Mavericks
4.5
About
Popular beach in Half Moon Bay that is known for superb big-wave surfing.
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Restaurants
34 within 3 miles
Mezza Luna Restaurant
522
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly
Barbara's Fishtrap
695
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Soups
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
880
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Beer restaurants • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Ketch Joanne Restaurant & Harbor Bar
324
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Seville Tapas
56
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Vegetarian Friendly
Caffe Mezza Luna
109
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Pizza • Cafe • Mediterranean
Old Princeton Landing Public House and Grill
28
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Seafood
Silver Star Grill
21
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Pub • Gastropub
La Costanera
2
0.3 mi
Cafe Capistrano
3
0.2 mi$
Attractions
42 within 6 miles
Half Moon Bay Distillery
130
0.1 miDistilleries
Trojak Knier Winery
10
0.3 miWineries & Vineyards
Pillar Point Harbor
111
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Land And Sea Farmers Market
4
0.3 miFlea & Street Markets
Shops at Harbor Village
8
0.3 miShopping Malls
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
296
1.6 miHiking Trails
Purisima Creek Redwoods
61
0.7 miBiking Trails • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
184
2 miBeaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Miramar Beach
133
1.8 miBeaches
Half Moon Bay State Beach
662
Beaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
215 reviews
Excellent
124
Very good
65
Average
25
Poor
1
Terrible
0
NME
San Francisco, CA260 contributions
Friends
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.
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.
Written December 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robertag60
Half Moon Bay, CA137 contributions
Solo
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.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
marfak
Half Moon Bay, CA970 contributions
Couples
People know Mavericks because of the Big Wave Surfing contest. The wave break is to the west of the Pillar Point reef. When the big surf is rocking and rolling in the winter it is quite an awesome sight. But what most people do not know is that the big surf is uncommon; a winter phenominon that is caused by a confluence of tide, Pacific storms far off the coast, wind, etc. More importantly, most people do not know that this reef has some of the best tidepooling on the Northern California Coast. At very low tides you can walk almost out to the surf break and you will see all manner of sea life: various kinds of starfish, sea anemones, crabs, etc., and maybe even a small octopus or two. So check the tide tables because this is a reef walk not to be missed!
Written January 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael K
765 contributions
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.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaryC80
Eureka, CA172 contributions
Couples
This is a beautiful beach that can be enjoyed from the bluffs above or simply walking the beach. It was rather challenging to find as there were no 'Maverick Beach' signs, so here's a couple of tips. Turn off of highway 1 onto Capistrano / Princeton road. Then follow the trip advisor map to Pillar Point Harbor. Drive to the end and find a large parking lot. From this point you can walk the beach (more enjoyable at low tide) or take the trailhead to walk the bluffs above. The walk to the bluffs is a little steep for about 5 minutes then levels off offering spectacular views of the coastline! We saw many birds, bunnies and interesting flora. We're so glad we found this trail. It can get windy so take a sweater.
Written April 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
comix54
Denver26 contributions
If you are a big wave surf fan or surf movie fan ( think "Riding Giants ) then you gotta make the trek out to Mavericks located outside of Princeton By The Sea area just west of the Air Force Radar Installation visible throughout the harbor..make yor way to Jeff Clarks Mavericks Surf Shop for directions or just take a right past his shop and take the narrow road out to the tiny parking area just left before entering Air Force property.. usually full but someone always seems to be leaving so you should get lucky. About 1/3 mile walk down beach trail to the point and thenhug the cliff to the right as far as you can go for this view of the rocks at the break
Written March 30, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ConsultantRob2121
Sacramento, CA58 contributions
Couples
Many tourist don't know how to get to the famed beach, even during the high summer weekends very few people out there on the beach. Great easy walk to the beach and views of the famed surfing spot.
Written July 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CaliforniaSojourners
California12 contributions
Couples
Be sure to visit Mavericks while in Half Moon Bay. You can drive in and park at Mavericks beach, but don't trek to the beach, instead trek across the road to the buffs. There are trails to walk the buff and you don't want to miss out on the enormous views!! Incredible! Nice and peaceful with hardly no others around. Bring your camera!!
Written June 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Badgerhound
Orlando, FL67 contributions
Couples
Such a unique place with a great backstory -
See Chasing Mavericks to get a feel for what this beach is famous for if you don’t know already- big wave surfing !
See Chasing Mavericks to get a feel for what this beach is famous for if you don’t know already- big wave surfing !
Written July 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan W
Oakville, Canada174 contributions
Couples
We had to check out the point. Didn't see any surfing but it was a nice walk and a great spot for dog walking on the beach.
Written June 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I could care less about the surf challenge, I just wana see the giant waves! Any advise?
pb7711111111111111
Riverside, CA353 contributions
big wave action is in winter months
SuzanneinElDorado
Shingle Springs, CA1 contribution
What time is best to view the waves in the winter?
q94040
Mountain View, CA3 contributions
It's hit and miss. Best to check the weather report before you go.
how far to walk to beach or shopping from port for Holland America
callucan
Roseville, CA92 contributions
H.A.L. does NOT dock in Half Moon Bay. This is a small town south of San Francisco, north of Monterey. You would need a car to get to this area from San Fran.
7maggs
Orange County, CA109 contributions
what time is low tide and how far of a walk is it from the parking lot to the tide pools?
JayD
34 contributions
The parking is limited, it's a small lot, also depends on the time of year. When Mavericks is going on between Nov to March, you may luck out during the weekdays. As you walk from the lot, there are some tide pools along the path to the beach. You can see the waves and surfers better taking the path to the cliff, above the beach.
duke4155
Orangevale, CA
When is Mavericks held? Is November 2016?
Melissa C
Valencia City, Philippines14 contributions
Mavericks run October thru March, so depending on the waves. It is called with 48 hours notice to get to Mavericks so you just have to be on call. The waves have to be just right for the surfers and some years it doesn't happen, so you just never know
Where can we go nearby to rent surf boards?
Melissa C
Valencia City, Philippines14 contributions
Mavericks surf shop!
ritaqlau
San Francisco, CA1 contribution
I would like to know name of hotel.
bethcahill
Lutz, FL139 contributions
I think Half Moon Bay is the location closest to The Mavericks for hotel accommodations. I stayed at the Ritz Carlton, which was absolutely lovely
Mavericks (Half Moon Bay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mavericks
- Hotels near Mavericks:
- (0.16 mi) The Inn at Mavericks
- (0.13 mi) The Captain's Quarters
- (0.32 mi) Oceano Hotel & Spa Half Moon Bay
- (0.28 mi) The Oceano Inn (formerly Pillar Point Inn)
- (0.85 mi) Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay
- Restaurants near Mavericks:
- (0.14 mi) Mezza Luna Restaurant
- (0.17 mi) Seville Tapas
- (0.24 mi) Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
- (0.27 mi) Barbara's Fishtrap
- (0.17 mi) Old Princeton Landing Public House and Grill
- Attractions near Mavericks:
- (0.11 mi) Half Moon Bay Distillery
- (0.19 mi) Nasturtium Art of Living
- (0.20 mi) Mavericks PaddleSports
- (0.26 mi) Trojak Knier Winery
- (0.44 mi) Pillar Point Harbor