Beach House Inn at Half Moon Bay, beating summer's heat, romance and relaxing
by Joe Franscella

About a year ago I wrote of a great place to get away to both relax and beat the heat. Well, relaxation is never going out of style and the heat isn't really letting up—that's why my wife and I recently decided to head back to the Beach House Inn at Half Moon Bay for another overnighter.

The Inn is a mere two hours drive to the west, on the coast just 25 miles south of San Francisco.

Nestled on the wildflower covered sand dunes of Half Moon Bay's beautiful beach, it boasts all suits, all of which come complete with a fireplace, firewood, comfy bed, spacious bathroom, and DVD and CD system. The beds are amazingly comfortable. Soft robes await you for lounging and trips to the heated pool and bubbly spa.

Most of the suits open to the ocean. Opening the room's windows and blinds brings serene views and sounds of lapping waves, sail boats, and pelicans gliding gracefully along the shallows patrolling for their dinners; inviting in cooling Pacific breezes. Guests have gated access to a trail along the beach that provides great walking up and down the beautiful, rugged Pacific Coast. There are plenty of places to eat in Half Moon Bay, but worth the drive just three-miles north on Cabrillo Highway is the historic Moss Beach Distillery.

Noted for being haunted by some romantic spirits of yesteryear, it is also a "California Point of Historical interest," as during the 1920's prohibition years it was a speakeasy and rum-running point. Today, the restaurant serves a number of special entrees and regular items to guests seated along a row of windows overlooking the spectacular Northern California coastline.

It's prime rib dinner and Caesar salad are absolutely fantastic and the décor in the place are captivating. Be aware though, the food in the Distillery isn't cheap, a couple can expect to pay between $80 and $100 for dinner and that's not counting drinks. But, when on the coast during tourist season that's just the price of a night out. In the morning, you won't have to leave the Inn for breakfast or shell out any more cash, as rolls, fresh fruit, coffee, bagels and croissant are served complimentary.

The Inn at Half Moon Bay is close enough for an overnight stay, but would also make a great place to vacation for a longer stay for both couples and families. Surrounding the Inn are horse stables, beautiful beaches, great eating, and ocean kayaking services.

It's proximity to San Francisco would make it a great spot for relaxing after a day of sightseeing by the Bay. To the Inn: head west on HWY 120 to I205, take I580 west to I238, head south on I880 and then West on 92. 92 takes you all the way into Half Moon Bay, when in town go north on the Cabrillo Highway (along the coast) and you'll see the Inn a short way up to your left. Hit 92 before 1 p.m., shortly thereafter Silicon Valley and San Francisco commuter traffic begins to bottleneck the pass. If you have time, travel to and from Half Moon Bay via the Pacific Coast Highway out of San Francisco, it's a beautiful stretch of road. To get more info on the Beach House check out its Web site at www.beachhouse. com or call 650-712-0220.