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Exciting Activities Just Moments from Our Acclaimed Bay Area Resort
Explore the quaint subtleties and refreshing aesthetic of the charming seaside community that surrounds The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. From some of California’s finest golf courses and art galleries to abundant recreational and culinary options, this award-winning San Francisco Bay Area resort is the perfect base from which to discover all that the beautiful surroundings have to offer. Take a few moments to explore the countless points of interest, just beyond our prestigious California Bay Area resort.
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Filoli Estate and Gardens  (show details)  (hide details)
(Seasonal - February 13 through October)
Approximately 16 miles/25 minutes
(650) 364-8300 / website
Filoli Mansion is nestled at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Built in 1915 for the prominent Bourn family of San Francisco, the house features 16 acres of well manicured gardens. The gardens are set in traditional English fashion, with rooms separating the different types of fruit trees, parterres, pools and flowers. The house is furnished with the original furniture of both families that resided at the mansion. The library features a rug that once belonged to the Queen of England. Built by the brilliant and prominent architect Willis Polk in a Georgian Revival style country estate, the estate now serves as a historical point of interest.
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Thomas Fogarty Winery (show details) (hide details)
Approximately 25 miles/45 minutes
(650) 851-6777 / Website
Twenty-five acres of Burgundian-style varietals are planted on this 325-acre estate, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and small lots of Merlot and Sangiovese. The winery sits on Skyline Blvd. at a 2,000-foot elevation. The long, cool, growing season and excellent sun exposure provide an ideal climate for these grape varieties. Dr. Fogarty’s vision is to produce high quality, character-filled wines, which take full advantage of the unique soil and climate of this appellation. Enjoy wine-tasting at its finest at Thomas Fogarty Winery.
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Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (show details) (hide details)
(October 17 and 18, 2009)
2 miles/5 minutes
(650) 712-7601 / Website
Year after year, festival-goers enjoy a memorable experience with the special display of massive weigh-off champion pumpkins, remarkable Picasso of pumpkin carvers sculpting and shaping monster 1,000+ pound pumpkins, three stages of blockbuster entertainment, everyone's favorite home-spun parade, harvest-inspired crafts, the tastiest pumpkin pie on the planet, enchanting events and contests for the whole family.
- Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 17 and 18, 2009.
- Admission is free.
- Avoid the parking headaches with our resort’s complimentary shuttle service, available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
See and sample everything pumpkin from pumpkin ale, pumpkin ice cream, and pumpkin soup and, of course, pumpkin pie!
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Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries (show details) (hide details)
5 – 20 miles / 10 – 45 minutes
(831) 685-VINE / Website
The Santa Cruz Mountains have been recognized as a premium wine-producing region since the late 1800's when local winegrowers first began to win acclaim for their wines in national and international competitions. Visit the many wineries of this famed area and enjoy winery tours and tastings of various fine vintages.
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Whale Watching (show details) (hide details)
(Seasonal - mid-December through March)
5 miles/10 minutes
(650) 726-7133 / website
Get close to the majestic Grey whales as they migrate south to warmer waters on this fantastic cruise. Though actually black in color, the whales acquire their color with the help of barnacles attached to their skin, giving them a grey appearance. Boats depart from Princeton harbor and venture 10 to 15 miles away from shore
and toward the migratory paths of these majestic mammals. Whale season begins mid December and ends in March. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the sight of one of the world’s largest mammals.
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Año Nuevo State Reserve (show details) (hide details)
25 miles/30 minutes
650-879-0227/ Website
Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, this 4,000-acre reserve is a major gathering area and largest mainland breeding colony in the world for the northern elephant seal. Experience an amazing three-to-five mile guided excursion to view these unique sea mammals. During breeding season, December through March, tours are lead by a docent from the State Parks. Hikers also experience spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and other interesting wildlife.
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Harley Farms (show details) (hide details)
16 miles / 25 minutes
650-879-0480 / Website
Born in Yorkshire, England, Dee Harley's life is filled with good friends, good family - and really good food. Realizing her dream of blending family, local farming and gourmet food, Dee started Harley Farms fourteen years ago with just six goats.
Today, the nine-acre dairy farm, which dates back to 1910, features a cheese making room and milking parlor that is home to 220 American Alpine goats – who produce nearly 500 kids each spring. Definitely the time to visit!
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Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries (show details) (hide details)
5 – 20 miles / 10 – 45 minutes
(831) 685-VINE / Website
Encompassing the area from Half Moon Bay in the north to Mount Madonna in the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains have been a wine producing region since the late 1800s. The Appellation’s vineyards are among the precious few in California situated close to the ocean. Varied microclimates, marine influence, mountain terrain and distinctive soils combine to produce some of the finest conditions for wine production.
More than 70 wineries thrive in the area. The small size of these operations allows nurturing of the fruit, providing a truly unique, rich and vibrant taste and aroma to the handcrafted wines.
From The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, you can take a day trip and tour the wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Some include:
- Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards
- Testarossa Vineyards
- Bonny Doon Vineyard
- Burrell School Vineyards
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Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Reserve (show details) (hide details)
5 miles/10 minutes
Website
Imagine walking through a grove of redwoods more than 100 years old. These logging roads used to be barren until the Open Space Trust and the League to Save the Redwoods came together to protect these majestic trees.
The centerpiece of this 3,120 acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, home to towering redwoods. The Preserve includes 21 miles of developed trails and historical loggings roads, which provide opportunities for easy walks or long, strenuous hikes and/or rides. Guests find wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and restrooms along this flat, easy route.
