Shayla B.

Morning views of the beautiful Pillar Point Harbor are nothing short of amazing. It's also the best time to check out the pier before the regular crowds swarm in. Although not as touristy as other parts of HMB, Pillar Point is an excellent place to explore while visiting the area. The Johnson Pier is extremely popular when it comes to purchasing fresh seafood, specifically Dungeness crab. You can walk up to the boats on the pier and buy their fresh catches for the day. On the other side of the harbor, there's a nice little walking trail and picnic areas. There's also a few shops and restaurants to check out. You'll find people fishing and boating nearby. There's tons of parking but it does tend to fill up during peak season. The walking trail hugs the harbor and passes by several local beaches. It's a beautiful coastal stroll if you're up for it. The harbor is a nice way to spend your day, especially during the summer when the weather is ideal.

Lynnelle E.

It was my first time going here. I went here because the news had shown that boats were selling their catch of fresh Dungeness crabs. I've driven by before to go to local restaurants, but this time, i actually parked at the pier and stopped and asked someone where we could buy crab. He was a little grumpy, but he said you better catch them before they leave. I walked up, and the people were super friendly and helped me before they left. This boat was from Seattle, I believe. We went to another one, but it seemed their fish were frozen like a rock. They had a big banner on the boat that they had tuna, salmon, etc. The last one we went to was funny. It was the lady's first time handling crab and selling them. She said she was helping her friends who went back out to catch some more. She was so terrified of the crabs and getting pinched. The crabs they were selling were the cheapest but not as big as the first one's I bought. This one is the first one you see when you enter the pier on your left hand side with a flag of crabs for sale. The view was so pretty and a first for me to see an active pier.

Al S.

Pillar Point harbor was originally formed to build a harbor at Redwood City, but the Great Depression intervened. Coastsiders then pushed to get a breakwater built at Pillar Point for a harbor of refuge for the fishing fleet. The Army Corps of Engineers began work on this breakwater after World War II and finally completed it in 1961. This is a little history from Google but let me tell you why this place has special meaning for me. I spent the first two nights when I was married to my wife Valerie February 6, 1981. It rained on that day but we walked the pier and enjoyed our time talking to people having sourdough bread with clam chowder and watching the ocean. All of the fishermen and the people who work the docks will talk to you and it is a nice walk with shops and all the texture of an early reflection from Steinbeck about our California Coast. I highly recommend that you make a day of it and come visit this enchanted harbor where you can make memories.

Daniel W.

A must place to take your morning stroll to help you center your thoughts with good intentions! Lots of great views, plenty of parking, and great harbor themed decor that makes you feel like you're in a movie. Very dog friendly, and even a water dish for the pups.

Thia L.

Some of my favorite places to go eat here at Pilllar Point Harbor are Barbara FishTraps, Miramar Beach Restaurant, Flying Fish Bar and Grill, Harbor Bar, Half and Moon Bay Brewing Company. Plenty of Delicious Seafood Options! My Normal go to is the Classic Seafood Ciopino. Gorgeous View overlooking the water! Miramar Beach Restaurant is probably one of favorite place to dine here in Half Moon Bay. Fresh Caught are also sold here on this Harbor. Gorgeous Sunshines, Breathtaking Sunsets, Beautiful Atmospheres, scenic Coastal Views, And Delightful Seafood Restaurants are among some of the main reasons why we keeps coming back to this Pillar apoint Harbor!

Michael N.

Due to the sudden lighting early in the morning, original plan was going to Pacifica pier. Unfortunately, it was closed so we had to find another location for fishing/crabbing. My brother was able to find this place and glad that it was open or else we had to reschedule. Luckily there was an open space at the pier. We were able to catch some fishes, but not able to catch any crabs. If you're hungry, they have many delicious seafood restaurants nearby.

Mr B.

5 crabs, $90.00, went early, no line. Drive home and cook for tonight. The lady said they pulled the crab pots at night.

Dennis R.

