With an annual haul of ten million pounds of fish, one can buy fresh crab, salmon, squid, or whatever is in season right from the fishermen's boats, or sign up for a charter boat day trip to catch one's own. Whale watching is possible from both boats and a resident bi-plane. Only ghosts remain of the Portuguese sailors from the Azores who ran a whaling station here from 1860 until the 1890's. Miramar Beach has nurtured the offbeat since 1964 when Pete Douglas's Sunday afternoon jazz gatherings became known as the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society. There's also the New Age Center, built from found objects, and a cluster of architecturally startling cottages.
Beach remains a sandy stretch popular with surfers and walkers.
Ten miles south of Half Moon Bay is San Gregorio Beach, the first and largest of a series of splendid state beaches. White sand, protecting cliffs, and a warmish lagoon create a pleasant spot for picnicking and beachcombing. Kerosene lanterns, saddles, a surprisingly serious book section, home-baked goodies, live music, and a cowboy bar satisfy a wide spectrum of needs. A pottery shop next door showcases local artisans. In the 1850's, the San Gregorio House hosted prominent San Franciscans who traveled the long distance by stage to enjoy first class trout fishing, hunting, sea bathing, and boat races.