Went specifically to buy Dungeness Crabs since they are at their peak and the season started late because of restrictions. My brother has an app that follows what boats are open and offering crabs. He bought crabs there last year. It was a short drive over the hill and a beautiful Saturday. We were able to find parking in the lot by the restaurants and harbor plus it was free. We walked over to the first boat to ask how much the crabs were per pound. They were $10/lb and $8/lb if missing a claw. He showed us some crabs and we said we'd come down. There were several boats out there with Crabs signs as well as Ling Cod signs. We talked to the gentleman whose boat is called "Drake". He weighed out 3 for us and put them in a plastic bag. I asked how far he goes out and he said 20 miles. When he first started a few weeks ago, crabs were 20+ per basket. Now it's down to 5-8/basket. He said he'll still come out to sell crabs. My brother had a thicker plastic bag that he put the crabs in and put it in the cooler in the car so we could check out the other boats. We were looking for Salmon and found another boat that was selling flash-frozen Alaskan Coho Salmon. There were a few men on the boat answering my questions and making suggestions on how to cook the fish. The fish is caught in Alaska, flash frozen then I believe the gentleman said dipped in the ocean water(?) to create a glaze to preserve the fish further as it's stored in the cooler. When you flash-freeze the fish, any parasites will die. You can safely eat the fish as Sashimi or cooked and when cooked, watch the fish as it's so tender, it doesn't need a lengthy amount of time. He suggested pan-frying so we did just that with the fillets after thawing the whole fish in the cooler full of ice for 2 days. We had cut the fish into fillets and finished them with a Teriyaki/Mirin glaze and Baby Bok Choy on the side. It was so tender and soft and the meat was such a deep orange! What a superior variety! Oh and our fish was about 2 pounds@$20/lb. It was so worth it for the quality and amount as we had enough for another meal! I asked for the name of the boats and they said look for New Day and Dream Catcher. Took a photo of the phone number in case we have questions. When we got home we cooked the Dungeness Crabs and the meat was so fresh, tender and flavorful. Definitely a treat!! read more

See all

Beautiful harbor unfortunately the crabs are small and so are the fish. Went all the way out to the north jetty and while still at high tide, it became super dangerous to get back. read more

I stopped by to buy some locally caught fish. The first time I just went there at 1 pm and there was only sea urchin, which I didn't wanted. I had tough time figuring out how to come here when a sale starts. Fortunately, there is an app called FishLine. The app is not very intuitive, but this is the only way to reliably find a sale. Some fisherman use it. When they start a sale they post it in the app. They even provide their number, so we can book before going. I was waiting for a King Salmon sale. King salmon is $15/lb in all boats. One thing to notice is that, they will only sell the whole fish. And they wont clean it in a boat. He said that is the law. So the salmon I picked cost $180. It was the smallest one. Bigger ones could have gone about $200. I had to watch youtube video and figure out how to cut it. It was a messy affair, but I got it done. I saw people buying a lot of halibut from a shed in the harbor. Not sure if they will cut and clean. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - King salmon - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Beautiful day to walk around the Harbor. There was a ship selling crabs. Other than that, the harbor wasn't crowded at this hour. Nice stroll around the area. read more

See all

There's a fish market, a few beaches/jetties for fishing, piers, and some good restaurants around! One thing I don't enjoy about going here is parking and waits for restaurants could be bad on the weekends. There are portapotties. The establishments have bathrooms though. Things you'd see here: People SUPaddling in the marina, and people surfing outside. Anglers and crabbers on the jetties. Sea lions floating around. Some small tide pools visible during low tide. Local fishermen selling their catch at a discount. read more

See all

Morning views of the beautiful Pillar Point Harbor are nothing short of amazing. It's also the best time to check out the pier before the regular crowds swarm in. Although not as touristy as other parts of HMB, Pillar Point is an excellent place to explore while visiting the area. The Johnson Pier is extremely popular when it comes to purchasing fresh seafood, specifically Dungeness crab. You can walk up to the boats on the pier and buy their fresh catches for the day. On the other side of the harbor, there's a nice little walking trail and picnic areas. There's also a few shops and restaurants to check out. You'll find people fishing and boating nearby. There's tons of parking but it does tend to fill up during peak season. The walking trail hugs the harbor and passes by several local beaches. It's a beautiful coastal stroll if you're up for it. The harbor is a nice way to spend your day, especially during the summer when the weather is ideal. read more