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Thomas Fogarty Winery (show details) (hide details)
Approximately 25 miles/45 minutes
(650) 851-6777/Website
Twenty-five acres of Burgundian-style varietals are planted on this 325-acre estate, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and small lots of Merlot and Sangiovese. The winery sits on Skyline Blvd. at a 2,000-foot elevation. The long, cool, growing season and excellent sun exposure provide an ideal climate for these grape varieties. Dr. Fogarty’s vision is to produce high quality, character-filled wines, which take full advantage of the unique soil and climate of this appellation. Enjoy wine-tasting at its finest at Thomas Fogarty Winery.
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Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Reserve (show details) (hide details)
5 miles/10 minutes
Website
Imagine walking through a grove of redwoods more than 100 years old. These logging roads used to be barren until the Open Space Trust and the League to Save the Redwoods came together to protect these majestic trees.
The centerpiece of this 3,120 acre preserve is Purisima Creek Canyon, home to towering redwoods. The Preserve includes 21 miles of developed trails and historical loggings roads, which provide opportunities for easy walks or long, strenuous hikes and/or rides. Guests find wheelchair-accessible picnic tables and restrooms along this flat, easy route.
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Fishing (show details) (hide details)
4 - 5 miles/10 minutes
(650) 726-7133 / website
Depart from Princeton Harbor and set sail for the Pacific blue for a memorable fishing excursion. Explore our wonderful waters and the fish that call it home. After the day's catch, guests may head to Princeton Seafood Company to enjoy beverages and appetizers while their fish is prepared and cooked for dinner.
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Año Nuevo Hike (show details) (hide details)
25 miles/30 minutes
650-879-0227/Website
With wondrous landscapes and sweeping fields of grass, walking through Año Nuevo State Park offers visitors the escape they need from the everyday grind. Join us on a six mile hike to the edge of the park, where sea lions have taken over the small island where the “fog whistler” once took residence. Come stretch your legs on this beautiful hike through meadows and coastline, and don’t forget to bring your camera.
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Tennis (show details) (hide details)
650-712-7663
Upgrades to the tennis programs include a new, deluxe ball machine, and a variety of improvements to the six outdoor, lighted hard courts. The tennis facilities and programs at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay are directed by Kevin Harrington of Peter Burwash International, the world’s largest tennis management
firm. We have a twelve-foot hitting wall, “great for training,” and padded light posts and retaining walls to ensure safety. Tennis rackets, tennis balls, a backboard and a ball machine are all available for our guests at the Colony Club front desk or the tennis pavilion. Clinics are offered weekly. Private, semi-private, and group lessons are available to guests at anytime with reservations. For any further questions regarding the tennis programs at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, please contact Kevin Harrington at (650) 712-7663.
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Whale Watching (show details) (hide details)
(Seasonal - mid-December through March)
5 miles/10 minutes
(650) 726-7133 / website
Get close to the majestic Grey whales as they migrate south to warmer waters on this fantastic cruise. Though actually black in color, the whales acquire their color with the help of barnacles attached to their skin, giving them a grey appearance. Boats depart from Princeton harbor and venture 10 to 15 miles away from shore
and toward the migratory paths of these majestic mammals. Whale season begins mid December and ends in March. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the sight of one of the world’s largest mammals.
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Fitness Programs (show details) (hide details)
650-712-7601
From yoga to spinning, our instructors will help you stay fit and re-energize your body. Fitness programs are available for private instruction or groups. There are also daily group exercises available in the Spa and Colony Club, included in your Resort Fee. Please check schedules for class times, which are available at The Spa on the second floor.
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Montara Mountain (show details) (hide details)
11 miles/20 minutes
With an elevation of over 1,800 feet, on a clear day it feels as if you can see forever. With crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean just at the foot of Montara Mountain, this is definitely the place to be for sweeping views of the beautiful Coastside.
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Horseback Riding at Blue Sky Ranch (show details) (hide details)
Approximately 23 miles/30 minutes
(650) 879-7312 / website
Take in some of Northern California's scenic coastal vistas atop a Tennessee walking horse. Enjoy a breathtaking ride through some of California's untouched rugged terrain, enchanting hills and grassland meadows. Blue Sky Ranch offers the only herd of Tennessee walkers on the coast available for trail riding.
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Coastal Bike Ride (show details) (hide details)
(650) 712-7868
Bike rides start at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay and travel north along the coastline. Included are 21-speed mountain bikes, maps, bottled water and protective gear. Bicycles may only be checked out by adults 18 years or older.
Please call to book your reservations. First come, first served.
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Kayaking (show details) (hide details)
4 - 5 miles/10 minutes
(650) 773-6101 / website
Kayaking is a unique way to enjoy the natural setting of the captivating coastal region of Pillar Point Harbor. Get close to, and observe harbor seals, marine birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Guided kayaking tours are open to all skill levels, from beginners to the most advanced kayaker. Instructors provide a basic lesson on boating, paddling and safety skills before leading guests out into the waters.
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Eco-Tours with Coastal Elegance Tours (show details) (hide details)
(650) 712-8456 / website
Experience unsurpassed personal attention while exploring one of the most ecologically diverse habitats in North America. Guests are invited to explore the hidden coastside on an eco-cycling or hiking tour with Coastal Elegance Tours in Half Moon Bay. For additional information or to make reservations, please call (650) 712-8456 or visit http://www.coastalelegancetours.com/.
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Horse Back Riding at Sea Horse Ranch (show details) (hide details)
5 miles/10 minutes
(650) 726-9903
Do you fancy a ride on the beach and be only feet from the Pacific Ocean? Then Sea Horse Ranch has just the ride for you! Ride along the trail that hugs the coast and offers spectacular views of not just the beach, but California landscape and Princeton Harbor. Keep your eyes peeled for the migrating whales in the months of January through March, and don’t forget to look up and spot a red-tailed hawk hovering in place as it searches for it’s next meal.
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