After spending a few days in San Francisco, husband, 3 year old, 4 month old and I will be driving to Monterey and would like to stop at Half Moon Bay for an hour or two. What is a good beach to see?

One of my favorite beaches is actually south of HMB. Pescadero state beach is right at the turn off from Hwy 1 to Pescadero. It is a nice wide beach, the tidal marsh empties into the ocean there, and there is usually quite a bit of driftwood and other neat things to look at and play with.

Just north of Pescadero beach, there are some really neat sand dunes - a rehabilitation project is going on to restore the dune plants.

I'd bypass HMB area for a beach. Since you're going to Monterey, go south to Carmel & enjoy the beach there.

Oh, I think the beaches are all quite great at HMB. Also there is the Fitzgerald marine reserve which has tidepools - although come to think of it probably not that great for a 3yr old. For the child you will enjoy Roosevelt Beach - or at least the beach at the end of roosevelt st. Bathrooms there, too.

I like the beaches along this stretch of coast. I am more familiar with the beaches south of Half Moon Bay. Starting at San Gregorio, which is about 10 or 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay there are a series of state beaches that dot Highway 1 south to about the Pescadero Beach that november moon is talking about.

Thanks for all the tips!

If you have time, stop for lunch or at least a piece of pie at Duarte's in Pescadero!

omg! I had a piece of Olallieberry Pie last night and was ready to get in my car and go raid Duarte's for more!

Yeppers About a month ago a friend from San Diego was visiting, so we took him over there. He was so impressed

I had artichoke soup and pie. My husband doesn't think that is a suitable meal, but I beg to differ.

What could be healthier - at least your daily requirement of vegetables and fruit!

That's what I thought - veggies and fruit for dinner. That almost qualifies for health-nut status.

Half Moon Bay has a charming Main Street where it might be nice to stretch your legs if your kids are squirmy and awake.

There are delicious sandwiches at the San Benito Deli which has a large outdoor patio with sturdy picnic benches.

Across the street is a classic old fashioned feed store with varieties of chicks and ducks and bunnies, and everything with a horse motif you can imagine.

See... even Kailani suggests going to Main Street & shopping/eating(which I agree with) vs. going to a beach near HMB.

Right about Main St - but the OP asked about beaches. They could take sandwiches to the beach....and please all of the fodorites here.

LOL- we've decided to see Pescarado on the way down to Monterey, perhaps we'll do Main St. of Half Moon Bay on the way back!

Depending on how much of the day you want to spend on the drive, you can see HMB, Pescadero, and some beaches on the way to Monterey. The whole thing makes a nice day trip. And if you get going early in the day, the Main Street Grill in HMB is a good place for breakfast. It's been around for ages, family run place, singing chef...