About Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is home to Mavericks, the big wave surf spot that is famous for the rides and wipe-outs that have occurred there over the years. Although Mavericks is worthy of all the fame and notoriety it has, there is more to Half Moon Bay than just a surf spot.
The city is south of San Francisco in Northern California and gets its name from the crescent shape of the coast. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise with multiple beaches, trails, events, and live music. It began as an agricultural town and is now a vibrant community, home to businesses, a diverse population, and picturesque views.
Filming Options in Half Moon Bay
One visit and you will understand why filming in Half Moon Bay is so popular. The scenic beauty of the area and moderate climate lend themselves to year-round work. The city has a lot to offer – and the proximity to San Francisco is a bonus that makes it even easier to work here. Many companies are available to meet the needs of filming operations in the area.
- Catering
Restaurants and catering are probably the strongest features that Half Moon Bay, California has, aside from outdoor recreation. The city knows how to make mouth-watering food that satisfies anyone. There are numerous options, and all catering companies operate with the highest quality standards and customer service.
- Furniture Rentals
A city with a vibrant tourism industry understands changing furniture needs and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Half Moon Bay. Companies operating in the area to fulfill the needs of businesses, homes, and projects such as filming. The proximity to San Francisco means these companies also have access to whatever furniture you need.
- Transportation
Transportation logistics are enough to make any filming project throw in the planning towel. That’s where transportation companies come in – they can handle the logistics from start to finish, freeing up your time to focus on the things that really matter.
Filming Companies in Half Moon Bay
Filming in Half Moon Bay is perfect with the companies there that understand the demands of production and are adept at meeting any request in any circumstances. They operate with the highest levels of professionalism to allow you to focus on the job at hand.
- Cooking for Friends
Richard Poncini is a chef for hire who prepares custom meals for events while guests watch or have it ready to eat when everyone is done working. He’s catered everything from backyard barbecues to filming events and weddings. The menu is sure to have your mouth watering before you finish selecting your choices.
- A Festive Affaire Party Rentals
A Festive Affaire Party Rentals may have earned their name providing items for weddings, but don’t let the name fool you. They can help with all your furniture needs and the tents provide an excellent staging area at outdoor locations or as a dining space. The family-owned and operated business ensure that their clients have everything needed.
- Cloud 9 Limo
Cloud 9 Limo and their chauffeurs understand that each customer wants and need to be treated as an individual and pride themselves on customer service. The impeccable cars are always clean and well-maintained, and ready to solve any travel logistics your filming operation has. The combination of service and values means everyone feels like a VIP when they’re working with Cloud 9 Limo.
Pros and Cons of Filming Options in Half Moon Bay
Like any town, there are pros and cons of filming in Half Moon Bay. The decision of whether to film here or not will depend on the specific needs of your project and personal preference. Weigh the pros and cons and make an informed choice.
Advantages
- Stunning beauty
Beautiful beaches, big waves, nature, and an architecturally pleasing city make the beauty in Half Moon Bay, California an attractive feature as a filming option. Numerous films and other productions have taken place here. It’s also a popular location for destination weddings, romantic getaways, and writer’s retreats because of the stunning beauty of the area.
- Big city amenities in a small city feel
With a mere 25 miles separating Half Moon Bay from San Francisco, you have all the amenities of a big city while maintaining the small city feel. The infrastructure in the city is tied to the coastline, and access from major highways and through San Francisco makes travel easy.
- Mild weather
Northern California is a sought-after destination because of the mild weather, and Half Moon Bay, California is one of those cities that benefits from the Mediterranean climate. It’s rare to have extremely hot or cold weather, making this a fantastic place to film, visit, or live.
Disadvantages
- Sea level rise
Half Moon Bay’s location on the California coastline is somewhat precarious because of sea-level rise. A study of the area found that over 100 buildings could be susceptible to damage and ruin because of this. The city is taking steps to plan for, adapt, and mitigate climate change.
- Congestion
Traffic can get a bit heavy in Half Moon Bay, California, especially during the normal commute times. Let’s face it, this is a problem throughout California and all cities, but it’s one of those disadvantages that is frequently mentioned by those living and working in the area.
- Limited nightlife
The city is known for its outdoor locations, and that reputation translates to nightlife options too; there aren’t that many. There are a lot of good restaurants in Half Moon Bay, California, but there are fewer choices when it comes to evening entertainment.
Famous Locations in Half Moon Bay
- Mavericks
Yes, there is more to Half Moon Bay, California than the surfing, but really, you can’t visit the city without visiting Mavericks. There are places to view the surf at Mavericks from a safe distance. Of course, if you’re a surfer, that’s an option too and surf equipment can be rented. The surfers are there year-round, but the best waves are generally from September through April.
- California Coastal Trail
The California Coastal Trail will be a continuous 1,230-mile trail from Oregon to Mexico when it’s fully complete and connected. Part of that trail is in Half Moon Bay and offers some fantastic hikes along the shoreline and the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Devil’s Slide Trail is a rail to trail along the seaside cliffs and is known as the edge of the world; it has stunning views and is worthy of any hiking bucket list.
- Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Pigeon Point Lighthouse has the distinction of being one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States at 115 feet. It was first used in 1872 and is still an active lighthouse, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard to guide boats and ships. The shoreline at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is an excellent vantage point to view seals and whales out in the ocean.