See all

It was my first time going here. I went here because the news had shown that boats were selling their catch of fresh Dungeness crabs. I've driven by before to go to local restaurants, but this time, i actually parked at the pier and stopped and asked someone where we could buy crab. He was a little grumpy, but he said you better catch them before they leave. I walked up, and the people were super friendly and helped me before they left. This boat was from Seattle, I believe. We went to another one, but it seemed their fish were frozen like a rock. They had a big banner on the boat that they had tuna, salmon, etc. The last one we went to was funny. It was the lady's first time handling crab and selling them. She said she was helping her friends who went back out to catch some more. She was so terrified of the crabs and getting pinched. The crabs they were selling were the cheapest but not as big as the first one's I bought. This one is the first one you see when you enter the pier on your left hand side with a flag of crabs for sale. The view was so pretty and a first for me to see an active pier. read more

See all

Pillar Point harbor was originally formed to build a harbor at Redwood City, but the Great Depression intervened. Coastsiders then pushed to get a breakwater built at Pillar Point for a harbor of refuge for the fishing fleet. The Army Corps of Engineers began work on this breakwater after World War II and finally completed it in 1961. This is a little history from Google but let me tell you why this place has special meaning for me. I spent the first two nights when I was married to my wife Valerie February 6, 1981. It rained on that day but we walked the pier and enjoyed our time talking to people having sourdough bread with clam chowder and watching the ocean. All of the fishermen and the people who work the docks will talk to you and it is a nice walk with shops and all the texture of an early reflection from Steinbeck about our California Coast. I highly recommend that you make a day of it and come visit this enchanted harbor where you can make memories. read more

See all

A must place to take your morning stroll to help you center your thoughts with good intentions! Lots of great views, plenty of parking, and great harbor themed decor that makes you feel like you're in a movie. Very dog friendly, and even a water dish for the pups. read more

See all

Some of my favorite places to go eat here at Pilllar Point Harbor are Barbara FishTraps, Miramar Beach Restaurant, Flying Fish Bar and Grill, Harbor Bar, Half and Moon Bay Brewing Company. Plenty of Delicious Seafood Options! My Normal go to is the Classic Seafood Ciopino. Gorgeous View overlooking the water! Miramar Beach Restaurant is probably one of favorite place to dine here in Half Moon Bay. Fresh Caught are also sold here on this Harbor. Gorgeous Sunshines, Breathtaking Sunsets, Beautiful Atmospheres, scenic Coastal Views, And Delightful Seafood Restaurants are among some of the main reasons why we keeps coming back to this Pillar apoint Harbor! read more

See all

Wonderful restaurants and fresh fish and crab are sold from boats at the pier. Ketch Harbor Pub has amazing entrees. The Crab and shrimp Louie was so delicious!!!!0 read more

Good place for crabbing rock crabs. There are some chance to catch dungeness but Pacifica might be better. No fishing license required to crab here, which is nice. read more

Due to the sudden lighting early in the morning, original plan was going to Pacifica pier. Unfortunately, it was closed so we had to find another location for fishing/crabbing. My brother was able to find this place and glad that it was open or else we had to reschedule. Luckily there was an open space at the pier. We were able to catch some fishes, but not able to catch any crabs. If you're hungry, they have many delicious seafood restaurants nearby. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

See all

Came in for some fishing and fresh air recently! We came on a weekday, so there was plenty of parking. I've been here on weekends before, albeit this was pre-Covid, and it was super hard to park. I'm curious to see how packed this place gets on weekends these days. Anyway, on to the fishing! My brother and I first started on Johnson Pier, on the left side. The water is pretty shallow, and all we saw were some little minnows, so we ended fairly quickly. We walked across the parking lot to the other pier, and actually had some nibbles and bites. There were plenty of jack smelt in the water. Didn't land any with my big swim baits. I'm looking for rock fish! Lol. Finally, we decided to drive a quarter mile down the main road and try the jetty. We started the trek on the jetty (this can be a little treacherous) and stopped maybe 100 yards in. Got some bites, but didn't land any fish! Your chances are way better here than the pier in my opinion. Although we didn't catch anything, it was good to be out and get some fresh air! If you don't fish, there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy here! Walking, biking, and kayaking is big here as well. read more

