Half Moon Bay Golf Links & Ritz-Carlton Resort

As you head southward of San Francisco’s urban sprawl, you’ll be greeted with the beautifully serene views of Half Moon Bay, a place where open greenery and fresh ocean air revive your spirit. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea is the castle-like Ritz-Carlton Resort.

This grand retreat looks as though it were borne of a fairytale, with its regal architecture and majestic views. Here, vacationers can find bliss as they celebrate weddings, honeymoons, and other special occasions, or simply want to relax in luxury.

Each room at the resort offers the sumptuous sophistication that the Ritz is known for. There are a total of four gourmet restaurants on the grounds, along with a spa for pampering and a fitness center for invigorating your body. A heated indoor pool gives a view of the ocean, allowing for leisurely swims throughout the year, and children can take part in daily programs that make every day one to remember. There’s plenty of nature to enjoy as well. There are miles of outdoor trails that wind along the coast from the resort grounds, and the nearby Blue Sky Ranch provides horseback riding trips along the bluffs. If you wish to wet your toes in the surf, it’s only a short walk down to Pelican Point Beach. For those staying longer, there are many other beaches in Half Moon Bay to choose from.

The main feature of the resort is its extraordinary offerings for golfers, which includes two 18 hole championship courses, the Old Course and the Ocean Course. The latter is a traditional links style course, based on the golf traditions of Scotland. After enjoying a round on either course, you can watch authentic Scottish bagpipers play their music at sundown on the weekends.

Since the Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort, it may be out of the price range of some. For more budget minded travelers, the nearby Half Moon Bay Lodge has handsome accommodations that are sure to please. It has many indulgent amenities as well, including in-room massages, a poolside fire pit, and a soothing jacuzzi.

There is much adventure to be had in the area. You can go on the “Signature Drive” to explore Half Moon Bay, cruising through five unique regions. The circular route will take you through historic downtown Half Moon Bay, the farmlands of the Pumpkin Region, the redwood forest, Santa Cruz mountains, and of course, the coast itself. Take Highway 1 north of the resort, turn right onto Highway 92, right onto Highway 35, right onto Highway 84, and back right onto Highway 1 to complete the circuit.

Few places are as peaceful as the Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay. If you’re looking to escape the complications of everyday life, this resort and the surrounding region will prove to be the perfect respite.