Welcome to El Granada
Find your adventure in Northern California’s beachside haven.
El Granada is the embodiment of the coastal, laid-back Northern California lifestyle. This beachside haven is a place where both visitors and locals can enjoy a wide array of waterfront recreational activities, like boogie boarding, surfing, and paddle boarding, along with scenic hikes and breathtaking scenery on dry land. El Granada has a mild climate year-round, Pacific ocean views, and close proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
This village, named after Granada, Spain, was designed in a unique half-moon shape, centered around the curvature of what is now known as Surfers' Beach. What began as a seaside resort for San Francisco residents eventually became a luxurious year-round abode with the development of residential homes, many of which enjoy gorgeous views from prominent mountainside placement.
What to Love
- Plentiful scenic beaches, trails, and mountains, allowing for endless days spent outdoors.
- Local restaurants and cafes feature some of California’s best produce - and seafood, arriving daily via Pillar Point Harbor.
- A short drive from downtown San Francisco, SFO International Airport, and Silicon Valley.
Local Lifestyle
Life in El Granada is sporty, outdoorsy, and overall relaxed. Locals are spoiled for choice in regard to restaurants, many of which are located a short stroll from Pillar Point Harbor. From November through March, surf aficionados from across the globe descend upon El Granada for Mavericks surf competition, featuring the biggest waves on the west coast. Caused by a seasonal storm swell, Mavericks season is a highly anticipated event for both surfers and onlookers. More relaxing beachfront activities include fishing on Half Moon Bay Jetty or socializing by a warm fire at the popular Half Moon Bay Brewery.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
El Granada’s location has blessed residents and visitors with unmatched views from beaches, trails and restaurants. Waterfront breweries, cafes, and seafood eateries are in no shortage in this Pacific jewel.
Sam’s Chowder House brings a New England-style influence to this sustainable oceanside eatery. This iconic, multi-award-winning establishment has been featured on The TODAY Show, with their food editor naming the lobster rolls as one of the five best sandwiches in America. Clam chowder, fish and chips, crab cakes, and seafood spaghetti round out their list of top-selling dishes, served with unparalleled views from both indoor and outdoor dining spaces.
Nearby, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company offers equally stunning views accompanied by a rotating selection of unique, seasonal beers. Paired with a perfect menu of elevated seafood bar classics like fish tacos, clam chowder, and fish and chips, it’s a central gathering spot residents are more than happy to support. Some distinctive seasonal selections include prickly pear raspberry blonde, pumpkin harvest ale, and “Word on the Street” IPA.
Near Pillar Point Harbor, the Shoppes at Harbor Village is a collection of outdoor boutiques, eateries, spas, and fitness centers. One shop, Surf Factory, has brought a convenient selection of surf lifestyle accessories and apparel to coastal residents, to prevent them from needing to drive 'over the hill' to more crowded shopping centers.
Things to Do
Of course, El Granada is best known for its beaches, but many residents enjoy a variety of inland activities like hiking one of the many scenic trails. Pillar Point Bluff is a 220-acre bluff point consisting of trails and viewing points for the world-famous Mavericks surf break. If you prefer some distance from surf and sun, Quarry Park spans 517 acres of forest along the Santa Cruz Mountain Range. This park also offers a play area, picnic tables, barbecues, a community garden, open grassy areas, a restroom, and a parking area.
Schools
El Granada is known for its wonderfully tight-knit community and the close relationships between families and schools, which include:
- El Granada Elementary, kindergarten-5th grade; students will leave El Granada Elementary with a beyond-basic understanding of the arts, sciences, and other modern issues, thanks to the campus’ in-depth efforts and top-notch faculty.
- Wilkinson School, kindergarten-8th grade; a unique specialized curriculum includes music, art, STEAM, Spanish, creativity, and garden science classes
