Dig Into the World of Makers

Take your time getting from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay by taking the scenic route down Highway One and avoiding the commuters on the 101. (I don't know why people call it The 101, but they do.) You'll pass through Pacifica and Devil's Slide before arriving in Half Moon Bay. Make a beeline for the Garden Apothecary. The owner is a botanist who farms the land that grows many of the medicinal herbs used in the teas, honeys and skincare products that are made in the company kitchen. Just being here and breathing the air is a balm. A block away, a country store and a bookstore can boost your mellow vibe even further, if that's your jam.
Open Thursday to Monday, 10 am - 5 pm-ish

A few blocks away from Garden Apothecary, Dad's Luncheonette is a hip restaurant built into a former train caboose. (It has mostly outdoor seating.) Chef Scott Clark worked for years at Michelin 3-star Saison in San Francisco before starting up a business closer to home, and is regularly lauded for his food. It's typically simple fare – hamburger, mushroom sandwich – but as you know, simple is hard. You can taste all the hard work behind chef's simplicity in each bite. Note that the restaurant is tiny, so get here early or be prepared for your new favorite sandwich or the mac 'n' cheese to be sold out.
Open Thursday to Sunday, 11 am - 4 pm, or until sold out.