Great non-profit hostel. The grounds are so beautiful, and the scenery is sublime. The staff was…read morehelpful, and love the kitchen (bring your own food) and common areas with games. A few small complaints - the bathroom sink required holding the lever down (annoying - had to turn on the shower to wash my face), and no USB port or power outlet near each bed like some other hostels, although they do have a power outlet in the room, and wifi. While you're in the area, check out Fitzgerald Marine Reserve during low tide to see the sea critters, and walk the Devil's Slide Trail. If you're new to hostels, google "tips for staying in a hostel". It's not a hotel.

I was going to chalk my experience up to just a grumpy old lady but after chatting with another…read moregroup who went in after us I'm going to change that to grumpy old racist lady I proposed to my girlfriend down the street from here and we came here to take some pictures with the lighthouse, upon passing the gate we were almost immediately approached by this grumpy old lady. Huffing and puffing yelling at us that this is a private property. I (VERY NICELY) told her that we were under the impression that there was an easement to the beach (which is true), she then goes to say that we didn't sign the digital waiver at the door, ok fair enough, I immediately tell her that we will go right away back up to the gate and sign the waiver. She then proceeds to yell at us about how we are not allowed to do professional photoshoots, okay lady I get that maybe I do look like a model (especially compared to her) but some friends with a camera isn't a professional photoshoot. I once again, nicely explain to her that I just proposed and we're just trying to get a few pics of the location and we will go sign the waiver right away. She proceeds once again to repeat herself about the waivers which I don't understand because I already said we would go sign it right away and her talking is actually what is preventing from us from going to sign the waivers. She then ironically says "it's unfortunate that this is what you will remember from your engagement day" like what?! LADY if you know you're ruining our day why are you doing this? but fear not it did not ruin our day because I will not let some old hag ruin my day so I once again tell her we will go sign the waivers, she then has the balls to tell me that "this is a non-profit, there is a donation box at the door" ok PAUSE I would be MORE than happy to donate $50, even $100 to your location but not after the way you just treated us. We end up walking back up to the gate to sign the waivers and run into another couple making their way down the hill. I jokingly told them to make sure they signed the waiver or they would get yelled at to which they told me they didn't and proceeded down the hill. We ended up running into them at the parking lot again and they told us that they lady gave them no trouble even though they didn't sign the waiver. I jokingly said to them it's probably because of race (we are asian, they were Caucasian) to which they replied that they really may have been the case because they had no trouble at all. It's unfortunate such a beautiful location is run by such an old grumpy lady. I 100% own it that we should have signed the waiver upon entry but if rules exist they should apply to everyone regardless or age/race/gender/etc.. and on top of that once I already told her we would go sign the waivers she could have easily sent us about our way but I can't imagine why she felt the need to continuously lecture and yell at us.

I contacted Joe to set up a party for 10 year olds and he was very responsive and helpful. We…read morevisited the ranch to check out the facilities and he let my daughters take a quick ride and watch a horse feeding. When the party date arrived the place was decorated and the girls had a wonderful time taking turns riding a horse and a pony. They even had a horse kissing booth which the girls found fun and engaging. It was a wonderful experience with smiles all around. I plan on having my younger daughters party there in a few years. I also discovered they have weekly ridings and even a Halloween riding event so I will definitely be bringing the kids back soon.

Friday afternoons at 4pm they host an open house where you can come meet the horses and help feed…read morethem! We brought our toddlers and had a great time! Thanks, Joe & Arlene!

Staff starting with their director and Emma are very rude and arrogant, they lack the basic common…read morecourtesy. They don't know how to use the words Good Morning/afternoon, please and thank you as the rest of the paid staff in the office. With that said the volunteers and cafeteria staff are the best of the best. Oh and other great staff employee is Tracy she is the best I do a lot of volunteer work but I would never do it at this place. With an ED as rude and arrogant I am surprised they still get cash donations

I found that the executive director is very rude and full of herself and lack of people sicks…read more Maybe she is good at numbers. Volunteers at the front desk very nice and willing to help.

Great way to kick off spring by enjoying the coastal hidden farm, had a wonderful guide Fiona who…read morehad me us at our designated parking area. Escorted us back to the Farm, hidden behind a residential area very safe. The farm trip was very educational, planted lettuce & kale which we used their fresh mulch which we wheel barrowed over. Hard work on your hands & knees, they provided knee pads to plant on the ground we had brought our own gloves. Fiona guided our team for the morning, with instruction on planting, clearing shrub, old vegetables & weeds in over grown area. Huge contribution giving back to your community as well as enjoying nature walk on the farm fresh, fruit trees, vegetables & flowers in bloom. Well worth the 3 hours of the day including the beautiful tour. Be ready to have your old shoes, jeans, gloves to work on the farm fulfilling getting back in touch with nature. They provided, wheel barrows, shears , shovels & knee pads. Plan on getting a little dirty.... Bring food & water. Outhouse located in back.

