Half Moon Bay Jetty Surf and Travel Guide

Half Moon Bay Jetty

The Half Moon Bay Jetty is about 45 minutes south of San Francisco. It needs a southwest (not too south) swell, a big west swell, or an even bigger northwest swell. It’s my favorite option in spring when northwest winds blow sideshore there and everything else is blown out. Of the popular surf spots it is not as nice as a fall day at Ocean Beach, but it’s okay. It can also get really crowded but mostly on the main peak.

The main peak has a wedge that forms off the Jetty and makes a nice fast right. That peak can get packed with really good surfers, and when it does, I like to paddle south were the competition goes from Kelly Slater to Jerry Lewis....the way I like it.

Half Moon bay is a pretty quiet place with a quaint downtown area for eating and shopping. For lodging there is The Beach House Hotel (4100 Cabrillo Hwy N) is a short walking distance away with a view of the jetty from the Harbor. Less expensive and a short drive from the jetty is the Comfort Inn (2930 North Cabrillo Highway). For dining, you can eat at Barbara's Fish Trap (281 Capistrano Rd) nearby or the more upscale Miramar Beach Restaurant (131 Mirada Rd) a short drive away. For a quick sandwich within waking distance of the jetty, check out the Twinberry Cafe (107 Sevilla Ave). Not far from the HMB Jetty is the famous big wave break Mavericks.

Fun, Sunny Half Moon Bay Peak with Pillar Point Tracking Station in Background