History of Half Moon Bay, California in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

Half Moon Bay is a coastal city in San Mateo County, California, located about 25 miles south of San Francisco. As of 2020, its population was 11,795. Situated just north of Pillar Point Harbor and Princeton-by-the-Sea, Half Moon Bay is famous for Mavericks, a renowned big-wave surfing spot. The city's name is derived from its distinctive crescent-shaped coastline.

1907: Ocean Shore Railroad Service

In 1907, the Ocean Shore Railroad began serving the Half Moon Bay community.

1914: Construction of Pedro Mountain Road

In 1914, the construction of Pedro Mountain Road provided better access to San Francisco, likely contributing to the railroad's later demise.

1920: Demise of the Ocean Shore Railroad

By 1920, the Ocean Shore Railroad had ceased operations.

December 1, 1921: USS DeLong Runs Aground

On December 1, 1921, the USS DeLong ran aground at Half Moon Bay.

1959: Incorporation of Half Moon Bay

In 1959, Half Moon Bay was officially incorporated as a city following growth after World War II.

December 12, 1972: Observed Snow Flurries

On December 12, 1972, snow flurries were observed in Half Moon Bay.

1973: Half Moon Bay Album Recorded

In 1973, the album Half Moon Bay was recorded by jazz pianist Bill Evans at the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society in Half Moon Bay.

February 5, 1976: Observed Snow Flurries

On February 5, 1976, snow flurries were observed in Half Moon Bay.

January 4, 1982: Heaviest 24-hour Rainfall

On January 4, 1982, Half Moon Bay experienced its heaviest 24-hour rainfall, measuring 5.33 inches (135 mm).

1992: Raising Cain Movie Mention

The 1992 movie Raising Cain, which takes place and was filmed on the San Francisco Peninsula mentions a fictitious Half Moon Marsh.

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February 1998: Most Rainfall in One Month

In February 1998, Half Moon Bay recorded its highest monthly rainfall at 15.70 inches (399 mm).

1999: Titans of Mavericks competition location

From 1999 to 2016, Mavericks was the location of the annual Titans of Mavericks competition.

2000: Census Data

As of the census of 2000, there were 11,842 people residing in Half Moon Bay.

2003: American Wedding Filmed at Ritz-Carlton

In 2003, The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay was used as the wedding venue for the comedy film, American Wedding.

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2008: Financial Setbacks and Budget Cuts

In 2008, Half Moon Bay faced financial setbacks due to the economic crisis affecting tourism and an $18 million settlement. This led to budget cuts and layoffs of municipal employees.

2010: United States Census

The 2010 United States Census reported Half Moon Bay had a population of 11,324.

2013: Lawsuit Against Insurers Decided

In 2013, a lawsuit against the city's insurers was decided, with the insurer ordered to pay Half Moon Bay more than $13 million to cover expenses from a previous settlement.

2015: Balanced General Fund Budget

As of 2015, specifically the publication of the Fiscal Year 2015–16 Budget, Half Moon Bay's General Fund budget was balanced and had a structural surplus of $4 million.

2015: Early Retirement of Judgment Obligation Bonds

In 2015, Half Moon Bay was able to retire the first of its two 30-year Judgment Obligation Bonds (2009A Series Bonds) 20 years early, saving the city over $426,000 in annual expenses.

2016: End of Titans of Mavericks competition

The Titans of Mavericks competition was held from 1999 to 2016.

February 10, 2019: Registered Voter Statistics

As of February 10, 2019, Half Moon Bay had 7,549 registered voters according to the California Secretary of State.

2020: Population of Half Moon Bay

In 2020, the population of Half Moon Bay was 11,795 according to the census.

2022: Buildings Vulnerable to Sea Level Rise

In 2022, a study found that over 123 buildings in Half Moon Bay were vulnerable to sea level rise.

2022: Study on Sea Level Rise Effects

In 2022, a study highlighted the threat of sea level rise to major tourism attractions and infrastructure in Half Moon Bay, including 123 buildings like the Ritz Carlton, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and the Pescadero Cal Fire Station.

January 23, 2023: Mass Shootings in Half Moon Bay

On January 23, 2023, a spree killer opened fire at two farms in Half Moon Bay, killing seven people and critically injuring one. A suspect was taken into custody.

February 23, 2023: Observed Snow Flurries

On February 23, 2023, snow flurries were observed in Half Moon Bay.

2023: City's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

According to the city's 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the report lists the top employers in the city.

2024: Criticism for Delaying Farmworker Housing

In 2024, Half Moon Bay politicians faced criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom for repeatedly delaying approval of a 40-unit apartment building for senior farmworkers, leading to threats of legal action.