Half Moon Bay / Pacifica with kids

Half Moon Bay / Pacifica is a 56 min drive from Dublin, CA (39 miles) and rates 4.2 out of 5 for families with young kids. A farm with pony rides, a working fishing harbour and tide pools, all within a few miles. Good for 1–2 days. Budget roughly $1,000–2,200 against a fixed yardstick of 2 nights, family of four. Best months: April / August / October.

What to do with kids in Half Moon Bay / Pacifica

• Lemos Farm $15–25
  Pony rides, train rides, hayrides, pet pen & pumpkin patch.
• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Free
  Tide pools filled with starfish, crabs & sea anemones at Moss Beach.
• Pillar Point Harbor Free
  Watch commercial fishing boats bring in crab & catch sea lions on docks.

Prices link to the operator, last checked 2026-08. They change - check before you go.

Practical notes

• Underfoot: The harbour front and the coastal trail are paved and flat. The tide pools themselves are wet rock and boulder.

Where to eat

• Barbara's Fish Trap — Clam chowder & fish and chips on the harbor
• Sam's Chowder House — Oceanfront dining & famous lobster rolls
• Half Moon Bay Brewing Co — Craft beer & casual patio dining

How it scores

Weather by season

Common questions

• How long is the drive from Dublin, CA?
  About 56 min - roughly 39 miles.
• What does it cost for a family of four?
  Around $1,000–2,200 for 2 nights, family of four, including lodging, food and activities. Not the cost of the stay we recommend.
• When is the best time to go?
  April / August / October.
• What is the catch?
  The tide pools only show themselves at a low tide of one foot or less, and the reserve closes at sunset - check a tide table for Moss Beach before you set out.

This trip appears in

Under two hours from home · Doable in a day · Trips you can do for under $1,500 · Best in April · Best in August

What we checked, and when

True on the dates above. Prices and opening hours change without notice - check with the operator before you drive.

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Costs are a fixed yardstick: 2 nights, family of four, lodging, food and activities. Not the cost of the stay we recommend.