Voted by Open Table Diners as “Great for Outdoor Dining” and “Great for Scenic Views” in the San Francisco Peninsula area based on recent, verified OpenTable diner reviews. February, 2025
Why not accent your 6-hour drive with some unique and fun pit stops along the trip?
Embarking on a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles is not just about the drive; it’s about the unique flavors and sights along the way. Here are some must-visit restaurants and attractions that make this journey unforgettable.
Begin your culinary adventure with a stop at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay for some of the best seafood in the region. Their lobster rolls are a crowd favorite, offering a taste of New England on the West Coast.
In Santa Cruz, divert a little for a mind-bending experience at The Mystery Spot. This gravitational anomaly provides a uniquely puzzling experience that’s fun for the whole family.
A hidden gem, Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing is perfect for a casual lunch. Their cioppino, a rich seafood stew, has garnered national attention and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Take a scenic detour through Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive. The route offers stunning coastal views, remarkable landscapes, and the famous Lone Cypress.
For dining with a view, stop at Nepenthe in Big Sur. Perched high above the Pacific, this restaurant offers breathtaking views and a menu that highlights local ingredients.
Take a historical break at Hearst Castle in San Simeon. This majestic estate offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of William Randolph Hearst, with guided tours of its impressive architecture and grounds.
Near Solvang, The Hitching Post II is famous for its appearance in the film “Sideways” and more so for its exceptional grilled meats and extensive selection of local wines.
For a quintessential California beachside dining experience, Malibu Seafood offers fresh, locally caught seafood with Pacific Ocean views.
Before reaching Los Angeles, explore the historic Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy the amusement park, Pacific Park, for some classic fun with rides and games.
Each of these stops adds a unique flavor and experience to the journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. From quirky attractions to dining spots with unforgettable views and tastes, this route is a feast for the senses. So, ready your appetite for adventure and embark on a road trip filled with culinary delights and iconic Californian experiences.
By Teresa Rodriguez for Haute Living San Francisco, September 5, 2023
As the warm sun rises over the glittering Pacific Ocean, the coastal town of Half Moon Bay in California beckons with its picturesque beauty and endless possibilities. A quick weekend away to this idyllic destination promises a much-needed escape from the fast-paced hustle of daily life and a chance to indulge in a decadent array of experiences.
Half Moon Bay has something for every discerning traveler, from dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters while kayaking amongst playful sea otters to relishing in a delectable dinner at the famed Sam’s Chowder House. Its rugged coastline, punctuated by sweeping cliffs and sandy beaches, provides the perfect backdrop to unwind and soak up the sun.
Delve into the rich local history by strolling along the Half Moon Bay’s Coastal Trail, where stories of the region’s fishermen and pioneers come to life through informative plaques and markers. Or take a leisurely drive down the Pacific Coast Highway for panoramic views of the coastline and breathtaking vistas of mirroring blue skies and surf.
As the sun sets, indulge in a culinary journey highlighting fresh, locally sourced ingredients from some of the country’s most renowned chefs. Sam’s Chowder House stands out, guaranteeing an unforgettable gastronomical experience with its quintessential seafood and impeccable service.
Reserve the Penthouse Ocean View Suite at the Beach House. Located on the 3rd floor overlooking Pillar Point Harbor, each Penthouse Ocean View junior suite offers 15-foot vaulted ceilings and 500 sq. ft. with a living room area with a beautiful fireplace and balcony. All have king-size beds with a queen sleeper sofa in the step-down living room area. Rooms feature two flat-screen televisions, complimentary wireless Internet access, down comforters and pillows, cozy robes, a refrigerator, microwave, and a working desk. Bathrooms include double sinks with granite countertops, a separate tub, and a shower.
Guests of the Beach House can enjoy their complimentary continental breakfast in their cozy lobby, outside on the Ocean Terrace Patio, or their private balcony. In addition, after a day of outdoor recreation, guests can take advantage of their heated swimming pool and hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean or relax with various massages provided by Intuitive Touch.
Nestled on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sam’s Chowder House offers stunning sunsets, oceanfront outdoor dining, and an authentic seafood experience reminiscent of an East Coast-style seafood house. Sam’s eco-friendly menus, prepared by award-winning Executive Chef/Partner Lewis Rossman, offer daily fresh fish, live Maine Lobster, Sam’s famous Clam Chowder, house specialties such as Lobster Spaghetti and Chili Garlic Prawns, Lobster Rolls stuffed with big chunks of sweet, juicy lobster (an award-winner), farm fresh salads, a raw bar, and other local specialties. There are also options for meat lovers, such as Slow-Braised Short Ribs, Spaghetti and meatballs, and a grilled New York Steak.
Chef Rossman’s mantra is sustainable, fresh, local when possible, and always seasonal, from the seafood and meats to the produce and artisanal cheeses. Produce in the fields of Half Moon Bay in the morning often finds its way onto the salad plate at Sam’s by evening. This passion for fine, fresh ingredients is evident from the house-made dressings, sauces, pastas, and charcuterie to the house-made desserts.
