Many years ago my mom took me on a trip to California. We stayed at a few different properties along our travels, but when we arrived to The Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay, 35 minutes south of San Francisco, I absolutely fell in love and felt I was transported to Scotland. I remember fog rolling in over the cliffs and the sound of bagpipes playing before sundown. I told my mom that night “one day I will bring my future husband here!”
Fast forward 15 years later…
Knowing we had planned a trip to Napa for our anniversary, I decided this would be the perfect time to bring my husband to Half Moon Bay. The drive is about an hour and a half and gave me an excuse to drive a Jeep down the coast.
We had an exquisite suite that overlooked the golf course and had an ocean view. My husband loved keeping our French doors open so he could hear the crashing waves.
We were welcomed with a beautiful floating amuse-bouche of cheese and fruit, which we enjoyed while taking in the gorgeous sunset. Of course we had to pair it with wine we had brought from Napa.
My favorite amenity however, is the s’more kit! Every evening we would go out on our patio with blankets and roast marshmallows over our private fire pit.
The concierge was extremely helpful and organized spa appointments, dinning and a whale watching tour in Monterey. Even though we were at the end of the season for humpback whales, we were lucky and had quite a few sightings. The weather was perfect for our three hour tour.
On the way back to the hotel we made an impromptu stop at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz. Not only did we want to put our feet in the sand, but since we heard that the Monarch butterflies were migrating we needed to check it out. I don’t think I have ever experienced so much beauty in nature, between the extraordinary marine life to the stroll through Monarch Grove Trail, this made for one special day.
Another great sighting along Hwy 1 are all the kite surfers. I love to pull over and watch the kites zigzag as the wind pulls the surfers across the waves.
There is so much to explore and the hotel offers great ways to take in the natural sites from; surfing, sea kayaking, to paddle boarding. However, you might prefer to “soak” in the views from land by biking the scenic trails, or playing golf along the Ocean Course. Whatever your adventure it is bond to be picturesque.
Insider Tip- As our anniversary is in the fall, it is the best time to visit for the annual Pumpkin Festival! For pumpkin lovers, the hotel embraces this and uses pumpkin products in the spa, as well as selling beautiful blown glass pumpkins in the gift shop. A perfect souvenir!
Let me plan you next couple's getaway! Whether it be for a long weekend, or make it a true vacation and add San Francisco and Napa to the itinerary.
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