Here in Northern California, we take our seafood very seriously. That’s why we often head to hole-in-the-wall seafood restaurants to find some of the best seafood dishes in the state. That’s certainly the case with Barbara’s Fishtrap. This seafood restaurant is quite unassuming and doesn’t look like much, but it serves some of the best clam chowder in Half Moon Bay … and maybe even in the entire state!

Barbara’s Fishtrap is a popular oceanfront restaurant in Half Moon Bay.
Barbara's Fishtrap/Facebook
This restaurant opened its doors in 1971 and has been welcoming locals and tourists ever since.
This restaurant certainly doesn’t have many frills and you may even pass it by if you weren’t looking for it.
Judy S/Google
However, this restaurant is one place you don't want to miss. It overlooks the ocean and has spectacular beach views.
You simply can't beat the spectacular views.
Otar Lezhava/Google
In fact, the atmosphere at Barbara's Fishtrap is just one reason you will want to sit down and enjoy a meal.
The other reason? The clam chowder!
David Rim/Google
Many seafood lovers come to this restaurant to devour the beloved chowder. Some guests have even referred to it as the best clam chowder they’ve ever eaten.
You can order the clam chowder in a cup, bowl, or even in a Big O’ Bowl.
Michelle Cruz/Google
We recommend enjoying it in a sourdough bread bowl for even more incredible flavor.
If you aren’t in the mood for a bowl of clam chowder, don’t worry! Barbara’s Fishtrap has quite an extensive menu with pasta, salads, and sandwiches.
Barbara's Fishtrap/Facebook
You won’t be disappointed with the fish and chips or even the Dungeness crab sandwich.
Steven Yin/Google
Regardless of what you order, you can be assured that your food will be served fresh. This seafood restaurant closes its kitchen at 3 p.m. for 45 minutes each day to change the oil in the fryers!
And don't forget to order a sweet treat like a slice of key lime pie or chocolate cake.
Olivier Js/Google

Be aware that the hours at Barbara’s Fishtrap in Northern California are weather permitting. However, the restaurant will not close if there is a line. You can learn more about the current hours and view the full menu on the official restaurant website, as well as see more delicious photos on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Have you ever eaten at this seafood restaurant in Half Moon Bay? Did you try the clam chowder? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below!

After you have filled your stomach, how about going on a hike? Check out this mysterious woodland trail just south of Half Moon Bay that takes you to some pretty remarkable ruins.

If you’re still in the mood for more California adventures, take a look at this video:

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 25, 2023

Where can we find the best barbecue restaurants in Northern California?

  • Sauced Barbecue & Spirits in Sacramento offers great pork entrees like the pulled pork quesadilla, egg rolls with pulled pork, and pork belly tacos.
  • Fat City Brew & Barbecue in Stockton serves amazing barbecue platters, sandwiches, sides, and delicious brews to accompany your meal.
  • Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ in Napa is an upscale barbecue restaurant with outstanding menu items and a more than 400+ wine variety wine bar.

Read on to learn about some of the many other outstanding barbecue restaurants in Northern California.

Where can we find covered bridges in Northern California?

  • The Felton Covered Bridge in Felton was built in 1892 using a brown truss structural system.
  • The Knights Ferry Covered Bridge in Knights Ferry was built in 1862 and is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi.
  • The Freeman's Crossing/Oregon Creek Covered Bridge in Murphys was built in the mid-1800s and today spans the middle fork of the Yuba River.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful covered bridges in Northern California.

Where can we find scenic overlooks in Northern California?

  • The entire upper area of Mt. Tamalpais, north of San Francisco, overlooks the majority of the Marin County area.
  • From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge connecting San Francisco and Marin County, you can enjoy 365-degree views of the North Bay, East Bay, the Presidio, and San Francisco.
  • The Pigeon Point Lighthouse in San Mateo provides spectacular views and is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast of the U.S.

Read on to learn about some of the many other scenic overlooks in Northern California.

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281 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019, USA