See all

5 crabs, $90.00, went early, no line. Drive home and cook for tonight. The lady said they pulled the crab pots at night. read more

See all

Came to Pillar point on Christmas day in hopes of catching some crab. Pacifica pier was close due to high swell so Pillar was plan B. Got here around 10am and it was already pack. The pier itself for crabbing is very small but the fishermen's and Ladies were all very welcoming. Meet a few group of guys that hook me up with some squid and chicken for crab bait. Got one Huge Rock crab, was hoping to catch some dungeness but only caught baby ones. Overall the weather was nice, cool people and a clean spot. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - Rock crab on steroids! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Beautiful Sunday ,went to pillar point in half moon bay Bought fish from the boat , 4 dollars a lb Fish men told I have 5lbs plus Charged me 21.00 Got home, weight it only got 2.47lbs read more

Pillar Point Harbor - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

See all

WARNING: Little boat ramps are well laid out but there's a large amount of algae making it extremely slippery loading and unloading boats the rest of the festivities very efficient. This is an average Harbor well-located and available to the General Public. There seems to be quite a number of locals as well as tourists visiting and exploring the beach and Harbor area. That Saturday we were there it was 30%. To 2 p.m. so it doesn't seem to be a big popular location. read more

See all

We rented kayaks there and they came with life vests and windbreaker jackets and pants plus the paddle. It was a great day experience!

We've been going to this area for over 10 years. We got our Class "C" RV 2 years ago and actually just started coming here late 2019. Thanks to COVID we got family time and was here practically every other week during Spring, Summer and Fall. My kids love to surf and this little paradise has a little bit of heaven for them. You have restaurants literally walking distance and not to mention bike and walking trails. Highly recommend bringing your bikes. So many places to see riding your bike. If you are an avid walker, the scenery is amazing. The downside is "First come, First serve". We've actually embraced this method and have made it a point to come on a Thursday or early Friday morning. It's worked out and we haven't been turned away. And on Saturday's, we will pack up and get here 6:30am. It will be a day trip. And if we are lucky, and we got a spot, we are prepared. If you want water front, you have to be on the waiting list. It's worth it. But most folks that get it have been here for several days and awaiting their turn. The camp host are amazing- extremely helpful and never bothers you unless you are bothering neighbors. Thank you Marty for always being so helpful! We haven't quite found another place like this that we want to go to all the time. If you have a recommendation, please let me know. We want the beach to surf, swim, and play. The trails to bike, hike and walk. Surrounding restaurants that we can walk or ride our bikes too. And only 1:15 minutes away from our home. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - View from our area. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

The BEST place to get your fresh crab from the boats! This pier is always busy and hard to find parking. We stock people cuz it's the only way to get those spaces! Haha... We have started going here every year since we lost our crab delivery guy a couple of years ago! The fishermen are pretty cool and they all offer the same decent prices per pound... until its end of crab season then you can bargain a little especially if the crabs lost some legs. Beginning of season, the crabs are huge so best time to go is when the season starts. This pier also offers other fresh seafood. Just have to ask. There is a restaurant right by the pier if you want to eat right here. I'd rather cook it myself at home! Also, nice place to take a stroll on go boating or kayaking. There is rental places near by. Make sure to get your coolers ready!! [142/100] read more

See all

After a hike at Quarry park, I ventured out to explore the area. Saw people cleaning out fish at some of the sinks by the shore. When I asked about them, they told me about the pier where you can buy fish fresh of the boat. It was so fun seeing all the fish on the fishing boats. Look out for the list of available fish as you enter the pier. A lady bought a huge rock fish, so I decided to buy one to try. The fish was alive, which scared me as it moved about in the iced bag. Don't worry, you can pop into the restaurant near the pier and they would gladly help you clean it for a small fee. Love this place, will come back to buy other fishes like salmon but first I need to explore fish recipes. read more

