Half Moon Bay is one of our favorite weekend getways. The 92 freeway seems ‘quicker’ from the east bay since then we moved to Sacramento. It is still quicker to us. :)
I would suggest go to Ritz, and park in one of the free parking spots (golf area) it is on the right hand side as you see this hotel. and another right.
and then walk behind the Ritz, they have beautiful trails. And a great place to catch a sunset, bonfire, and soak the views of the ocean while sitting on an adronack chair.
Beach..there is a beach entrance (between Pelican RV camp and Ritz) nice spot. You can walk to this beach on the trail behind ritz go further south, until you see an entrance to the beach. (another free place to park is this parking lot between Pelican RV and Ritz as well)
Food..for the best sandwiches in town. Is it Main Street Cafe the name…they have turkey, cream cheese, cucumbers in a homebaked slices of bread! It is on Main Street in downtown. A good place for a stroll.
Moss Beach Distillery is another place to catch some views of the ocean.