With endless discoveries, the San Francisco Peninsula invites visitors to get lost while discovering the region.
Golfers adore the stunning waterfront course at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay.
While our hearts are capable of being left in San Francisco, one could argue that the peninsula is the place where our souls are found. The 722 sprawling miles of San Mateo County have the topography and talent to aid in self-discoveries of every type and taste. From great classes (think everything from glass-blowing to rock-climbing) to extraordinary food, the county has everything to discover versions of ourselves we didn’t even know we had.
WHERE TO STAY
Looking for a romantic weekend or a wedding venue? The 60-room, dog-friendly Half Moon Bay Lodge (halfmoonbaylodge.com) boasts a cool coastal vibe. The recently remodeled venue is steps from a golf course and the ocean. By drawing on the inspiration from the natural materials, textures and hues, the hotel’s refresh is exceptional. Amenities include everything from beach cruisers to fire pits to a lovely saltwater pool. “We’re committed to supporting our local businesses, and this commitment makes our property an exceptional representation of the area we are so proud of,” says Blanca Rivera, the property’s general manager.
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay combines luxe accommodations, exceptional food and endless activities.
Oceano Hotel & Spa (oceanohalfmoonbay.com) is an all-suite property with glorious views and a fireplace in every room. The hotel and spa are true to their slogan of casual, coastal elegance. “We want guests to feel like they’re part of our family when staying with us,” says Lauren Jackowitz-Fogarty, event manager. “Our guests return to us again and again—and that’s the ultimate compliment.” The hotel sits alongside Half Moon Bay harbor, so a day might start with coffee from Caffé Mezzaluna (mezzalunabythesea.com) before walking along the California Coastal Trail. From there, enjoy lunch at the historic Barbara’s Fish Trap (barbarasfishtrap.com) and an afternoon spa service back at the hotel.
Ethan Estess, “Oshio no. 43” (2023, reclaimed fishing rope), 24 inches in diameter at M Stark Gallery
Half Moon Bay
While in town, book a class at Half Moon Bay Art Glass (hmbartglass.com). Students of the glass-blowing courses are often in disbelief over what they create. Look for classes that teach glass-blowing objects from sea stars to hearts. Available for corporate events, too, the studio provides the only glass-blowing in the county.
Discover the M. Stark Gallery & Artist Retreat (mstarkgallery.com) in a white cottage downtown. Proprietor Marianna Stark provides a space for local artists, inspired by our changing climate, to showcase their work. With various artists featured throughout the year, don’t miss the opening reception for Half Moon Bay artist Christina Conklin’s new show, When We Were the Ocean, on June 3.
Local dining favorites include Moonside Bakery & Café (moonsidebakery.com), Monsoon Himalayan Cuisine (monsoonhimalayancuisine.com), Dad’s Luncheonette (dadsluncheonette.com), and Cantina at San Benito House (sanbenitohouse.com/cantina).
M Stark Gallery
The renowned Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (hmbbrewing.com) creates award-winning craft brews and serves coastal California fare. “Half Moon Bay Brewing Company was the first coastal recipient of the Fresh As It Gets award from San Mateo county, with 95% of our ingredients coming from within the county,” says CEO Craig Carroll. “We’re proud of that and proud when our guests declare how outrageously delicious our food and beer are.”
Jettywave Distillery (jettywave.com) also draws a crowd. “We’re a group of great friends who created Jettywave in response to the pandemic,” says David Westendorf, cofounder and CMO, who launched the project with his wife, Michelle (CEO), Tanya Slye(chief creative officer), and Lucy Gillies (CFO). “We wanted a place for locals to get together. Our business plan is rooted in a funky beach bonfire lounge in Half Moon Bay’s Princeton Harbor. Now in our second phase, we operate a small batch distillery that provides visitors and locals with a delicious bottle celebrating the flavors of our maritime terroir. By showing off the finest San Francisco coast side has to offer, Jettywave hopes to become an upscale venue for craft mixology, award-winning food, and a fully functioning distillery, with ambitions of becoming a national spirits brand.”
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
For shopping in Half Moon Bay, Abode Interiors (adobeinteriors.com) and Garden Apothecary (gardenapothecary.com) offer memorable home decor finds, and something a little decadent; don’t leave town without visting Sweet55 Swiss Chocolates & Confections (sweet55.com). Easily some of the best chocolate found in Northern California, Sweet55 is a treasure. “We call our products Swiss because they either have a Swiss culinary heritage, are adapted from a Swiss recipe, or at least visually have a Swiss background,” says owner Ursula Schnyder. “Every product has a story, and each is made with our chocolate couverture—our most important raw material—which is manufactured in Switzerland by a small, family-owned Swiss company, Felchlin, which sources the very best quality from around the globe.” (Visiting Schnyder’s Half Moon Bay shop allows guests to view chocolate-making, but Schnyder also runs a retail shop in Palo Alto.)
Coastal towns like Montara, Moss Beach (site to Fitzgerald Marine Reserve), and El Granada also reel in lots of day-trippers each month. Another gem: Pescadero, home to Durante’s Tavern (durantestavern.com) and its famous artichoke soup.
JettyWave Distillery
Another niche? Pumpkins. Local growers produce more than 3,000 tons every year and the coastal town of Half Moon Bay is now the pumpkin capital of the world. “Visitors enjoying the fall season will find themselves surrounded by fields rich with brilliant pumpkins and natural fall color,” says Carrie Plungis, senior marketing manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (ritzcarlton.com).
Pacifica
Pacifica, which sits north of these small towns, offers yet another unique coastal experience. Adventure Out (adventureout.com) helps clients find themselves in nature. The adventure company offers lessons in rock climbing, surfing, paddleboarding and survival camp excursions. In Pacifica, the group creates confident surfers and paddleboarders from the beautiful Pacifica State Beach. “We want our students to know that the ocean is a gift that should both be enjoyed and revered,” says founder and CEO Cliff Hodges. “We believe that if we fall in love with the nature we’re living within, we will better protect it.”
Sweet55
Before or after a beach day, visit Rosalind’s Bakery (rosalindbakery.com), whose sourdough recently made the list of Best in the Bay and its pastries are to die for. Plan to indulge in several treats, but also enjoy one of the soups, toasts, and homemade jams.
Inland
Away from the coast, find excellent hotel accommodations to serve as a base for exploring the region. Three favorites for their convenience and amenities are Grand Hyatt SFO (hyatt.com, ask about its golf suite), SFO Marriott Waterfront, Westin SFO and A Loft SFO (marriott.com).
Exploring the Mid-Peninsula Wine Trail, local wine lovers adore the family-owned and operated boutique wineries in the charming town of San Carlos: Flying Suitcase Wines (flyingsuitcasewines.com), Domenico Winery + Osteria (domenico.com), and Russian Ridge Winery (russianridgewinery.com).
The BottleShop
Devotees and new fans alike make their way to Russian Ridge Winery. The micro-boutique winery produces brut sparkling wine, chardonnay, barbera, and pinot noir. The quality of its wines, combined with a knowledgeable tasting room staff, make Russian Ridge Winery a go-to wine for oenophiles. The space is popular for events too.
Flying Suitcase Wines stakes the claim as the true hidden gem on the Peninsula. Established in 2013 by Anders and Vikki Vinther, the winery produces award-winning red, white and rosé wines. The venue’s family- and pet-friendly tasting room opens on weekends and for special events. “We recently won Best of Class in the San Francisco International Wine Competition for our 2019 Mourvèdre, Amador and for our 2019 Petit Verdot, Russian River Valley,” says owner Vikki S Vinther.
Find regional fare at FogBird.
Domenico Winery + Osteria, with vineyards in the Sierra foothills growing syrah and primitivo grapes, specializes in Italian varietals. The beautiful winery serves cicchetti (small Italian plates), pizza, and other social dishes—all expertly paired with wine.