See all

I am currently at a hotel directly overlooking the harbor waters- the hotel itself is not an issue so I'd like to respect the establishment. But due to the smell of the water and warning signs about exceeding bacteria limits (and warning to avoid contact with water!?) posted along the walking trail alongside the hotel and water, I am rating this beach a 2. It is scenic so that is why 2 stars and not 1. But the occasional (and I mean frequently occasional) stench of fishiness and poo had me feeling a little 'off.' I just didn't get that same euphoric feel I expect when I rent a $500+ room a night w an 'ocean view.' Then when we walked to the nearby market, that is when I saw a sign stating that the bacteria levels in the water exceed the limit and is unsafe to make contact w the water. And the sign isn't temporary or newly placed- it's like a permanent fixture- so it seems this is just a regular condition of this harbor beach. We took a deeper dive -no pun-and found research and data about the several types of extremely harmful and even lethal varieties of bacteria in this 'cesspool' as the article stated, before us- and it is pretty disgusting that it is due to fecal matter. I am a native bay area person and love and appreciate HMB and all our coastal gem communities- but if you come to El Granada Pillar Point Harbor, please be informed and don't swim in a bacteria infested stagnant body of water. Take your families and loved ones to an active, uncontaminated beach- there is an abundance of them in the area. Don't shoot the messenger- I'm just sharing out of health and safety reasons. Look but don't touch is my take away. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - A snip from the article. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Every time I come here, my heart always beats slower, and goes into a relax "zen"mode. There is a lot to do here. You can take a nice walk. You can ride your mountain bike on the paved road. Be mindful however of walkers and keep the bell on at all times to ring to give way. The paved road is about 3 miles stretch if not longer each way. There is also the Half Moon Bay Kayak Company where you can rent, take lessons and make new friends. People have also rented Kayaks here for fishing. On the South side, there are a few local places for dining, including a gelato ice cream inside an Italian cafe. I also saw a hotel/motel where you will be able to stay nearby the beach. I can't recall the name of the place, but Google it and you will see. If you like to fish, there are plenty of fishermen here, and there is even a space for you to clean your catch before you head back home. It's quite convenient. Most fishermen were fishing towards the huge rocks area. Maybe a better catch? On the North end, you will find the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company as well as a few local fish and chips eateries. Great for brunch or for cozy romantic dinner for two, overlooking again, ocean front views!! Speaking of, Pillar Point has several locations of ocean front views, located just right off the walking path literally, about 200 feet away. So for us dog owners, it's a great way to exercise our dogs and ourselves too. Keep in mind this is a leash dog beach. Yes, bummer I know but most state beaches do not allow dogs passed the paved road so this is a compromise. For those of you who are towing a boat, there is an overnight parking for your rig/motorhome including for your tow that is available from 7pm to 6am. Checkout time I believe I read it was 12noon. The dock is located towards the midpoint of the South end of Pillar Point Harbor. There will be signs that will point you to the dock. If you need a place to park your motorhome overnight, Pillar Point RV is a paid overnight RV parking (paved concrete), but it comes with the ocean front views. So it's a trade off. I read that some spots provide full hookups including power/water/sewage. Checkout the photos I took of the place and you will get an idea of how the parking is set up for Class A motorhome. I didn't get their pricing but checkout their website. I hope this helps you plan out your trip here, and please do visit Harbor Point Harbor because it is so relaxing and it is not crowded especially during off season. Until then, be kind to one another and Cheers! ~ :p read more

See all

It's a really good place to visit and get fresh fish and crab that is in season. We went here to get crabs and they were still moving and alive, fresh off the boats. It's just only a matter of a dollar less if you buy them frozen from the stores. Needless to say, the experience for us buying it local and fresh was great, and smelling the ocean breeze while taking a walk with a great view around the port was absolutely refreshing. There's so many spot for public parking and there are a few restaurants to dine as well as a few picnic tables available by the port. When we went there, I even saw some folks fishing/catching crabs and had a boiling pot ready right next to their picnic table. read more

See all

My uncle brought me here while looking to buy crab. There are boats parked along the main walkway advertising their offerings in addition to a whiteboard at the beginning of the dock listing boats with fish. One boat 'New Day' even had Alaskan salmon to sell from its recent season in Alaska. The Coho were $8 a pound while King was $12 a pound. The fish have been gutted but you buy them whole for a couple of hundred bucks a fish--ideal for a party unless you are feeding a family of bears. The crab stayed $6 a pound the couple of times we went over the last few weeks. And the average crab was a fat 2 pounds. read more

