Welcome to Coastal San Mateo County
Serene oceanfront properties within easy reach of the Bay.
San Mateo has a fantastic coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. One of the most spectacular sections of the coastline runs from Pacifica south to Half Moon Bay, San Mateo's oldest community. This area of coastal San Mateo County is dotted with serene oceanfront towns and villages that feel a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the Valley and Bay Area. These are relaxed, rural communities where you can walk down to the ocean and soak up the natural beauty of the California coastline. Then you can jump into your car and make a quick trip to San Francisco or San Jose. At the end of the day, you can watch the sun slip into the ocean from your patio and know that you get to do it all again tomorrow. These are really special communities. You'll find everything from classic Cape Cod-style bungalows to sprawling Mediterranean-style mansions along the coast. Communities here are small, close-knit, and protective of their peaceful way of life. If you are looking to get away from the traffic and find a place that embraces nature and a slower way of life, this may be a great area to start the search for your new home.
What to Love
- Incredibly scenic coastline with ocean views
- Relaxed, tight-knit rural communities that are family-friendly
- Excellent access to the Valley and Bay area, giving you the best of both urban and rural living
Local Lifestyle
Living along the San Mateo coastline means a quieter, slower pace of life. You might find your neighbors starting their days surfing in the cool Pacific waters or hiking along a coastal trail. You might spend your evenings on a boat, sipping a glass of wine while the sun goes down. The area enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate, so you'll be able to spend time outside year-round and make the most of your time on the coast. Communities are small but friendly, and it won't be long before you know your neighbors by name.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Living in the more rural communities on the coast doesn't mean you won't have plenty of fine dining options! Start with a trip to Half Moon Bay to dine at Sam's Chowder House. It's an old-school diner serving traditional coastal dishes like lobster rolls and clam chowder. Nearby, Mezza Luna has a cozy dining area where you can feast on authentic Italian dishes and sip local wines. In Pescadero, check out Duarte's Tavern. The traditional diner has excellent soups, burgers, and other coastal comfort foods. For a truly upscale experience, book a table at Navio in the Ritz Carlton hotel. You'll dine on expertly crafted meals while taking in views of the Pacific.
Things to Do
Life along the coast centers on the water. You'll have endless beaches and tidepools to explore. Visit Bean Hollow State Beach, a dog-friendly beach that's never too crowded. Travel to Pigeon Point Lighthouse to capture epic photos of the California coastline. Be sure to stay up-to-date on community events calendars so that you can attend events like the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival. It's been going on for over 50 years, and the well-attended event includes a giant pumpkin contest, an art showcase, and many great food stalls.
