In the picturesque coastal enclave of Half Moon Bay, Northern California, a quirky gem awaits curious travelers (like myself), Spanish Town. It is an unexpected blend of historical charm and whimsical vibrancy that has become home to a pretty weird attraction – life-sized dinosaurs. It definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list of things to do in Half Moon Bay.
What is the Spanish Town Shop in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay’s Spanish Town shop is one of the few places that you can purchase a dog statue, shells and Spanish pottery all in one shot. The small store offers a kaleidoscope of handmade treasures and local masterpieces—from intricately designed ceramics to vibrant paintings that mirror the coastal beauty. Plus, it showcases the talents of many local and distant artisans.
But, the real surprise is the ginormous dinosaurs that hang out in front of the shop.
Why Dinosaurs in Spanish Town?
The dinosaurs serve as more than just static sculptures – they are a testament to the idea that even in our daily routines, there exists room for magic and adventure.
These colossal sculptures, capturing the essence of a bygone era, not only provide excellent photo opportunities but also serve as a reminder that unexpected wonders can be found in the most ordinary of places.
How Many Dinosaurs & What Kind?
At this location, you’ll encounter an impressive array of about a dozen dinosaurs, including the formidable T-Rex, the majestic Triceratops, a towering mammoth, and even the colossal presence of a brontosaurus. The sculptures aren’t limited to just dinosaurs, there’s also animals like horses and giraffes.
Where is Spanishtown Located
This quirky attraction can be found Just off Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay, California.
So, for those venturing to Half Moon Bay, a visit to Spanish Town promises a unique blend of historical allure and fantastical whimsy. A leisurely stroll through its dinosaur sculptures offers more than just a peek into the past; it’s a journey back to a time when colossal creatures roamed the Earth.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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More Things to Do in California
- Half Moon Bay Bucket List: 30 Things to Do Along California’s Coastside
- Santa Cruz California Bucket List: 35 Best Things to Do
- California Bucket List: 75+ Fun Things to Do from Northern to Southern
- A Guide to California’s Hearst Castle Mansion (+ Best Tours)
- San Francisco Bucket List: 60 Best Things to Do in the Fun City of SF
I spend New Years in HMB and passed this place as we left. I made a mental note to go back. It looks like they have a lot of fruit stands in the area too, which made me super exited!
They make me think of the dinosaurs in Pee Wee's Big Adventure!