What to pack for a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Pack layers for coastal weather (cool mornings, breezy afternoons) plus beach and activity gear: a warm jacket, sweater, and a windbreaker; comfortable shoes for walking the Coastside Trail; swimwear and sandals for the indoor pool and fire-pit terraces. Bring any prescription medications, chargers/adapters, and dressier outfits for Navio or evening dining at The Conservatory.
In this guide
Clothing and layers
Half Moon Bay’s coast is cool and breezy year-round; mornings and evenings can feel several degrees colder than midday. Plan on wearing layers that you can add or remove as fog burns off or wind picks up.
Bring a lightweight insulating layer (fleece or sweater), a windproof jacket, and at least one warmer jacket for evenings or stormy days. If you plan to watch the sunset from the bluff, a hat and gloves can be useful in the cooler months.
- Windbreaker or waterproof shell
- Midweight sweater or fleece
- Long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts
- Evening outfit or smart-casual attire for Navio or The Conservatory
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Windproof jacket | Coastal winds and changing weather |
| Layering pieces (sweater, long sleeves) | Temperature swings between morning and afternoon |
| Smart-casual outfit | Restaurants like Navio list smart casual dress code |
Beach, trail, and activity gear
The hotel sits on the bluff by the Coastside Trail and is within walking distance of Pelican Point Beach and nearby small coves. Bring comfortable shoes for cliff-top walks, and beach shoes if you plan to walk down to the sand.
If you’ll play golf or tennis, pack appropriate attire and shoes; the resort arranges tee times and has six lighted tennis courts and nearby championship golf courses. The hotel provides some sports equipment for tennis, but you may prefer to bring personal gear.
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail sneakers
- Sandals or water shoes for beaches
- Golf or tennis clothing and shoes (if playing)
- Small daypack for water, layers, and camera
| Activity | Pack |
|---|---|
| Coastside Trail walk | Comfortable walking shoes, water bottle |
| Beach time | Towel, SPF, water shoes |
| Golf or tennis | Sport shoes, apparel, sunscreen |
Swim, spa and wellness essentials
The resort has an indoor pool (published access typically 7:00 AM–8:00 PM) and a 16,000-square-foot spa with reservations required for treatments. The spa and fitness facilities are reserved for guests 18 or older; massages are not available to guests under 18.
Bring swimwear, a swimsuit cover-up, flip-flops, and personal toiletries you prefer—while the spa and rooms provide amenities, you may favor specific skincare or hair products. If you plan spa treatments, bring a credit card or be prepared to charge services to your room.
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Flip-flops or pool sandals
- Personal skincare and hair products
- Comfortable clothes for post-treatment relaxation
| Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Indoor pool | Published access around 7:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Spa | Open daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; reservations recommended |
| Fitness center | Open 24 hours; guests 18+ only |
What to bring for dining and evenings
The resort has three on-site dining venues: Navio (smart casual), The Conservatory (casual), and Ocean Terrace (casual, al fresco with fire pits). Navio recommends smart-casual attire for dinner. Reservations are recommended for Navio and helpful for The Conservatory during busy times.
Pack at least one dressier outfit or collared shirt for Navio or a special evening, plus comfortable layers for Ocean Terrace’s outdoor fire-pit seating. Consider a small travel umbrella if rain is forecast.
- Smart-casual outfit for Navio
- Casual evening wear for The Conservatory and Ocean Terrace
- Light scarf or wrap for oceanfront dinners
- Compact umbrella for rainy seasons
| Restaurant | Dress guidance |
|---|---|
| Navio | Smart casual (dressier) |
| The Conservatory | Casual |
| Ocean Terrace | Casual, outdoor seating with fire pits |
Family, kids and pet considerations
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay welcomes families and runs a Ritz Kids Day Program for ages 5–12 (day activities, pool play, beach exploration). Children are welcome in dining venues, but the spa and fitness center are for guests 18 and older.
If you’re traveling with young children, pack any specialty items (favorite snacks, small toys, baby supplies) since some services like cribs and kids’ meals are offered but availability can vary. Pets are allowed in designated Guest House rooms only; the property limits dogs to two per stay (40 lbs max) and applies fees.
- Kids’ swim diapers and sunscreen if applicable
- Favorite snacks, small games or books for Ritz Kids downtime
- Documentation for pet stays (if bringing a dog) and awareness pet areas are restricted
| Family/Pet topic | Note |
|---|---|
| Ritz Kids Program | Ages 5–12; supervised activities available |
| Spa & Fitness | Restricted to guests 18+ (not for children) |
| Pets | Allowed only in designated Guest House rooms; size and fee limits apply |
Practical items, documents and tech
Bring photo ID and the card you used to reserve the room—the hotel requires a credit card and government-issued photo ID at check-in for incidentals. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM; early/late requests are subject to availability.
Pack chargers, phone adapters, a power bank, and any work items if you’ll use the complimentary in-room Wi‑Fi. If you plan to drive, note that valet parking is available and self-parking is limited to Guest House stays; check current parking options and fees with the hotel before arrival.
- Photo ID and credit card for check-in
- Phone/tablet chargers and power bank
- Copies of reservations or confirmation numbers
- Any medications and prescriptions
| Arrival detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Check-in / Check-out | Check-in 4:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM |
| Wi‑Fi | Complimentary throughout the property |
| Parking | Valet available; self-parking for Guest House stays only |
