Interested in a game of golf? The Half Moon Bay Golf Links has two different Championship Golf Courses that overlook the Pacific Ocean – the Old Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane in 1973, and the Ocean Course was designed by Arthur Hills to resemble the Scottish “links” golf experience.

If you don’t like to play, but like the scenery, you can walk the Coastside Trail, which runs from the Old Course, behind the Ritz-Carlton, and down by the Ocean Course.

Bluff Top Coastal Park is right off Highway 1. The highlight of the park is a scenic walking path with spectacular views of Poplar Beach below and the Pacific beyond. You can walk, sit on benches, or even jog while you look down at the scenery.

Want to head to the beach? Several public beaches are within a short drive, including Francis Beach, just off Kelly Avenue, west from Highway 1. Take Highway 1 down to Magellan Avenue to find your way to Miramar Beach and El Granada Beach. If you’re already at Bluff Top Coastal Park, you can hit Poplar Beach on the way out. To the south of Half Moon Bay lie Pelican Point Beach, San Gregorio State Beach and Pescadero State Beach; to the north lies Pillar Point Marsh – a breathtaking venue for birdwatching.

If you want to head further out to sea, there are several companies that offer deep sea fishing tours and expeditions, and you can also rent your own craft for your own excursions. If you have the kids along, and it’s in the fall, Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm is also a popular destination.

The emphasis in Half Moon Bay is on relaxation – and there are many different ways to blow off steam when you come to spend a weekend – or more – at San Benito House.