If you’ve ever fantasized about ditching the grind and running off to live by the sea, Marcus has a message for you: Welcome to the Shire.
That’s how he describes Half Moon Bay, the Northern California town he calls home — just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, but a world apart. It’s got windswept beaches, a tight-knit community, and, yes, spotty cell service that nudges you actually to look up and be where you are.
Marcus, radio host of Star 101.3’s “Marcus & Corey” morning show, didn’t plan to move here. One spontaneous detour down Highway 1 changed everything. The working harbor, the ocean views, the low-key vibe of El Granada (population: around 5,000)—he was in. These days, he wakes up to a Pacific panorama, shops at local markets, and walks to the grocery store in his slippers.
He calls it, “Tahoe on the ocean.”
But Half Moon Bay is more than just a pretty coastal backdrop. It’s the kind of place where neighbors borrow tools, tree trimming comes with permission slips, and traffic is a small tradeoff for a slice of paradise. It’s where you can eat fish caught that morning, food made with love, and still walk home under a blanket of stars.
If you are a fan of small coastal towns, chill vibes, awesome events, fantastic food, and fab karaoke — you won’t want to miss this interview!
🎧 Click on the above link to listen to the interview or listen on “Mixtape Travels” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Highlights from our conversation include:
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays are chill and local. Weekends? A bit of a tourist rodeo. “Get your groceries early and then hide” is the local survival strategy. And if you’re visiting, heed this golden rule: arrive before 10 a.m. or prepare for bumper-to-bumper regret.
Can’t-Miss Local Eats
Marcus is a self-described foodie, and his list of favorite spots reads like a greatest hits of Half Moon Bay dining. Here are some must-visits:
Near the Harbor:
Old Princeton Landing (OPL): Order the Thai Cod Curry. It’s a local secret and a family recipe. Bonus: they use veggies from Iacobi Farms, which supplies top SF restaurants.
Jettywave Distillery: Mediterranean small plates by chef José Luis Valdez, formerly of Gibraltar. Think meze platters and craft cocktails in a shipping container.
Breakwater BBQ: Chef Wyatt is a pitmaster phenom. The burger—with chopped brisket on top—and the mystery-seasoned Gold Dust Fries are next level.
Dawn Patrol Coffee: Great coffee served out of a shipping container. Walk here on a Saturday morning and thank Marcus later.
Mezza Luna: A homestyle Italian classic by the harbor.
Downtown Highlights:
Dad’s Luncheonette: Burgers and specials served from a bright red caboose by a former Michelin-starred chef who traded fine dining for surf breaks.
The Press: Great for breakfast—don’t skip the ham and cheese croissants or the Cubano.
Pasta Moon: Elegant Italian from Chef Kim with a strong local following.
San Benito House: Don’t miss the chicken chili verde and a spicy margarita on the patio.
Vinoteca: Excellent wine bar with a family-friendly arcade next door (smart planning).
Zavala Square: Find wine, gelato, and chill vibes.
Fish Wife Sweets: Baked goods that are basically addictive. Mariah just opened her first storefront—look for her shop near the downtown garden center.
Bonus Hidden Gem:
Ciya Mediterranean Cuisine: A Turkish family-run spot with braised lamb shank, baklava, and warm, old-school hospitality.
Local Events Worth Planning Around
Marcus is a big fan of:
4th of July Parade: Marcus emcees! Downtown vibes, quirky charm.
Pumpkin Festival: Come early, eat pancakes with the Half Moon Bay High basketball team, and leave by noon.
Halloween in Montara: Not for the little ones—this one’s full-blown spooky.
Night of Lights & Lighted Boat Festival (December): Think dancing Santas, decorated boats, and community spirit.
Where to Shop
Jupiter & Main: For the guy who has everything—or didn’t know he needed whiskey-flavored toothpicks.
Mavericks Surf Company & HMB Board Shop: Great for comfy, beachy clothes (even if you’re more flip-flops than fins).
Karaoke at Cameron’s: A Local Rite of Passage
Don’t leave town without stopping by Cameron’s Pub on a Friday or Saturday night. It’s family-friendly, weirdly wonderful, and totally welcoming. Marcus might even be there, microphone in hand, belting out Billy Joel’s Piano Man, Little Lion Man from Mumford & Sons, Hard to Handle by The Black Crowes, or I’ll Be Back from Hamilton.
Local Tips for Visitors
Avoid Highway 1 mid-day on weekends.
Don’t expect reliable cell service—and that’s the point.
Respect the ocean. Sneaker waves are real, and locals take cleanup seriously.
If you're visiting the beaches, Miramar and Surfer’s Beach are great bets. For something quieter, do your own research into Moss Beach.
Meet Marcus D.
A Northern California native, Marcus has been a prominent voice in Bay Area radio for over two decades, co-hosting Star 101.3's Morning Show for a remarkable twelve years. Marcus is a homeowner in Half Moon Bay with his wife and 10-year-old daughter and fully enjoys that "Coastside life" and exploring all the fascinating parts of the Bay Area. Beyond broadcasting, Marcus champions local causes, notably as the emcee and auctioneer for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital's Jewel Ball and Marin Humane's Annual "Tails By Twilight" Gala. A fervent supporter of the 49ers, Warriors, and Giants, Marcus is also a food and wine enthusiast, frequently spotted at local farmers markets with his family. Marcus is also an accomplished home chef and is about to launch a podcast to help you elevate your home cooking called "Chef's Day Off" with Chef Matthew Dolan from 25 Lusk in San Francisco. Look for it on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts.
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