See all

When I lived in the Bay my family would visit Pillar Point Harbor almost once a month for some good old crabbing and fishing. It's been years since we did this so I was very excited to see all the changes and developments that have happened when I visited with my husband last weekend. The fishing pier was still the same but all the shops in the parking area were remodeled. There is a small surf/rental shop, bait shop and at least 2 new/remodeled restaurants serving some of the best seafood and clam chowder around. If you walk past the pier and head up on the hill there is another little eatery which seemed pretty popular. The lines were long and people were hovering around with their clam chowder bread bowls and fish and chips. There is also a large hotel resort and Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. It was a beautiful day out so there were a lot of people out taking in the scenery, eating and drinking. Along the second pier were more sightseers and people fishing. I remember walking to the end of the pier and buying fresh fish off the fishing boats with my mom but there weren't any this time. I was really happy to see all the developments and the fishing/crabbing still looks good. We saw a couple people with buckets of crabs and fish (jack smelt or mackerel). We live a little farther now but I hope to return again sometime and spend the day fishing and enjoying some fresh seafood. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - Saw this guy just chillin... hanging out by the pier. - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

See all

The view is beautiful here. My bf took me here so he can fish for crab. To me it was dinner. Parking isn't bad at all here. They do have this little parking area that cost $10 to park however long but you have to be an honest person to actually pay for parking. There is no attendant and in place is a box that you put the money and that's it. No receipt, nothing so basically no one would even know if you did pay or not. We actually parked right across from it, street parking. But what was crazy that it is a one lane street and trying to cross it a very crazy. We went on the jetty to fish for crabs and it seemed pretty dangerous but cool and exciting at the same time. read more

See all

In my 30 years as a sailor and boat owner Pillar Point Harbor has always been my favorite destination when adventuring beyond the Golden Gate, and here's our Top Ten Reasons why we love this harbor: 1. Close to S.F. Bay: In favorable conditions you can leave San Francisco Bay in the morning and anchor or tie up in Pillar Point in plenty of time for dinner. 2. Protected, comfortable anchorage: The breakwater effectively keeps the ocean swells and waves at bay. Most days of our stay here have been calm and pleasant, mostly sunshine and winds below 10 knots. We've experienced storms up to 40 knots while at anchor here, safe and comfy with lots of room for scope and swinging. 3. Cool Harbormaster staff: In our experience the staff at the Harbormaster's office are welcoming, helpful, and cruiser-friendly. 4. Fuel dock provides easy access to clean fuel (diesel and gas), 24/7 access to fresh water, and pump out. Closest propane refill is at the Chevron in Moss Beach, 2.5 miles away. Propane tank exchange options are closer. 5. Dinghy dock: Pillar Point Harbor has a free, unlimited dinghy dock, which is awesome for cruisers. Dinghies are required to tie up on the south side of the dock, which is under Johnson Pier and you have to duck at peak high tide. 6. Fish and Crab off the boat: The fishing boats are able to sell their catch direct to the public right off their boat. At this writing its crab season, which is going for $8.00 per pound. 7. Restaurants: So many great places to eat within easy walking distance of the harbor that it's hard to choose. Our favorites are Barbara's Fishtrap and Mezza Luna. 8. Markets: Spangler's, one of the best small markets we've seen anywhere is a half-mile from the harbor and an easy, scenic walk. Safeway and New Leaf are four miles down the road in Half Moon Bay (see #9 below for bus info). 9. Downtown Half Moon Bay: Main Street is a very pleasant surprise to those who still think of HMB as a sleepy coastal town. It's larger and has more shops than you might imagine. The only local Laundromat is here (also important to cruisers). More great restaurants, local community events and much more. From Pillar Point Harbor, Downtown HMB is an easy bus ride on the #17, which has a stop right outside the harbor. Uber and Lyft is popular here as well. 10. The ambiance: When you put the above together with amazing sunsets, lots of wildlife, cool locals, a beautiful, scenic coastline, great beaches, lots of places to walk and bike, proximity to friendly HMB Yacht Club, and watching the fishing boats come and go, HMB is the kind of cruising destination I've always dreamed of, and it's right in our back yard! P.S. If you're not as enthusiastic about anchoring as I am, you can tie up to their mooring balls or get a guest berth in the harbor. Both are comfortable, readily available most of the year, and more affordable than just about anything in S.F. Bay. At this writing, mooring is $11.00 per day or $4.52 per foot monthly, which would be just under $200.00 per month for our 43 foot boat if we weren't anchoring. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - Typical gorgeous sunset over Pillar Point Harbor - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

