Half-Moon Bay California

Love this quick drive across the coastal mountains in the Bay Area of California... hwy 92, then drop down to the Pacific Ocean on Hwy 1. Winding, lazy drive past flower nurseries, and wine tasting rooms. There is just something about seeing the surf, sun and sand that makes me instantly happy and experience inner calm.

A few of our favorite beach restaurants!

1. The Miramar Beach Restaurant, located minutes away from where Hwy 92 meets Hwy 1, headed north. Love the history of this place - and the absolutely gorgeous views of Pacific Ocean crashing waves. My favorite memory is of a windy, but incredibly beautiful day this

past spring when we sat outside in the sun (protected from the wind by the glass enclosure). Enjoying the views, and the yummy "Seafood Margarita" - ceviche style dungeness crab, shrimp, scallops and true cod in a lime-flavored tomato relish with chilies, cilantro and just a touch of tequila, we met new friends also doing the same thing. The girls that sat in front of us were having way too much fun sharing some chardonnay, and kept offering to take our picture - made me blush... told Tom he was so lucky to have such a beautiful girl with him...I think they were fooled by too much wine.

2. Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, North on Hwy 1 at Princeton by the Sea, at the Pillar Point Marina. Another great place for casual dining and a terrific choice of hand-crafted beers. Our

favorite is always the Mahi Mahi fish and chips, tried the

"Fresh Ahi Poke" (pictured) the last time we were there. Delicious!! Very fun to sit outside under the propane heaters, watch sea life and happily swimming sea lions at the marina, while watching the setting sun disappear into the Pacific. Something is always happening at the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, make sure to check their website for scheduled events, and for live music nights.

Here's Tom enjoying one of their special brews! Hmmm... maybe he left his sunglasses there on purpose?