Our cottage is perfect for those who love the beach, walking or riding bikes. It’s also perfect for those who love a chic yet quaint downtown, or for those who just want to relax or hang out at the local tavern. The location is excellent. We are half way between the adorable downtown Main Street packed with fantastic restaurants and unique shops, and breathtaking Poplar Beach which also gives you access to miles of flat trails.
Walk or ride your bike down Poplar Street just half a mile to the beach. Stop there for a picnic at the tables on the bluff or walk down the wide steps to the beach for some Frisbee, sunbathing or meditation. From the Poplar Beach parking area, the Coastal Trail, a paved, flat trail runs along the bluff of the ocean, occasionally meandering inland and back to the ocean for miles to the North. You will pass multiple beaches, a sand volley ball court, some beautiful low dunes filled with birds and many benches if you would like to just sit and enjoy the fantastic ocean views and wildlife. You can take your bikes to El Granada, for lunch at the famous Barbara’s Fish Trap or Sam’s Chowder House (Surfer’s beach is nearby where just sitting and watching the surfers can be entertaining!). Or visit one of the breweries, Coastanoa, or any of the other noteworthy restaurants by the harbor. If you are ambitious and willing to take a few streets, you can go all the way to the infamous Mavericks at Pillar Point (6.5 miles). Or, instead of heading North from the Poplar Beach parking lot, head South on a dirt trail that takes you through magical Cypress trees, then back to a paved trail which leads to the Ritz-Carlton (2.5 miles) with its’ stunning golf course and reputable restaurant. Past the Ritz you can take the short ride between farm land and the ocean to the secluded Cowel Ranch Beach. No matter which direction you take, you will be taking in the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
If you have had your fill of nature, return to the cottage, take advantage of the outdoor shower, then enter the cottage, where just walking in the door feels like a vacation. The décor creates a unique vibe in each room. The sun filled kitchen (thanks to the skylight) opens to the equally bright living and dining area which are colorful, yet sophisticated. There is seating for six at the one of a kind, steel dining table and two more seats at the stainless table at the bar. On winter nights, the wood stove keeps things toasty for couch lounging or game nights. The cozy master bedroom, with its’ skylight and double bed, has dark blues and grays with a textured wool rug and the full moon has a presence. The bunk room, with two adult double beds has a subtle nautical theme. The third bedroom can also be used as a second living area. With it’s easy to pull in and out, firm and comfortable futon. Walk through the glass paned doorway to the explosion of colorful flowers, moths, dragonflies, as well as the moon and stars. It’s a small space to read, work, take a little nap or just hide from the rest of the group. This room has double glass paned French doors that open onto the back yard. The compact, fenced yard is a beach themed party waiting to happen. There is a hand painted picnic table that seats six, the hot tub holds six people as well and the real wood fire pit is wonderful at the end of the day. Sip coffee in the Adirondack chairs in the morning while listening to the distant fog horn or sip a glass of wine under the string lights in the evening around the fire. If the back yard is too busy, grab a book or a friend and go to the large, gated, covered front patio and watch the rest of the world coming and going to Poplar Beach. If you never leave the cottage at all, you will still feel like you are on vacation.
However, Main Street is just half mile away, and it is a vibrant tourist destination on the weekends. For a low key night, hit Main Street during the week, it is a quiet, laid back paradise. The restaurants on Main are all very good, you literally can’t go wrong. Pasta Moon is fantastic for special nights and SacriIege is perfect for craft beer and tater tots. If you want to add a little fun to your meal, visit San Benito House’s Cantina or Garden Deli, which have a huge deck with covered tables and a large fire pit that opens onto a grassy lawn in front of a stage. Depending on the night, there may be live music or trivia. Kids and grown-ups alike dance on the grass and enjoy the food, drinks and music. You can also taste wine at Vinoteca or Barterra, pick up pastries or fresh baked bread at Moonside or Half Moon Bay Bakery, sip coffee and listen to live jazz at Café Society or try the beautiful, artful food at Sushi on Main Street (request the sunken table). Do not forget to take the kids to Small Town Sweets, it’s a candy store they will remember.
While on Main, make sure to frequent the many one-of-a-kind shops. From drooling over silk clothes and wall hangings painted by a local artist, to picking out gem stones, to running your hands over hand crafted wood furniture, you will find the experience entertaining , fun and inspiring! If you are looking for actual entertainment make sure and check the calendar at The Coastal Repertory Theater at the far South end of Main.
Outside of Main Street you can walk to many other restaurants. Cameron’s Pub with a great local vibe, can be reached via dirt trails through the fields if you choose (less than a mile). This lively, family friendly place holds a restaurant and bar full of history and character where you can find karaoke, open mic nights, painting and cribbage, depending on the night. There are two double decker buses, one is a “smoking lounge ” and the other has games for kids. The “go-to” taqueria, Tres Amigos, is .6 mi from the cottage and Evangeline Cuisine Seafood (exceptional seafood including lobster) and Dad’s Luncheonette (re-imagined roadside classics served out of a train caboose) are also less than a mile.
Half Moon Bay and the surrounding areas have an endless amount of restaurants, but also provides endless activities and attractions. Hiking, ocean fishing, whale watching, kayaking, surfing, horseback riding, golfing and art galleries are all at your fingertips. There is something for everyone. If you want to venture out of the area, Downtown San Francisco, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk or the Wine Country are 30 min to 1.5 hours away.
tHE OWNERS RARELY DO, BUT MAY STAY IN THE RED BUILDING IN THE BACK YARD BY THE FIRE PIT. OWNERS WILL KEEP TO THEMSELVES, AND RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY, BUT WILL NEED ACCESS THROUGH THE SIDE YARD GATE AND ACROSS THE BACKYARD. The space will never be rented during your stay.