What a great place to take my kayak and go fishing. Parking was surprisingly easy for July 4th, but traffic on CA-92W was another story. I think I spent close to an hour sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. Instead of loading where the big boats put in, I opted to put in where Half Moon Bay Kayak is located which is right across from Parking C. In the past, I've rented an SUP from HMB Kayak and had a pleasant experience paddling around the marina. Moreover, there is no fee to park or to use the dock. Situated throughout the shore are plenty of bathrooms. Since there are lots of fishing boats, there are lots of shore birds, especially pelicans, and weekend fishermen hoping to catch halibut, salmon, or crabs. Because there's lots of wind at HMB, the beaches are not inundated with people, but there are lots of tourists and cyclists cruising the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail which I hope to do some day. read more

See all

What can I say, I live 1 mile away so I have spent a ton of time here over the last 20 years living across the highway. The key is to figure out what time of year that your visiting to help you narrow down what your looking for from the fresh seafood off the boats. So for those who haven't ever done this you can buy directly from the fisherman, stop at the harbormasters office and see the dry erase board to see what is available. The prices are pretty much the same no matter which boat you go to unless your planning to be a big lot. Crab is pretty much from Nov 15th and offically runs to June 30th but in reality the majority of the fresh crab is Nov-Feb and then it gets harder to find and more expensive. The other fish that you is around is King Salmon from late May through summer (but very expensive but the best salmon you will ever get in the lower 48) and Albacore Tuna in summer. The other months you can find things like Ling Cod and some other live fish. A quick tip, if you buy a whole fish take it up to Princeton Seafood and get them to filet it for you, they do a great job for like $8 bucks. read more

Came here over the weekend for the first crab of the season...noticed the parking lot has been redone and more 20 min. spots so that makes this trip a lot easier! Come early or wait in line. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - First crab of the season! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

See all

A must have when I crave for crabs. They're fresh and mmmmmm yummmm. This is worth the drive We've been coming here for years and they've never failed us read more

I love going to Pillar Point Harbor year round, but my favorite time to come is definitely crab season. Snagging those fresh Dungeness off the boats is quite the treat, though the prices for fresh crab here aren't that much less than you'll find in season at the Redwood City Whole Foods. Usually $6-lb at the boats and $6.99 at Whole Foods. Still not bad and a great way to source dinner... though you do have to be the murdered in the case of getting them day-of on the pier. I've come many a time for an outing with Half Moon Bay Kayak Company... which is super fun until it's not and then you remember you still have to row your salty self in. But again, it's fun and an activity I usually end up doing once a year. Just walking on the short pier you'll usually see some sea lions swimming, great big pelicans, boats, fisher-people, kayakers, and even sometimes stand up paddle boarders. Parking on the weekends can get a bit crowded with the neighboring activities and restaurants but I've never had a problem finding a space. Knock on wood. read more

Pillar Point Harbor - Fresh off the boat crabs - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

See all

One of our new favorite spots to crab and fish at and get fresh caught dungunus crab from the local fishing boats! We've been pretty successful at this pier and always have a relaxing, mellow, scenic adventures here! The locals are friendly and there's some great restaurants in the area too! read more

Great place to bring your furbabies and the whole family ... we come here quite often ... pretty breezy so come in layers... Natural walking path along the bluff provides easy access for strollers and wheel chairs until you get to the end where you near coastal access. Benches line the path with great views ... tide pool fun during low tide near the edge of the bluffs on the right ... sea lions will ride the shore line. Downside is parking ... so come early if not be prepared to park along the hillside along the parking area . read more

See all

I've considered forgoing the life of Riley and becoming a fisherwoman since I was a wee one. Never mind that I can't swim without having panic attacks, nor can I wake up before the sun rises. Nevertheless, the extremely difficult, decidedly unglamorous, and oftentimes dangerous vocation has intrigued me since I was old enough to read. Pillar Point Harbor is where the vessel for the Oceanic Society's whale watching trips docks when not out searching for whales. Instructions were to meet at Pillar Point but don't dare disturb the harbormaster. Aye aye, captain. The smell of crustaceans and salt water wafted through the air and I was practicing my best Captain Ahab impression. Pillar Point is a city girl with a nautical fetish's dream come true, from the storybook rickety planks to the surly fisherman who risk a lot getting catch for us urbanites. When the dream of becoming a fisherwoman fades after a nauseating voyage, there's still chance to enjoy the lore by popping into the crab shacks and fish monger's that inhabit the terra firma of Pillar Point. With sunny days ahead, consider Pillar Point and its environs for a retreat from the grind! read more

