this Ritz was built where it is. The house is located on a stunning stretch of coastline with amazing views of two of the Bay Area’s best golf courses. Walk to either, the beach, or the Ritz’s fabulous restaurants in just minutes.

The home has a private backyard complete with a cabana, ping pong table, and dining area. The interior is richly furnished and features five bedrooms. With so much within arm’s reach, the whole family is sure to have a splendid time.

Located in the center of Half Moon Bay (the town, not the body of water), this three-bedroom home is the very picture of California comfort. It has a lush and spacious enclosed backyard, a sauna, and a perfect coastal suburban vibe, the kind of atmosphere that drove millions to seek out a new life in Cali in the first place.

And yes, the master bedroom has a California king bed as well as two sets of closets. The other bedrooms have queens (there can only be one king, after all). This home gives guests easy access to the fine dining downtown and the more laid-back venues along the coast. Whether you’re bound for the scenic hills or the sandy beaches, your destination is just a short walk away.

Be they golfers or not, guests at this large chateau-style home will doubtless marvel at having the eighth hole of the Half Moon Bay Golf Links right in their backyard. It is a splendid sight indeed, as are those glimpsed from every window. Walk across the golf course to dine or drink at the Ritz Carlton, take the 10-minute trail to the beach, or wander along one of a number of scenic coastal trails atop the bluffs.

Everything about this home is grand, from the imposing foyer to the sitting rooms. Each bedroom is spacious, showcasing the luxurious qualities of the beds themselves. 

Who wouldn’t cover their home in windows when the ocean is right outside? The owners of this Half Moon Bay beach house have done just that, along with adding a number of other touches that really make the home shine. Enjoy the coastside view indoors from the living room’s leather sofas or outdoors from the wrap-around deck.

The kitchen has fine wooden cabinets complimented with new appliances and captivating stonework. Staying minutes from the beach is a tried and true recipe for fun that the whole family will enjoy. Don’t forget to enjoy dinner at the nearby iconic Sam’s Chowder House!

Cozy is too often used as a euphemism for small . The truth is there’s nothing wrong with a small space if it’s set up right. This small cottage 500 yards from the beach is further proof that small can be beautiful. It’s ideal for a couple’s romantic getaway or set of close friends (the second of the queen beds is in a lofted area above the first).

A small home with high ceilings, the beach house has a kitchenette with two burners, a toaster oven, and everything you need for your morning cup of joe. There’s also an outdoor area with a wooden deck, chairs, and a swinging bench. It is located in the town of Half Moon Bay, so guests can walk to the best restaurants in the area.

Another great option at the Ocean Colony (that spectacular neighborhood between the golf courses and next to the Ritz Carlton) is this single-family vacation home. Guests will brag about the views from their bedrooms and the house’s proximity to the beach (it’s a 5-minute walk).

Sit down for a meal in the formal dining room, look out the window, and discover why the spot is sometimes called the Scotland of California. 

Just off Princeton-by-the-Sea’s harbor, The Captain’s Quarters befits its nautical name. Whether you’re gearing yourself up to tackle the wild waves of Mavericks Beach, are keen on taking part in Princeton’s heritage by taking to sea and signing up for a fishing trip, or simply want to enjoy the many beaches of Half Moon Bay, this house rental is an excellent base for a family.

High ceilings welcome guests in and recall the generally sunny skies outside. There is a master bedroom upstairs and three twin beds set in a wrap-around loft area.

To discover even more things to do while in Half Moon Bay, check out: