Simply 10 miles south of San Francisco you’ll discover the quiet, unspoiled shoreline of San Mateo County.
It’s a stark distinction from the bustling know-how hubs of Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood Metropolis, Cupertino, and Mountain View.
What to see, do and eat on this route, that includes wild coastlines, enchanting wineries and small cities
On this southerly route, the city panorama provides solution to farms and forests ringed by mountain peaks.
As you are taking within the breathtaking views, the ocean breezes appear to caress your senses like a therapeutic balm.
Issues to do in San Mateo County
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This drive ought to take about an hour until you cease to benefit from the scrumptious eats accessible within the little cities alongside the best way, which coupled with the sheer magnificence have helped make this space so fashionable.
Do not Miss These Coastal Cities On Your Subsequent Journey To San Francisco
Experiencing the Coastal Route
There’s normally multiple solution to attain a selected vacation spot – on this case, San Mateo – however in relation to this shoreline, the sluggish scenic route is one of the simplest ways.
This stretch of Pacific Coast is thrilling and full of distinctive experiences as you cross rocky cliffs which give solution to small cities and again to roughed coast.
Throughout our highway journey, we selected three cities to discover and their surrounding neighborhood.
Pacifica
The sleepy city of Pacifica is exclusive because it spreads throughout 6 miles within the pristine San Mateo Valley.
With Montara Mountain to the south, seashores and rocky bluffs to the west, this city has grow to be a giant draw for vacationers and households.
It’s a preferred mountain biking vacation spot and there are various mountaineering trails resulting in panoramic views.
There’s additionally good fishing for Striped Bass and Salmon or golf at Sharp Park Golf Course designed by world-renown architect Alister MacKenzie.
Probably the most scenic spots is Rockaway Seaside. In the event you’re into browsing, seize your board and head to Linda Mar Seaside.
Breathtaking Coastal Ocean Views
It’s not every single day that you simply get to benefit from the phenomenal views of coastal California, however we did many occasions on this highway journey.
In each city alongside our method, we made a degree of pulling over simply to expertise the salty air and exquisite ocean views – they go on for mile after breathtaking mile.
Moonraker Restaurant
Moonraker Restaurant has probably the most wonderful places on the Pacific Ocean coast!
Flooring to ceiling home windows gives a mesmerizing view of the ocean and distance surfers using the waves.
The inside has retro accents however stays basic, fashionable and cozy; there are texturized remedies all through the restaurant, giving a weathered, ocean-side really feel.
The menu options basic seafood dishes with a contemporary twist, native wines and beers. This is able to be an excellent date spot.
Attempt the Dungeness Crab Desserts with summer time greens or the seared uncommon Ahi Tuna, and don’t neglect the oyster bar, all the time a favorite.
Tripps Distillery
Positioned in Pacifica, Tripps Distillery brews small batch alcohol the old school method.
Proprietor Jason Tripp a refugee from Silicon Valley is enthusiastic about his enterprise. Housed in a warehouse unit, the distillery produces Whisky, Vodka, Rum and Gin.
Tastings are on provide with Tripp explaining how every batch is made. On Friday nights, the distillery is a good cease for cocktails, dwell music and a meals truck that includes completely different eats every week.
Half Moon Bay
Greatest recognized for its prime location on the California shoreline, Half Moon Bay presents a string of must-experience seashores.
This small metropolis is situated near the Purisima Creek Redwoods the place you’ll be able to see timber that seem to the touch the sky.
After exploring the redwoods, head to one of many fashionable seashores like Half Moon Bay State Seaside, Poplar Seaside, and Dunes Seaside to benefit from the solar and sand.
Image excellent Most important avenue is lined with galleries, eating places and outlets.
Horseback experience alongside a scenic seashore, play golf on a spectacular course overlooking the ocean or flick through the quite a few outlets and artwork galleries within the historic part.
Satan’s Slide Path
The Satan’s Slide Path is a 1.three mile path that ultimately means that you can entry the Satan’s Slide, which is situated proper above the Pacific Ocean.
The path lies south of Pacifica and north of Half Moon Bay.
Don’t fear, you received’t really slide down a path. That is one pure magnificence you could see and expertise.
Barterra Vineyard
One other gem situated in Half Moon Bay is named the Barterra Vineyard, the place they bottle premium wines (Napa Valley, Sonoma, Carneros, Amador, Lodi and Madera) underneath their label.
The enterprise was constructed from the bottom up by the founders, Bart and Mary Colluci, in 2005. They established relationships with wineries and deciding on premium wines to bottle.
Bart Colluci discovered concerning the wine making course of from his grandfather who got here to America in 1905, establishing a greater life for his household.
With a nostril for high-quality wines, the Colluci’s established a wine membership so aficionados might purchase the very best for his or her assortment and consumption.
In 2019, Ginger Minoletti alongside along with her son Paul bought Barterra Vineyard. The Minoletti’s run a journey company on the town and noticed a possibility to proceed the legacy of Barterra Vineyard.
San Mateo Award-Successful Wines
Listed below are a few of their award-winning premium wines it is best to pattern:
Alexander Valley cabernet – medal winner 2012 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – Double Gold, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competitors 2010 Previous Vine Zinfandel – Double Gold and Better of Class, Amador County Truthful 2010 Chardonnay – Silver, Finger Lakes Worldwide Wine Competitors
Flying Fish Bar & Grill
One other nice cease for a seafood repair is the Flying Fish Bar and Grill in Half Moon Bay.
It’s ranked as #9 for America’s Greatest Fish and Chips and you may also get killer fish tacos (contemporary cod, mahimahi and salmon) or a scrumptious crab soften and don’t overlook the margaritas.
The restaurant has pleasant employees and a tropical vibe with bamboo, murals and tiki overtones.
Granola’s Espresso Home
Positioned in Half Moon Bay, Granola’s Espresso Home is a should in your coastal California journey.
This espresso home is a good place to gasoline up with breakfast or lunch and it’s recognized for the very best do-it-yourself granola you’ve ever had.
Attempt one their breakfast sandwiches or a bowl of granola loaded with fruit.
Pescadero
Positioned about 14 miles from Half Moon Bay, Pescadero is a rural group providing eating places, buying, markets, & farms.
Town has a small foremost avenue and is situated near the Pescadero Marsh, a preferred place for ranching.
It’s a giant draw for vacationers throughout the summer time because of the lovely seashores which embrace Pescadero State Seaside and Bean Hole State Seaside.
Right here’s a unusual level, the residents have a practice of portray their homes white; apparently a big amount of white paint was recovered from a shipwreck within the 1800’s – thus the custom started.
Arcangeli Grocery Co – Norms Market
In the event you’re headed for a picnic or on an tour, that is the place to fill up on meals and delectable treats.
One other high-quality institution, Arcangeli Grocery Co. – Norms Market, is situated in Pescadero.
You’ll discover that they make the very best asparagus bread, sandwiches and different ready meals on this quaint city.
Pigeon Level Lighthouse
Don’t miss stopping on the Pigeon Level Lighthouse, , additionally situated in Pescadero.
Inbuilt 1871 to assist information vessels on the Pacific Ocean, it now serves as a tremendous historic reminder.
It’s additionally been famous because the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast!
Harley Farms Dairy
Positioned in Pescadero, the Harley Farms Dairy is the place to go if you happen to’re within the temper for a number of the greatest goat cheese within the area.
You’ll get the expertise of a lifetime as these alpine goats have loads to supply; 200 of them, from infants to grownup animals, roam freely over the 9-acre farm.
The farm began with simply 6 pet goats and at this time Harley Farms is open year-round for farm and dairy excursions, retreats, and occasions which may be held of their atmospheric hayloft.
This is able to make an awesome household vacation spot as you’ll be able to watch the goats get milked, wander amongst them, or take a tour with David Hope and study all of the historical past of the farm.
The place to Keep in San Mateo County
Half Moon Bay Inn in Half Moon Bay is a darling boutique resort, slightly little bit of Europe, within the coronary heart of city.
It was in-built 1932 and lately renovated, however nonetheless filled with old-world attraction with its Spanish revival Structure.
There are a number of types of guestrooms which have luxurious beds with pillow-top mattresses, high-quality linens, and robes. Additionally they have a couple of kitchen suites and villas with all of the comforts possible enabling you to maneuver in for per week or a couple of months.
This Inn is only a stroll from outlets, a number of the greatest eating places and near Coastal Route 1.
Your entire California coastal drive would take you about ten hours continuous.
However this isn’t a visit to hurry; the magnificent views and salty ocean air ought to be savoured, so take the time to totally respect all that’s provided.
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