The Ocean Hotel and Spa is one of a kind in its location offering coastal beauty and tranquility. It boasts an abundance of local attractions and amenities which are unique to the Northern California Coastline. Among the finest is Bay Aerial Helicopters, a helicopter tour operation which specializes in scenic coastal tours. Visitors seeking adventure can enjoy viewing whales, dolphins, lighthouses, sea caves and the famed Mavericks big wave surfing spot in the comfort, safety and exclusivity of a Bay Aerial Helicopter. Sunrise or sunset tours can be arranged to enhance the dramatic beauty of all the coastal sights. From local redwood forests to the Pacific Ocean or an extended tour to neighboring San Francisco, visitors are sure to be inspired by the hidden beauty only revealed by Bay Aerial Helicopter Tours.

Oceano's full service spa offers an ideal retreat. The treatment rooms and therapy pools allow guests to relax and unwind before returning to their private veranda to watch a spectacular harbor sunset.

Golf at the reknowned half moon bay golf course. Enjoy a day on the fairway with dramatic coastline views. With two courses to choose from, the old course or the ocean course, both offer a fantastic day of golf.

Mavericks, the world-famous surfing location and competition, is within walking distance of the oceano and pillar point harbor. After strong winter storms in the northern pacific ocean, waves can routinely crest at over 25 feet (8m) and top out at over 75 feet (23m). The annual surf contest occurs anytime during the winter months, with competitors from around the globe ready to fly here with only 24 hours advance notice. Mavericks coastal location is also perfect for picnics and some tide pool viewing. Click here for the Mavericks picture gallery.

The surrounding area has many beaches that make for an enjoyable day of surfing. Montara beach, miramar beach, and of course the world famous mavericks, just to name a few. All within minutes of our property.

Enjoy any one of our beautiful local beaches. See the following link for your many choices.

Sea Horse Ranch for coastal trail riding, and Blue Sky Ranch for mountain trails and coastal views. Blue Sky Ranch Half Moon Bay: take hwy 1 south (25 min from half moon bay) 650-224-9758 or Sea Horse Ranch 650-726-2362.

Depart from Pillar Point Harbor just outside the Oceano Hotel’s front door. Catch a big fish and enjoy your day out on the high seas. Queen of Harts (510)581.2628, Huck Finn Sport fishing (650) 726-7133, Captain John's Fishing Trips (650) 728-3377, Riptide Sport fishing (888) RIPTIDE, Huli Cat (650) 726-2926.

Discover the world of sea kayaking in Half Moon Bay on the Northern California coast, a dynamic and diverse environment you can embrace and explore. Kayak among seals, birds, and other marine life in protected Pillar Point Harbor or on the wild waters of the open Pacific near Half Moon Bay.

Relax and rejuvenate yourself, while being awed by nature! Unique Eco-Tour Adventures leave you transformed. Discover the “Hidden Coastside” with enthusiastic hosts, as you explore natures splendor and wildlife. We place the accent on elegance! Come with us & experience unsurpassed, personal attention, while exploring one of the most ecologically diverse habitats in North America.

We invite our guests to enjoy the coastal trail on foot or bike past, Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, or Francis Beach. Your beautiful journey can begin across from the Oceano Hotel. (Aprox 22 miles round trip) www.half-moon-bay.ca.us or http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ca/half-moon-bay/334610618

Ano Nuevo is open year round and in winter is a major gathering area for Northern Elephant Seals. Males battle for mates on the beaches and the females give birth to their young on the dunes. The breeding season occurs December 15 through March 31, and daily access to the reserve is available only via guided walks. Advance reservations are recommended for walks.

If you want a spectacular but challenging hike or bike ride, try the 8 mile killer climb to the top of Montara Mountain. It will raise the heart rates as well as ones sense of adventure. With amazing views of the Pacific Ocean below, this makes it well worth the effort.

Half Moon Bay Harbor offers whale watching trips during January, February, March and April, when the whale watching season is at its peak. Along the San Mateo coastline, the majestic and intelligent California gray whale is probably the best known of the great whales of the Northeastern Pacific and the species most frequently seen. Queen of Hearts (510) 581-2628, Huck Finn Sport fishing (650) 726-7133, Captain John's Fishing Trips (650) 728-3377, Riptide Sport fishing (888) RIPTIDE, Huli Cat (650) 726-2926.

Enjoy a lesurely day of hiking through majestic redwood forests at one the many beautiful parks in the area. There are many different trails to choose from throughout san mateo county. Traveling times vary. See the attached links for locations. http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us, http://pages.prodigy.net/rhorii/smparks.htm or http://www.openspace.org

Located only 4 minutes by car from the Oceano Hotel, visitors will find neighboring Moss Beach's Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. Named after the San Mateo County Supervisor who championed their protection, these tidal pools are home to numerous species of marine life and are a source of local pride and beauty. The large cypress groves on the cliffs above the pools afford a beautiful view of the coast towards Montara, and make for a memorable hiking experience. http://www.eparks.net/smc/department/home

Drive west through the community of Princeton toward Pillar Point, and you will find a spot from which to scan the sea for loons, grebes, sea ducks, and alcids. The rocky coast is also home to many other shorebirds. Pillar Point Harbor should be checked for seabirds as well. Brant can be common in spring. Check gull flocks for thayer’s, occurring regularly but in small numbers. http://www.ngeo.com

During your stay, visit butler irons in Princeton By The Sea and enjoy watching the process of custom golf clubs being made or have your own set of clubs custom built. David butler builds one set of irons at a time, one player at a time. The results have been astonishing. With the first fifteen sets, alone, butler players won multiple club championships, hit holes-in-one, and qualified for the Us Women's Open. How far will Butler irons take your game? 121 California Ave Princeton By The Sea.

The Douglas Beach House offers jazz music on Miramar Beach virtually every Sunday. Music begins at 4:30 and end at 7:30 with an intermission. The cost is $30.00 per person. The Miramar Beach Restaurant features jazz and other music genres on Saturday nights. Diners are invited to enjoy dinner and a night of music overlooking the water. Check both websites for list of upcoming performers. www.miramarbeachrestaurant.com

Known for its lush gardens and beautiful architectural design from the first part of the twentieth century, the estate holds mass appeal for all. They offer different types of tours of the estate and their Christmas tour is exceptional. It was also the home of the 1980’s hit television show Dynasty.

The Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival will be held on Main Street in Half Moon Bay on Saturday & Sunday following Columbus Day. Started in 1971 it is a worldwide attended event and appeals to adults and children alike. Main Street Half Moon Bay.