El Granada is a scenic coastal community on the San Mateo County coastline, known for its dramatic ocean views, rolling hills, peaceful neighborhoods and relaxed beach town charm. Located just north of Half Moon Bay and minutes from the Pacific Ocean, El Granada offers a slower paced lifestyle with access to surfing, hiking, boating and some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Northern California. Its real estate market draws residents who value tranquility, natural beauty and a close connection to outdoor recreation while still remaining within reach of Silicon Valley and San Francisco.
El Granada is defined by its breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities and laid back coastal atmosphere.
Residents love:
Sweeping Pacific Ocean views from hillside neighborhoods
Princeton Harbor with fresh seafood, kayaking, sailing and fishing
Montara Mountain and coastal trails with panoramic vistas
Walkable local restaurants, cafes and coastal markets
Quiet residential streets with a strong sense of community
Beaches including Surfers Beach and Mavericks Beach
Proximity to Highway 1 for easy coastal exploration
El Granada offers a peaceful retreat with the convenience of nearby coastal towns and major urban centers.
Life in El Granada revolves around nature, community and the rhythm of the ocean. Mornings often begin with coastal walks along the Harbor, sunrise surfing sessions at Surfers Beach or coffee from a local café overlooking the water. Evenings bring sunset views, neighborhood gatherings and relaxed dining along the waterfront.
The lifestyle is unhurried and outdoors focused, appealing to residents who enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating and beachcombing. El Granada delivers a close knit feel with a quiet charm that sets it apart from busier parts of the Bay Area.
Coastal outdoor living defines El Granada more than any other lifestyle type. With the Pacific Ocean at its doorstep and forested hills rising behind the community, residents are surrounded by opportunities for adventure.
Highlights include:
Surfing at Surfers Beach and the world renowned Mavericks break
Hiking Montara Mountain, Gray Whale Cove Trail and Quarry Park
Kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding through Princeton Harbor
Scenic bike rides along the California Coastal Trail
Whale watching during migration seasons
Fishing charters and boating activities year round
The natural environment shapes daily life and creates a deep connection to the coast.
El Granada and its surrounding area offer an abundance of attractions for nature lovers, families and adventure seekers.
Popular activities include:
Pillar Point Harbor – seafood markets, restaurants and boating
Mavericks Beach – iconic big wave surfing location
El Granada Highlands – hillside trails with sweeping ocean views
Quarry Park – playgrounds, hiking routes and picnic areas
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail – biking and walking along the shoreline
Harbor Village – local shops and coastal experiences
State beaches for picnicking, beachcombing and photography
The combination of harbor, hills and beaches creates endless opportunities for recreation.
El Granada is served by the Cabrillo Unified School District, which includes well regarded schools with supportive communities and coastal campus settings.
School advantages include:
El Granada Elementary, known for strong academics and neighborhood involvement
Easy access to local middle and high schools in Half Moon Bay
Nearby private school choices throughout the Coastside
Short commute times due to compact community layout
Walkability and bikeability in many residential areas
Scenic bus routes and reliable transit options along Highway 1
Families appreciate the district's focus on academic growth and community engagement.
El Granada’s origins trace back to early 20th century planning by architect Daniel Burnham, who designed the town with grand boulevards and a circular layout inspired by City Beautiful principles. Originally envisioned as a seaside retreat for San Franciscans, the town evolved into a coastal residential community with its own charm and identity.
Cultural highlights include:
Historic ties to fishing, harbor life and coastal trade
Annual coastal festivals and community gatherings
Longstanding maritime heritage visible in Princeton Harbor
Artistic influence throughout the Coastside community
El Granada maintains a balance of history, natural beauty and small town character.
El Granada offers a wide variety of homes, many taking advantage of hillside elevations and oceanfront proximity.
Common home styles include:
Coastal cottages and bungalows near the shoreline
Contemporary homes with expansive ocean views in the Highlands
Charming older homes with character and custom architecture
Townhomes and condos close to the harbor
Large custom residences built into the hillsides
Fixer opportunities and investment potential in select areas
The setting creates unique residential environments from quiet forest edges to dramatic ocean panoramas.
El Granada’s housing market is strong, with consistent demand from Bay Area commuters and coastal lifestyle buyers.
Current trends include:
Strong appreciation due to limited coastal inventory
High demand for view properties on the hillside
Increased interest in homes near Princeton Harbor
Growing appeal among remote workers seeking peaceful coastal living
Competitive conditions for updated single family homes
Long term stability driven by proximity to Silicon Valley
El Granada continues to attract buyers who prioritise location, scenery and quality of life.
El Granada features distinctive neighborhoods offering different elevations, views and amenities.
Notable areas include:
El Granada Highlands – dramatic ocean views, custom homes and quiet hillsides
Lower El Granada – walkability to Harbor and beaches, coastal cottages
Princeton-by-the-Sea – historic maritime community with harbor access
Mavericks / Pillar Point Area – close to surfing, trails and waterfront dining
Sunshine Valley Road – wooded settings with rural coastal charm
Each neighborhood offers its own lifestyle within a close knit coastal community.
El Granada’s coastal setting and limited housing supply create a competitive market environment. Buyers should expect strong demand for homes with views, updated interiors or walkable locations near the Harbor. Sellers benefit from consistent interest, particularly among Bay Area buyers seeking ocean proximity, outdoor living and quieter communities.
A focused strategy on pricing, preparation and coastal market conditions supports successful outcomes in El Granada.
5,231 people live in El Granada, where the median age is 49.7 and the average individual income is $104,601. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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El Granada has 2,107 households, with an average household size of 2.47. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in El Granada do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 5,231 people call El Granada home. The population density is 1,063.48 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Contact UsAddress
Coastside
42 N Cabrillo Highway
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Peninsula
1440 Chapin Ave., Suite 200
Burlingame, CA 94010
