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Once a year, the best big wave surfers on earth have 24 hours notice to reach Half Moon Bay, CA. Their goal is to compete in a surfing competition with one of the biggest paddle-in waves in the world!!!!! The date of the event is unpredictable. Usually January or February. I have to say, 50ft waves rank up there with any of the wonders of the world. The water is cold. The rocks are treacherous. The Great Whites are plentiful. Probably one of the most dangerous competitions ever! WORTH IT!!!! Considering this year, most people are traveling domestically, I can’t think of anything else that’ll top this experience. Just know that it gets insanely crowded for this event and parking is horrendous. You’ll probably have to trek a bit after finding a spot. The area is stunning with typical Northern California rocky beach views. Catch the competition, take a beautiful coastal road drive on HWY 1 and dine on any of the amazing seafood spots that dot the entire coast. You will NOT forget this experience. …
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Date of experience: December 2020
1 Helpful vote
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There were no huge waves that made this place famous when we visited in October. Without the surfers, this place was quiet. Still, the parking lot was 90% full. It was pleasant to walk on the trail that leads to the beach, but without the excitement, the experience was just average.…
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Date of experience: October 2020
1 Helpful vote
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We sat and watched the surfers and the surf pounding the jetty for hours, while waiting for our table at Sam's Chowder house.
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Date of experience: September 2020
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If you're lucky enough to get a parking spot (30ish spaces?), walk west past Pillar Point Marsh (almost no birds) to the ocean. No surfers that day, but there were lots of dead purple crabs washed up. I found a tunicate and several anemones on the beach. Didn't get to the tide pool side due to high tide. Pleasant, but not relaxing walk due to an incessant fog horn.…
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Date of experience: August 2020
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Mavericks has become a famous surfing area with waves reported to have been over 35 feet This is the site of the Mavericks Surf Contest held once a year, weather and conditions permitting. It’s a wonderful place for kids and adults a like to look at the tide pools for sea creatures when the tide is out. The cliffs above the beach givea you a beautiful view of the entire area and is a great place to walk your dog The area is about a mile from restaurants and small shops and has a small parking lot which is often full midday. Beautiful place to visit.…
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Date of experience: March 2020
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