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Ritz Carlton · Half Moon Bay · Pescadero · Coastside

Manhattan Beach / Ritz Carlton HMB

Also known asManhattan Beach / Ritz Carlton · Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay
Coast · Beach · Bluffs · Cove

Sheltered cove tucked below the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Wider and calmer than the bluff above.

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Where we shoot, on a map

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4 min · 0.2 mi from parking
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You may see a few photos from nearby locations here. Many shoots span multiple spots in the same session.

What it costs
$650 – $2,100
Typical range for a session at Manhattan Beach / Ritz Carlton HMB

Where you land comes down to the session you choose. A shorter weekday session sits at the low end; a weekend session with more time and more edited photos sits at the top. There's no deposit, and you pay after the shoot, not before.

Ready when you are

Manhattan Beach / Ritz Carlton HMB

Pick what you're planning and we'll pull up the right pricing. Not sure yet? Start with a free 10-minute call.

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From the photographer
Chris Schmauch
by Chris Schmauch, owner of GoodEye Photography

Sheltered cove tucked below the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.

Sheltered cove tucked below the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Wider and calmer than the bluff above. Direct access via the resort's stairway, or from the Coastal Trail just to the south.

What to expect

The lay of the land

Footwear
Sand-friendly shoes or barefoot work best. Heels sink; long bridal trains pick up sand. Flats are great for the walk down and back.
Best Time of Day
Golden hour, about 45 minutes before sunset. Low sun at that hour is what flatters skin and water alike. Midday and overcast sessions still work — softer light, less depth.
Best Season
Year-round. Winter and spring produce the cleanest light; summer marine layer adds atmosphere rather than killing sessions.
Weather
Coastal fog can linger from June through August but softens midday light rather than ruining it. Light rain, mist, and wind don't stop us.
Privacy
Public access — expect other people around. Long open stretches let us settle apart from foot traffic; weekday or off-peak sessions are noticeably quieter.
Drive times

Getting here

Downtown Half Moon Bay8 min
Pescadero20 min
San Francisco45 min
San Jose50 min
Santa Cruz1 hr
Approximate, off-peak driving.
Worth knowing

A few things about Manhattan Beach / Ritz Carlton HMB

  • Paid or free lot adjacent to the sand; can fill up on weekends.

  • Dog-friendly in most areas; leash rules vary by season.

  • West-facing — the light runs from low sun straight through blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.

  • Exposed — wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring layers + a hair-tie if it's a coast cliff.

Also known as

Manhattan Beach / Ritz Carlton HMB also appears as Manhattan Beach / Ritz Carlton, or Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.