Imagine taking in these views from bed or balcony: pelicans landing on the bay, gulping up fish; sea lions basking in the salty sea air; the sun rising from behind the mountain ridge over Half Moon Bay, sunlight filtering through clouds and Monterey cypress trees. The location is just the beginning. The beach house itself is a modern architecture head-turner, furnished with comfortable beds, streamlined and functional furniture, and everything looks and feels new, from the kitchenware to the shower heads. It's not inexpensive, but the house itself is a destination. Lots to do within a 10 minute-drive during our late December stay: discovering local beaches, famous surf points, protected salt marsh preserves, walks along the dune cliffs, and mountain hikes in Quarry Park.