Pilar Point Harbor in Halfmoon Bay - Plein Air (June 21, 2025)

Doesn’t the photo already resemble a stunning painting? Come and experience the beauty of this place with us! After painting, we can enjoy a warm cup of clam chowder, or even purchase some fresh fish right off the boat to take home! 🐟✨
Free parking area is in front of the restaurants/shops area (where we meet). At 9:30am, parking should not be the issue.
With docks of colorful fishing boats and charming waterfront eateries, the cozy seaside hamlet of Pillar Point Harbor offers a taste of New England along the California coast. Ever present ocean views and salt-tinged breezes lure all those who share a love of the sea, from commercial fishermen to world-renowned surfers. Explore the coastal haven by foot and discover sandy beaches, scenic trails, and a killer seafood shack or two.
Arguably the most fun to be had at Pillar Point Harbor is scoring just-caught seafood directly from the fishing boats. Pillar Point is one of California’s last working fishing harbors and, each morning, Johnson Pier is a bustle of activity as returning boats are greeted with lines of eager customers. King salmon, halibut, petrale sole, and even live sea urchin are examples of typical seasonal catches. From November through May, Dungeness crab draws a crowd. Even if you’re not prepared to plop crabs into steaming stovetop pots, it’s fun to stroll the docks and watch fishermen pluck wriggling, purple-hued crabs from their watery tanks.

What to bring:
• Art Supplies - Bring all of your own art supplies for whatever medium you are using e.g. paints, surfaces, brushes, pencils and cleaning supplies. For any beginners who don't know how to start or have questions feel free to post in the comments section or DM me through meetup.com's message service.
• Easels - If you're painting please bring your easel or whatever you use to paint outdoors.
• Outdoor wear - We will be outdoors for most of 3 hours so bring warm clothing as it is going to be foggy and cold.
• Snacks/food - restaurants are right on the harbor.
• Most of the places we paint at have picnic tables or benches, but if you need to sit when you art, be sure to bring something to sit on just in case.
• A good test to ensure you have everything you need is to set up to paint in your own yard for 2-3 hours. If you bring everything it takes to create art in your yard then you'll have everything you need to paint with us :)
• A portable chair if you like to sit. Not all of the locations we paint at have picnic tables or benches.

Extra info:
• We usually paint in public places. People outside of the group will generally come up and see what you're doing. Usually, they just compliment and walk by and sometimes they'll stop and chat a bit. For me, this took a little getting used to, but I really enjoy it now and it's become one of my favorite things about painting and sketching outdoors. Please don't scare anyone away :)
• Observe all signs. Especially the "keep off" ones.
• Stay on paths, but do not block them.
• Empty any painting fluids off-site including dirty watercolor water.
• Take your garbage with you.

Also, check out our social media below.

Our Facebook group is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131295087508526
Our Instagram is: south_bay_art
Our Discord Server is: https://discord.gg/QbMkUNfWSn