Featured on NBC’s The Today Show and voted “Best Outdoor Dining” by San Francisco Magazine, Sam’s is family-friendly and open daily for indoor and outdoor dining and takeout. Gluten-free and vegetarian options and a kids menu for 12 and under are also available.
Begin your culinary journey with the exquisite Captain’s Platter, leading you to the tantalizing Sam’s Lobster Spaghetti for Two. Embark on the ultimate indulgence with the iconic New York Style Cheesecake, concluding your dining experience.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of kayaking and paddle boarding in the captivating Half Moon Bay with HMB Kayak, or embark on a scenic bike ride along the breathtaking California Coastal Trail. Glide through the serene waters of Pillar Point Harbor and encounter seals, birds, and a myriad of marine life, or challenge yourself in the untamed waves of the Pacific. Alternatively, experience the renowned Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail as you pedal through towering cypress trees and expansive coastal bluffs.
HMB Kayak’s impressive fleet comprises a selection of single and double kayaks, a diverse range of stand-up paddle boards, and an array of bikes tailored to your requirements. In addition, they provide classes, tours, corporate trips, and private events to ensure a truly memorable experience.
Half Moon Bay has something for everyone, whether you seek adventure or relaxation. With an abundance of activities to choose from, including hiking, horseback riding, and wine tasting, you’ll be spoilt for choice. So why wait? Escape the mundane and bask in the beauty of Half Moon Bay – a true Californian treasure.
Excerpted from July 10, 2023 article by Ben Davidson for The Mercury News
There’s nothing like a tasty seafood meal after a long day at the beach. If you’re hankering for some fresh or barbecued oysters, crispy calamari, a bowl of steaming clam chowder or a plate of grilled local halibut, here are a few suggestions for seafood spots near some of our favorite hidden beaches in Half Moon Bay and out at Point Reyes.
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This very popular harborside eatery offers a full oyster bar — and legendary lobster rolls. (The Today Show dubbed the latter one of the five best sandwiches in the country.) Start with crab cakes, dayboat scallops, roasted garlic chili prawns, New England and Manhattan chowder or New Orleans-style gumbo. Then try a lobster roll or one of the other mains, which include local halibut, branzino sea bass, petrale sole and King salmon.
Details: Open for lunch and dinner daily at 4210 Highway One, Half Moon Bay; www.samschowderhouse.com.
Excerpted from article by Food & Wine Editors – June 28, 203
Chefs across the United States have embraced new possibilities with the classic lobster roll.
Never mind the tired regional debate — whether they’re the best Maine style (chilled, with mayonnaise) or Connecticut (warm, with drawn butter). Lobster rolls are delicious, and beyond honoring the classic styles, seafood-focused chefs have embraced new possibilities. From a modern Asian spin with a charcoal-lacquered bun to a torpedo bun laden with a whole pound of meat, here are our favorite lobster rolls you can try right now across the United States.
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For this restaurant’s rolls, chef Lewis Rossman (an East Coast native) gets his lobster shipped straight from the Atlantic. Then he prepares it “naked style”: Hold the mayo. Only drawn butter, fresh herbs, and diced celery are served in a custom-baked, toasted torpedo bun at Sam’s Chowder House.
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Excerpted from August 4, 2020 article by Janelle Bitker for the San Francisco Chronicle
Photo by Janelle Bitker
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Half Moon Bay has several pretty waterfront seafood restaurants, but Sam’s Chowder House is a consistent favorite for good reason. Emulating a classic East Coast chowder spot, the restaurant makes a rich, bacon-studded clam chowder; a soft, buttery lobster roll; and a shrimp Louis amped up with blue crab. The extensive patio overlooks the endless blue of the ocean and, thankfully, is lined with heat lamps.
Sam’s Chowder House. 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 4210 North Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay. 650-712-0245
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Sam’s is thrilled to be included in OpenTable’s TOP 100 list of the best restaurants in America for outdoor dining, and TOP 100 most scenic restaurants in America, based on over 12 million verified OpenTable diner reviews which reflect food, service, and ambiance, for over 30,000 restaurants in all 50 states.
Voted “#1 Seafood Restaurant” by Half Moon Bay locals 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 in the Half Moon Bay Review Annual Readers Choice Awards.
Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay has been awarded the San Mateo County: As Fresh as it Gets Award at the Platinum level for 2018-2019. We believe that the best food travels the shortest distance and are committed to using fresh and local ingredients whenever possible to not only serve great food, but also in support our local purveyors, artisans and farmers.
The San Mateo County/Silicon Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, San Mateo County Farm Bureau and San Mateo County Harbor District have joined together to promote our wealth of fresh, delicious produce and seafood in San Mateo County and awarded the establishments that go out of their way to serve them.
Excerpted from August 28, 2019 article by Becky Duffett for Eater San Francisco
Sam’s Chowder House announces two concessions now open in San Francisco’s newly built Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. We’ll be serving some of our specialties, including our dressed Lobster Roll, New England Clam Chowder, and Popcorn Shrimp, and introducing our latest dish…Crab Fries.