Came in for some fishing and fresh air recently! We came on a weekday, so there was plenty of parking. I've been here on weekends before, albeit this was pre-Covid, and it was super hard to park. I'm curious to see how packed this place gets on weekends these days. Anyway, on to the fishing! My brother and I first started on Johnson Pier, on the left side. The water is pretty shallow, and all we saw were some little minnows, so we ended fairly quickly. We walked across the parking lot to the other pier, and actually had some nibbles and bites. There were plenty of jack smelt in the water. Didn't land any with my big swim baits. I'm looking for rock fish! Lol. Finally, we decided to drive a quarter mile down the main road and try the jetty. We started the trek on the jetty (this can be a little treacherous) and stopped maybe 100 yards in. Got some bites, but didn't land any fish! Your chances are way better here than the pier in my opinion. Although we didn't catch anything, it was good to be out and get some fresh air! If you don't fish, there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy here! Walking, biking, and kayaking is big here as well.

Klay P.

Came to Pillar point on Christmas day in hopes of catching some crab. Pacifica pier was close due to high swell so Pillar was plan B. Got here around 10am and it was already pack. The pier itself for crabbing is very small but the fishermen's and Ladies were all very welcoming. Meet a few group of guys that hook me up with some squid and chicken for crab bait. Got one Huge Rock crab, was hoping to catch some dungeness but only caught baby ones. Overall the weather was nice, cool people and a clean spot.

Esther G.

Beautiful Sunday ,went to pillar point in half moon bay Bought fish from the boat , 4 dollars a lb Fish men told I have 5lbs plus Charged me 21.00 Got home, weight it only got 2.47lbs

Frank A.

WARNING: Little boat ramps are well laid out but there's a large amount of algae making it extremely slippery loading and unloading boats the rest of the festivities very efficient. This is an average Harbor well-located and available to the General Public. There seems to be quite a number of locals as well as tourists visiting and exploring the beach and Harbor area. That Saturday we were there it was 30%. To 2 p.m. so it doesn't seem to be a big popular location.

Mere M.

We've been going to this area for over 10 years. We got our Class "C" RV 2 years ago and actually just started coming here late 2019. Thanks to COVID we got family time and was here practically every other week during Spring, Summer and Fall. My kids love to surf and this little paradise has a little bit of heaven for them. You have restaurants literally walking distance and not to mention bike and walking trails. Highly recommend bringing your bikes. So many places to see riding your bike. If you are an avid walker, the scenery is amazing. The downside is "First come, First serve". We've actually embraced this method and have made it a point to come on a Thursday or early Friday morning. It's worked out and we haven't been turned away. And on Saturday's, we will pack up and get here 6:30am. It will be a day trip. And if we are lucky, and we got a spot, we are prepared. If you want water front, you have to be on the waiting list. It's worth it. But most folks that get it have been here for several days and awaiting their turn. The camp host are amazing- extremely helpful and never bothers you unless you are bothering neighbors. Thank you Marty for always being so helpful! We haven't quite found another place like this that we want to go to all the time. If you have a recommendation, please let me know. We want the beach to surf, swim, and play. The trails to bike, hike and walk. Surrounding restaurants that we can walk or ride our bikes too. And only 1:15 minutes away from our home.

Edna G.

The BEST place to get your fresh crab from the boats! This pier is always busy and hard to find parking. We stock people cuz it's the only way to get those spaces! Haha... We have started going here every year since we lost our crab delivery guy a couple of years ago! The fishermen are pretty cool and they all offer the same decent prices per pound... until its end of crab season then you can bargain a little especially if the crabs lost some legs. Beginning of season, the crabs are huge so best time to go is when the season starts. This pier also offers other fresh seafood. Just have to ask. There is a restaurant right by the pier if you want to eat right here. I'd rather cook it myself at home! Also, nice place to take a stroll on go boating or kayaking. There is rental places near by. Make sure to get your coolers ready!! [142/100]