The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey.
From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home.
Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meaningful travel. Listeners are invited to subscribe for fresh ideas, insider tips, and destination inspiration delivered each week.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast celebrates connection, community, and the joy of experiencing new places through food and travel.
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
A Local’s Guide to Half Moon Bay: Beaches, Food & Coastal Vibes with Marcus D.
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If you’ve ever driven down Highway 1 and wondered what it’s like to actually live in Half Moon Bay… this episode is for you.
I sit down with local resident Marcus D., Star 101.3 Morning Show Host, to talk about life in this coastal town just 30 minutes from San Francisco, a place he describes as feeling like “the Shire,” where the pace slows down and the ocean is always close by.
We get into what makes Half Moon Bay so special, from its tight-knit community and small-town feel to the contrast between quiet weekdays and bustling weekends (plus exactly how to avoid the traffic).
Marcus shares his perfect Half Moon Bay day, including coastal hikes, coffee with an ocean view, wine tasting, and even karaoke at a local bar where everyone feels like a regular.
And then… we talk food. A lot of it.
From fresh local seafood and Thai curry made from a family recipe to next-level barbecue, cozy cafés, and some seriously under-the-radar gems, this episode is basically your eating guide to Half Moon Bay.
We also cover local events (like the Pumpkin Festival and Lighted Boat Festival), surf culture around Mavericks, and what visitors should know before they go, including how to respect the ocean, the environment, and the community that calls this place home.
If you’re looking for the perfect Northern California day trip or weekend escape, this episode is packed with tips, local favorites, and a whole lot of charm.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.