Half Moon Bay Hostel: Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Spring break is right around the corner and Half Moon Bay Hostel at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse may be the perfect destination for you. Located 50 miles south of San Francisco and a little over a half hour north of Santa Cruz, this rustic lighthouse-turned-hostel is a memorable place to stay. 
Pigeon Point Light House | Flickr-James Balingit
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Seated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, built in 1872, was renovated by HI-USA to form the perfect hostel. Despite the age of the lighthouse, the Half Moon Bay Hostel has all the modern amenities like indoor lounges, ready-to-use kitchens, free parking, and WiFi. Step outside your door and you'll be met with a breathtaking view. Not far from the hostel you can explore tidepools, cove beaches, and a welcoming oceanfront boardwalk. Whale watching is also a popular activity and not far away you can see northern elephant seals at the Año Nuevo State Reserve.
Half Moon Bay | Flickr-michael fliippoff
Half Moon Bay Hostel: Travelers Guide
Have we convinced you to plan a trip to the Half Moon Bay Hostel? If so, here are a few things to consider when planning your trip:- There aren't grocery stores close by so make sure to stop on your way to the Lighthouse
- If you're an overnight guest, you can rent a hot tub for $7 per half hour but you need to sign up when you check-in and there is a two person minimum so no solo 'tubing ;)
- Lockers are available with locks to keep your personal items safe
- If you're bringing a group of 8+ (or meeting up at the hostel) call ahead to make a group reservation
- You can make your reservation online
- If you don't mind sharing, some options are less than $30 a night - a great bargain but make sure you book early. Dates fill up quickly.
Spring Break at Half Moon Bay Hostel
Spending your spring break at the Half Moon Bay Hostel? Check out some of these fun options for entertainment: Half Moon Bay Golf Course: If you love to golf, this ocean side golf course may be the thing to splurge on. Not only do they have a stellar course, but they also offer private lessons, events, group hosting, and fine dining. If you also happen to be planning a wedding they have a beautiful venue to offer.
Half Moon Bay Golf Links - Old Course Half Moon Bay Historic Main Street: Take a quick 20 mile drive up the coast and spend some time on Half Moon Bay's historic main street. Boasting local restaurants, small boutiques, and antique shops, Half Moon Bay has a lot to offer for such a small town. Plan it just right and you can visit the Coastal Repertory Theatre showcasing local talent or possibly attend a cooking class hosted at The Ritz-Carlton. Butano State Park: Only six miles from the Half Moon Bay Hostel, you can spend an entire day exploring the beautiful hiking trails of Butano State park in the California Redwoods. Santa Cruz: Only 27 miles down the coast is the charming and quirky town of Santa Cruz. There is an abundance of things to do in Santa Cruz limited only by your time and resources. Ride a bike, explore the boardwalk, ride a skate board, visit the Museum of Art and History, or rent a Kayak and go on an adventure. Check out the city website for current events.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk | Flickr-Scott Schrantz Swanton Berry Farm: Do you love strawberries? Just 15 minutes from the Half Moon Bay Hostel is the Swanton Berry Farm. This berry farm, founded in 1983, is certified organic and gives you the option to 'Pick Your Own' berries (season starts in May) or purchase them from the Farm Stand. Check out their website for current info on locations and opening dates.
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No matter what you do, make sure to take time to relax on your visit to the Half Moon Bay Hostel at Pigeon Point Lighthouse. After all, spring break is supposed to be a vacation right?
Flowers at Half Moon Bay | Flickr-Siva Subramanian Vasanth Source Hostelling International and NorCal Hostels Cover photo by ronnietan15
