Stu, we are heading straight out of SF and down the coast on our arrival. Will be returning to SF on Feb. 24th until we depart on Feb. 27th. Will do the SF sightseeing then. Thank you.

Then stay the first night in Carmel. If you have a long flight and don't want to drive 2 hrs to Carmel from SFO - stay in Half Moon Bay at a hotel with an ocean view. Let me know if that's what you want to do & I'll suggest a hotel (we're having lunch just north of HMB on Friday, and there is a nice hotel with view next door to the restaurant).

Stu Dudley

Stu, Half Moon Bay sounds perfect. We can then enjoy the drive to Carmel in the daylight. Thanks again.

Here's the hotel
http://www.beach-house.com/half-moon...FVCCfgodyUcACg

Dine next door at Sam's Chowder House. There are several B&Bs in Half Moon Bay too - but none with ocean views (I think). There are other hotels in HMB, and a Ritz Carlton. Browse Main St on your arrival day.

Stu Dudley

You will be traveling the central coast of California during two three day weekends, one of which is also Valentines Day. Most of the beachfront hotels will have two night minimums over those weekends, many may be booked, have premium rates etc... so as Parrothead suggests, please select your hotels in advance and book now. Do not leave it to chance, to avoid disappointment.

I live very close to the Beach House and consider it overpriced for what you get.
Be kind to your budget and check out the Comfort Inn just down the road.

For a special meal, La Costanera is an a wonderful restaurant just up the road in Montara with beautiful views. (www.lacostanerarestaurant.com). I know Stu likes Sam's Chowder but many locals, consider it a tourist spot and not that great. (Just a different opinion).

There isn't much down Main Street but you can take a long walk down the coastal trail that stretches 6 miles from Pillar Point Harbor to Poplar Ave. It's a beautiful walk along the ocean and bluffs. You can also cut down and walk on the beach.
There are kayak rentals available at the Harbor.
Hopefully you have nice weather.

There is a B and B with ocean views here, Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach. It's very popular.
www.cypressinn.com

La Costanera is a Michelin 1 star restaurant - and we've been trying to go there for quite a while. I agree that Sam's is touristy - but my FIL loves it and he's really a midwestern senior tourist - perhaps similar to the OP. We almost always go to Sams for lunch & have calamari & clam chowder - nothing too odd or threatening.

We kinda like Main St for browsing - my wife likes the knitting shop there. We'll often have a sandwich at the shop adjacent to the San Benito Hotel.

Stu Dudley

Stu, my brother is the manager of Sam's Chowder House. Next time you go in, kindly ask for Jay and tell him he really needs to go to his sister's 50th b-day in Paris next year. He will freak out, LOL. (Sorry to hijack your thread John. But I need help in talking my brother to come to France.)

La Costanera often has deals on Groupon. These are usually not valid on Friday or Saturday nights. The deal is usually pay $25 for a $50 off coupon.
They used to use floodlights to light up the pounding surf line at night, but are no longer allowed to do so.

The OP may want to consider a visit to the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company down by the harbor. The food is okay. Many people go to sit and have a drink at their large outdoor fire pits.

rialtogrl
We have reservations for lunch at Sams this Friday. I'll mention it to your brother (do I get a free meal out of it??).

Goldens - we actually prefer the fried fish at Barbara's Fishtrap over Sams - but prefer the views from Sams.

Stu Dudley

rialtogrl - we go to France for 2 months almost every year. Can we come to the birthday party if I help convince your brother to come??

Stu Dudley

The fish tacos at Flying Fish Grill (corner of 92 and Main) are delicious. The tacos are a little pricey, $5.95 each, but it is a fun, casual place.

Stu of course I know you go to France a lot. I have been reading your posts for years.

Free lunch, no, but invitation to party, absolutely. I would be honored. If you think you will be in Paris in March 2015 email me at grapehops at the common email service starting with g

John, enjoy your trip.

We'll be in Paris in late Sept.

Stu Dudley

rialtogrl

Jay said he would be there!!!

Stu Dudley

Stu Dudley - you rock.

Merci!