You’ve seen the photos. That massive, shingle-style estate perched precariously on a jagged Northern California cliff, looking more like a Scottish manor than a Silicon Valley getaway. It’s the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels a bit like a movie set. People flock here for the "bagpiper at sunset" vibe, but there is a lot more to this place than just expensive scotch and ocean views.
Most travelers treat it as a quick stop on a Highway 1 road trip. That is a mistake. If you just roll up to the gate, pay the exorbitant parking fee, and snap a selfie, you’re missing the actual soul of the place. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of high-end luxury and raw, unforgiving coastal nature.
The Weather is the Real Boss
Forget everything you know about "California sunshine." Half Moon Bay doesn't care about your tan. The fog—locally known as "Karl"—rolls in whenever it feels like it. You might wake up to a wall of white and then see crystal blue skies by 2:00 PM. Or not.
Because the resort sits on a literal bluff, the wind can be brutal. You’ll see people shivering in "resort wear" while the locals are bundled in Patagonia puffers. Bring layers. Seriously. Even in July, that damp sea air will find its way into your bones the moment the sun dips.
The Golf Situation: Arnold Palmer vs. The Ocean
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is famous for its two courses, and they couldn’t be more different. Basically, you’re choosing between a forest and a cliffside.
- The Old Course: Designed by Arnold Palmer and Francis Duane back in '73. It’s parkland-style. You’ve got cypress trees, tight fairways, and a lot of history. The 18th hole is the showstopper, finishing right under the hotel.
- The Ocean Course: This is the one you see on Instagram. It’s a traditional Scottish links design by Arthur Hills. No trees. Just wind, native grasses, and the Pacific Ocean staring you in the face at every single hole.
Prices aren't cheap. In 2026, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $200+ for a round, depending on whether you’re a "Legends Club" member or just a guest walking on. If you aren't a golfer, don't worry. The Coastal Trail runs right through the property. You can walk the same paths as the golfers for free. Just watch out for stray balls.
Why Everyone Obsesses Over the Bagpiper
At sunset, a bagpiper walks the grounds. It sounds cheesy, right? It kinda is. But when you’re sitting by one of the fire pits on the Ocean Lawn, wrapped in a blanket with a glass of Napa Cabernet, and those pipes start echoing off the cliffs... it hits different.
It’s a nod to the Scottish-style landscape. People start camping out for the fire pit chairs about an hour before the sun goes down. Pro tip: if you aren't staying at the hotel, you can still grab a drink at the Ocean Terrace and catch the show. Just be prepared to fight for a spot on the weekends. It gets crowded. Like, "three weddings at once" crowded.
The Room Reality Check
Let’s talk money. This is a five-star resort. You’re looking at $850 to $1,300+ per night for a standard room in 2026. If you want a suite or a fire pit room (where you have a private patio with your own gas fire), you’re easily clearing $2,000.
Is it worth it?
If you get a "Guest House" room, you’re further from the main action but closer to the pool. It’s quieter. But the main building is where that "grand hotel" energy lives. The bathrooms are huge, the beds are like clouds, and the service is exactly what you’d expect for a grand a night. But honestly, you’re paying for the location. You’re paying to wake up and hear the waves crashing 50 feet below your window.
Eating and Drinking (Without Going Broke)
Dining here is an event. Navio is the flagship. They do a massive brunch that is basically legendary in the Bay Area. It’s not a buffet; it’s a "curated small plates" situation where they just keep bringing you food until you beg them to stop.
If you want something lower key, hit The Conservatory. It feels like a giant, glass-walled beach house.
- The Burger: It’s good. Expensive, but good.
- The Seafood: Always fresh. They source a lot from nearby Pillar Point Harbor.
- The S'mores: The resort sells s'mores kits for around $40. Yes, $40 for marshmallows and crackers. If that feels crazy (because it is), bring your own chocolate and graham crackers. Nobody is going to stop you from using the public fire pits with your own supplies.
That Sneaky Beach Access
The Ritz got in some hot water a few years back with the California Coastal Commission. Basically, they were making it way too hard for the public to access the beach. They ended up paying a $1.6 million fine.
Now, there is a dedicated public parking lot right past the hotel entrance. It’s for the Cowell Ranch State Beach and the coastal trail. If the hotel valet says the lot is "full" but you see empty spots, be firm. It’s public land. You have every right to park there and walk down to the sand. The beach itself is rugged and beautiful, but the water is freezing. Do not expect to go for a swim unless you have a death wish or a very thick wetsuit.
The Spa: 16,000 Square Feet of Zen
If the wind gets to be too much, the spa is the escape pod. They have this "Redwood Forest Ritual" which involves a lot of earthy scents and hot poultices. It’s very Northern California.
You don't have to be a hotel guest to book a treatment, though it's easier if you are. They’ve got 13 treatment rooms, co-ed whirlpools, and a sauna that actually smells like cedar, not gym sweat.
What to Do Instead of Staying at the Resort
Maybe you don’t want to drop three months' rent on a weekend. Fair. You can still experience the best of the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay without a room key.
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- Park at Poplar Beach: It’s a few miles north. Walk the Coastal Trail toward the Ritz. It’s a stunning 45-minute hike.
- Grab a drink at the Ocean Terrace: It’s first-come, first-served. Buy one cocktail, enjoy the sunset bagpiper, and then head into town for dinner.
- Eat in Town: Downtown Half Moon Bay is charming. Pasta Moon or Mezza Luna are great. For something casual, Sam’s Chowder House is a local staple, though it's always packed.
The Not-So-Pretty Parts
Coastal erosion is real. If you look closely at the cliffs, you can see where the ocean is slowly eating away at the land. A 2022 study actually highlighted how vulnerable the resort is to rising sea levels. It’s a reminder that this luxury is built on a very fragile edge.
Also, the "resort fee." Expect to pay about $60–$70 per night on top of your room rate. Valet parking is another $65+. It adds up fast. If you’re driving a rental, just accept the hit. Finding street parking nearby is a nightmare and not worth the stress.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book the 2-Night Specials: In 2026, the Ritz often runs "Premium Room" deals if you stay at least two nights. Check the Marriott Bonvoy app directly; third-party sites often miss these.
- The Bagpiper Schedule: He usually starts 30 minutes before sunset and plays for about half an hour. Check the local sunset time and arrive early.
- Bring a Jacket: I cannot stress this enough. Even if it’s 80 degrees in San Jose, it will be 58 degrees and windy at the Ritz.
- Avoid Event Weekends: If there’s a massive tech conference in town or a holiday, the "serene" vibe disappears. Aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday stay if you actually want peace.
- Explore the Harbor: Take the 10-minute drive to Pillar Point. You can buy fish right off the boats or watch the surfers at Mavericks if the swell is right.
This place is a splurge, no doubt. But for a specific kind of rugged, foggy luxury, there isn't anything else like it on the coast. Just remember to bring your own marshmallows.