Half Moon Bay is a coastal city located in San Mateo County, California, in the United States. Situated approximately 25 miles south of San Francisco, the city has a population of 11,795 as of the 2020 census. It is positioned immediately south of Pillar Point Harbor and the unincorporated community of Princeton-by-the-Sea.
The city derives its name from its distinct crescent shape. Half Moon Bay is notably recognized for Mavericks, which is a well-known big-wave surfing location.