Pillar Point Harbor - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

This is the place to go too for fresh catches from the boats. Even if you don't buy anything it's a nice spot to be at in my opinion. Went last weekend and lots of rock crabs and Dungeness crabs available from the boats. We ended up getting black cod for $8/lb and Dungeness crabs for $9/lb. the black cod was so delicious after steamed for spring rolls and half for soup. I wished I had gotten more to freeze because it was so good. The fishermen were really nice and let us know up front how many lbs each fish ranged and we asked for what we want. They weighed the fish so you know your cost and put in a bag for you. If you kindly ask them to clean the guts they do it for you too. Our kids were lucky to see the seals coming to eat the guts of the fish that was let off the boat so everyone was happy. Parents were happy with crabs and fish and kids were happy to see seals. I will definitely come back for more next time. What's great too is they take Venmo so you don't need to carry cash or use your credit card and it's so contactless! Everyone wore masks and respected each other and our family enjoyed walking around the harbor very much. read more

****************** REVIEW 337 ****************** I have been coming to Pillar Point Harbor, Half Moon Bay for years, since I love sport fishing & crabbing. Never thought of writing a review, because I don't really want anyone to know where I fish or crab ;-) Pillar Point Harbor is a great port to commercial fishing industry, to sport fishermen like myself, (yes princess me do fish & crab!) and to support boaters seeking the amenities, convenient that this modern & safe coastal harbor provide. The port patrols here are also nice and friendly which is a big plus! This harbor offers plenty of spaces, kayaking, restos, clean wash rooms, and 3 lanes for launching dock. We need to have license and for sport fishing, just under $14, you can ride out on your boat, and have a good time. They allow you to catch 10 crabs or fish per person, no limit of how many people, as long as your boat is safe & you buy all licenses. Make sure you don't get sea-sick ;-) Today, the weather in Half Moon Bay was calm, and a customer of mine would like some fresh crabs. Let's show him around. We launched it out, only 2 other boats were out there, it was a perfect day to go out crabbing. 7 miles out to the sea, just under 4 pots we pulled up & put back fresh tuna for the new pots, an hour later. Each of us got 10 giant Dungeness fresh crabs. I love a calm day at sea like this. I got to breathe ocean air. I got to see the seagulls, the otters, 2 dolphins, plenty of jelly fishes, plenty of fresh crabs, & a few hot surfers, it's a good day! Don't bother me, I'm gone fishing till the Dungeness crab season is over! P.S. for those that complain about the smell, hello it's a port for fishing, it's not a tropical island resort, get it?! read more

See all

This is a real working harbor, so mind the signs. There are two parts, we seem to prefer the southern point, but it's a short drive or walk up to the northern end, Either are great, with some nice places for a bite. Morning is a good time to visit, as parking is easier, and the boats have come in with a fresh catch. Some of the boats will sell you, their catch of the day, right on the boat. You won't save much $s, but it's an experience you may not get any where else.Fishermen work very hard, so mind your manners, as many are not overly friendly, especially if you get on their bad side, which is not all that hard to do. And watch your kids, water is very cold, and there is plenty of things for them to trip on. Restrooms are clean, with easy access at the south end, not sure about the north end. Good area for launching boats, and an RV park. Most of the restaurants are pricey, but you'll receive a full plate at most. None of them are new looking inside, so don't worry about dressing for them. I would highly recommend, trying them all, as they all, have something a little different to offer. BTW - if you're not familiar with the area, the town of Half Moon Bay is a whole separate area, and experience, not near the water. It can get very cold, seriously cold, as the wind can be very gusty. Mix that with some overcast and rain, well it can be ruin your day if your unprepared. Another issue with the wind on a dry day, is the sand can blind you, so some eye protection is optimal, but just getting out of it, works for me. Enjoy . . . read more

See all