From the owner: Our hands-on outdoor learning inspires kids' natural curiosity and cultivates environmental…read moreawareness in the next generation. The HEAL Project offers lessons on health, environment and agriculture at school sites, in the classroom and at the San Mateo County School Farm.

This is an awesome program that benefits so many deprived children in times of need in the USA and…read morearound the world. Pretty shameful for one review to complain that his teenage son had to pay $20.00 to volunteer. The money is used to pay for the food and transporation around the world. Would have been more appropriate to pay for his son to reinforce what a good deed it is. Cudos to the teenager who wanted to help in anyway.

Super community-engagement activity for people/groups who will donate their time for 3 hours to…read morefill bags to feed the world's hungry. And, it is local!

Something free to do near downtown Half Moon Bay? Sign me up!…read more Both in and behind the jail is the Coastside History Museum. Run by volunteers, they pay (I believe) $5 a rent in year for the space and want people there learning about the history of the area to help justify that cost! I enjoyed the very cute exhibits, going back to the Ohlone (the Native American tribe of the area--who are still around!) to the Gold Rush and the present-day. Lots to learn here.

Free museum near the downtown. It's run by friendly volunteers. They have some displays about…read moreevents and have an old jail. They are funded by donations and grants so please donate a dollar or more if you can. It's a good stop for a few minutes if you're walking around the downtown.

Family run and professional. Get things done. Don't be…read moresurprised if the owner Jim shows up with his family members to fix whatever needs fixing in your home. Be friendly and Jim will entertain you with cool stories about his service from back in the day! They don't make people like this anymore, be nice to them.

Called Friday morning because my refrigerator was leaking and I needed it fixed before going out of…read moretown. Derek came by that same afternoon. Very professional and competent. Diagnosed the problem. Went to get parts and came back later to fix the Thermador refrigerator. Fantastic service and reasonable pricing. I highly recommend Coastside Technical Services.

What a fantastic organization. Please consider signing up for their mailing list if you'd like to…read morevolunteer as spots fill up quickly, another plus is that children are welcome to join to help out too, which many organizations require them to be 16 y.o. and up.

I would like to thank my parents and the countless religious-related movies dubbed in Vietnamese…read morethat I used to watch endlessly because that was what shaped my heart to be the way it is now. I came from a rough background, a harsh childhood but that never prevented my parents to teach and discipline me. and to show me that a little compassion goes a long way. Due to restriction at work, I wasn't able to promote this drive but thank to Beth L., Craig M., Cristal C., Noelle J., and one of my coworkers for making this drive successful. I collected quite a few backpacks and felt good that we helped a few families. The evening I decided it was time to drop the backpacks filled w/ school supplies off, I was amazed to see the generous hearts that was there before me; I saw huge piles and piles of backpacks... I'm not there to help everyone because realistically I can't but if I can make someone smile and not have to worry about the expenses of getting a backpack and school supplies then it's definitely worth it. Donations and volunteerism isn't just during the holidays. Do what you can. Help others.

If you're looking for a peaceful coastal escape, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is such a hidden gem…read more The tide pools here are the biggest we've ever explored--so much to see and wander through (definitely best when the tides are low!). We even spotted a baby seal, which made the whole experience feel extra special. The beach itself is calm, quiet, and beautifully blue--perfect if you're trying to avoid crowded, touristy spots. I personally skipped swimming since there's a lot of visible coral/rocky areas, but honestly, this place is more about exploring than swimming anyway. Just a heads up: there's about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, but it's totally worth it. Overall, such a cute, peaceful place to spend a day by the ocean.

A beautiful place to come to for tidepooling or just for a hike through the trees. On a sunny day,…read morethe trees will provide you cool shade but the sunlight will filter in and bathe everything in the most gorgeous light. We brought the kids tidepooling here and they loved it. Check ahead for what time low tide will be so you can plan accordingly. The main entrance to the beach from the visitor center is closed but you can walk 10 minutes over to the Seal Cove staircase and go down to the beach and rocks from there. Bring rainboots or shoes with good grip as the rocks are slippery. You'll see plenty of anemones and hermit crabs and will spot a couple of small fish darting by. If you're lucky, you'll even see a starfish! After being on the rocks for a bit, you can relax on the beach before heading back. Parking is a bit limited - there is a private lot but it fills up quickly but it shouldn't be too difficult to find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.