Redwood City’s The BottleShop (thebottleshoprwc.com) offers a wine bar, kitchen and retail with arguably the best cheese board in the Bay Area. Seasoned pros in hospitality opened the wine bar and kitchen just as the pandemic started. The selection of wines is unparalleled, with small-production, estate and varietal wine bottles. The staff’s approach to making wine appreciation fun and approachable is equally exciting.
Gigi’s Cafe in Burlingame
San Francisco Wine School (sanfranciscowineschool.com), located in South San Francisco, changes the approach to wine education. Founder David Glancy is one of only 12 people in the world to hold both the credential of master sommelier and certified wine educator. Previously, Glancy created the only certified sommelier program ever approved by the Court of Master Sommeliers. He designed 16 of the 25 certification programs offered at the school, which is popular with wine enthusiasts. Its two- to three-hour courses are popular as are the corporate and private events, where more casual students have fun learning about wine and food pairing. The school is proud of its emphasis on giving back. During the pandemic, school supporters started the not-for-profit Glancy Wine Education Foundation (glancywineeducationfoundation.org) to raise funds and award scholarships for low-income and minority students at San Francisco Wine School looking to start or advance their careers in wine or hospitality.
The San Francisco Wine School offers classes to learn everything from food pairing to the essence of varietals.
For those more interested in cocktails, FogBird (fogbird.co) lounge in San Mateo is a dream come true. “When we named Fogbird, we sought to capture the feeling we experienced in places of beauty and the company of loved ones,” says founder Susan Drucker Hunsaker. “Fogbird signifies a moment of respite, where guests can unwind, connect with friends and enjoy life all with an incredible cocktail.” Classes at FogBird are popular for private parties, corporate groups, and milestone moments.
Gourmands have reasons to rejoice over the offerings along the peninsula. Gigi’s Cafe (gigiscafeburlingame.com) in Burlingame lovingly makes sandwiches gourmands drive hours to enjoy; the hidden gem is a must-visit for breakfast and lunch. Crave-worthy Saffron (thesaffronrestaurant.com) serves fresh and creative versions of heritage Indian cooking; its two luxe settings are in Burlingame and San Carlos.
Tapas at LV Mar
To taste history, visit 7 Mile House (7milehouse.com) in Brisbane. With a 165-year history, 7 Mile House is one of the oldest establishments in the region. Lovingly crafted comfort food and classic flavors make 7 Mile House a family favorite, and the dog-friendly patio is ideal for a relaxed afternoon with furry friends.
La Viga never disappoints.
Palo Alto
Wildseed (wildseedsf.com) in Palo Alto will make a vegan fan out of the most ardent omnivores. The plant-based restaurant and bar by Adriano Paganini showcases in-season foods that make diners feel good while indulging in healthy, hearty, and flavorful offerings. Serving weekend brunch, lunch, and dinner with a menu that changes with the season, Wildseed is a colorful space to explore dishes like tostadas, masala dal bowl, reset salad, banana fritters and carbonara flatbread. A creative cocktail and mocktail menu, along with a varied wine and local beer selection, provide plenty of libation options too.
The bright dining room at Wildseed
Chef Manuel Martinez is the culinary mastermind behind San Agus (sanagus.com), along with Redwood City’s La Viga (lavigaseafood.com) and LV Mar tapas and cocktails (lvmar.com). Expertly crafted food and innovative cocktails make this family of restaurants perfect for everyday eating and monumental celebrations. “Family, friends, and community are essential,” says Martinez. “This belief drives the personality of our restaurants, which feel like community gathering places.”
Fans of vegan fare will love Wildseed in Palo Alto.
The Foster Museum (thefoster.org) in Palo Alto and Filoli Historic House & Garden (filoli.org) in Woodside offer cultural and natural getaways for visitors. The season-changing living art of Filoli celebrates Northern California's diverse flora and fauna. With year-round events, visitors always find a reason to walk the grounds. On June 2, Filoli celebrates Pride month with rainbow flowers and activities, including Dragtopia, an evening of dancing and decadence.
Chef Manual Martinez
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