I hope these “cruiser’s reviews” help other southbound sailors get the info needed for visiting these west coast stopovers. Enjoy this review for the Half Moon Bay marina: Pillar Point Harbor. Find all my other reviews HERE.
Pillar Point Marina and Harbor is located in Half Moon Bay on the California Coast. The marina does not have a guest dock or dedicated guest slips and does not accept reservations. To request a berth, you can call in on your VHF radio or by phone (650-726-4382) as you’re approaching the harbor.
There’s an anchorage inside the outer breakwater and the marina is inside the inner breakwater. Registration with the harbor office is required for the anchorage and is free for the first week, $7/day after that. The slips are about a dollar per foot per day. It seems that there is generally some availability. Find more info about the marina here.
A note about security here: we found the harbor staff to be very friendly and helpful. Additionally, every time we left the boat, including at night to walk to the showers, we saw at least one, if not several, harbor security personnel. The whole area felt safe and welcoming to our family.
Pillar Point Marina Amenities and Services
The marina offers restrooms, showers, and laundry. The restrooms are open to the public and the harbor has extra hand sanitizer stations around the pier. The showers are key-card access and free. The laundry is key-card access and coin-operated.
Beachfront Trail in Half Moon Bay
Just a 10-minute walk from the marina, you’ll find a lovely miles-long beach to walk for a lazy afternoon. You can walk the beach or follow the well-maintained trail. Our kids even played in the surf, happily, though the water was still colder than I would prefer. Slowly, determinedly, we make our way further south. To warmer waters.
