Bucket-list oceanfront golf without the Pebble Beach hassle — two cliffside courses, a golf-in, golf-out Ritz-Carlton, and all of it barely 30 minutes from San Francisco.
Half Moon Bay is the Bay Area's most accessible luxury stay-and-play. The two courses at Half Moon Bay Golf Links sit right on the cliffs, the Ritz-Carlton sits between them, and the whole thing is a short drive down Highway 1 from the city — no resort lottery, no 24-hour booking scramble, no four-figure minimums just to tee it up. You can play both courses, sleep on the bluffs, and be back in San Francisco the next afternoon.
Two very different 18s share the property — play both if you can, and you'll see why locals call it the coast's best 36-hole day.
Both courses are open to resort guests and the public. Green fees reflect typical ranges and vary by season and day; see each course page for details, or browse the full Peninsula course guide.
The signature Half Moon Bay experience is staying right on the cliffs, steps from the first tee.
The golf-in, golf-out marquee: a Forbes Five-Star resort perched on the bluffs between the two courses. Stay-and-play packages include a round per night on the Old or Ocean Course, with the 18th greens right outside.
Check Availability at the Ritz-Carlton →Want the golf without the resort rate? These keep you close to the courses for a lot less.
A comfortable, far more affordable base a few minutes from the courses — ideal if you want the golf without the resort price tag.
Check Availability →Inns and coastal stays throughout the town, walkable to the harbor and beaches.
Search Half Moon Bay Hotels →A bit inland and often cheaper, with easy access to both Half Moon Bay and SFO — handy if you’re flying in.
Search San Mateo Hotels →For groups or longer stays, a whole-home rental along the Half Moon Bay coast can beat hotel rates.
Browse Coastal Rentals →Close enough to San Francisco that you can also do it as a long day trip — but the cliffside sunset is worth a night.