Johnston House Tours

February 20

The James Johnston House, a.k.a. The White House of Half Moon Bay, sits overlooking the Pacific Ocean, its silhouette a striking sight against the surrounding hillsides.

This classic New England salt-box (two stories in front, one in back) was built by 49er pioneer James Johnston between 1853 and 1855, for his Californian bride, Petra Maria de Jara. In 1971, the Johnston House Foundation was established to protect, preserve, restore, and refurbish the house, and to promote the history of the Coastside and California.

The Johnston House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is open to visitors on the third Saturday of the month, January - September, with docent-led tours available. A special "Holiday House" event is held the first two weekends in November.