Half Moon Bay is already well known for it's Pumpkin Festival and Mavericks Surf Contest but now more and more people are coming to this quaint coastside town in San Mateo, California to enjoy the holiday season - and find that special Chrismas Tree.
The reason for this trend is simple: Half Moon Bay offers an above average experience in 3 different ways. First the scenic drive into town, second when you select the right tree and lastly after you get your tree and you want a warm drink and a nice meal.
The scenic drive...
Half Moon Bay is located just 25-35 minutes from San Francisco, San Mateo or San Jose. Visitors coming to town enjoy a beautiful drive overlooking the ocean from Highway 1 or a scenic drive with lots of lush and green trees and sometimes even snow if you like to wander around on Highway 35 (Skyline). For a faster arrival come to town before or around 10:00am to avoid traffic and have time to visit downtown for a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Best Tree selection, best Overall experience, Competitive Prices...
Simply put, you won't find a better selection of Christmas tree farms and lots
anywhere in the Bay Area. Here you get to cut your own tree if you prefer to support the local economy (I hear "other lots" could be selling you Oregon trees), or buy a living Christmas Tree, or get that pre-selected "Oregon or not" perfect looking tree for the best price. If you have kids they will be delighted with train and pony rides, Christmas Carols, Elfs and even Mrs and Mr Santa in person. There are Tree Farms with chickens wandering around your tree and tree lots inside some of the finest Nurseries you'll ever see in the Bay Area. But above all you will find great people who understand farming and plants because they are the 2nd and 3rd generations of long standing family farm traditions. These are not fly-by-night businesses - they know plants and trees...it's in their blood.
Great Christmas decoration Stores and dinning...
After your tree is picked and tied down, how about a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a stroll in a dowtown with a small town feeling?
Downtown Half Moon Bay, on Main St offers a wonderfull holiday shopping experience with shops like Quintessence and their amazing Christmas decoration to Coastside Books with an excellent selection of cards and new books. Here is a list of stores recommended to visit if you are in town especially in December:
Coastside Books - since 1972 offers a great selection of Christmas cards and new books.
Quintessence - offers home Christmas decoration and antique European furniture.
Abode - especializes on decor for the natural home.
Fengari - offers a collection of yarns from all over the world.
Cunha Country Store - Historical build and last independently owned grocery store in town.
It's Italia - Great ambience consistantly serving good food.
Sushi at Main - Fresh sushi restaurant open for lunch and dinner. Excellent menu offering the coolest "Lounge Room" in town..
