Nigel,
Don't let anybody deter you from the Half Moon Bay Ocean Course. What began as a muddy hillside above the beach became a golf course of real merit. Some of the middle holes could use a bit of jazzing up - but you're playing golf in a more beautiful setting then Torrey Pines and at least six of the holes are memorable.
The original course (much of the front nine is routed in housing corridors) at Half Moon Bay is decent. I disagree with Doak having played it 50 times over the years. The back nine has some quality holes - especially 15-18. The problem is that everyone wants to compare the Half Moon Bay courses to Pasatiempo, which is a long drive from San Francisco; remember, the Bay Area is way bigger than you think.
Crystal Springs (I grew up playing it) is a decent track routed above 10,000 acres of watershed. Beautiful views, especially when the fog cascades over the coastal range. The front is a marginal mishmash of ham-handed redesign work, but the back nine is well worth the cost of admission.
Poplar Creek in San Mateo is an affordable, utilitarian solution is that contains more architectural content than it appears at first glance. Three holes run along the freeway, but you'll find enough quirk to keep things interesting. I was on the redesign committee years ago and am actually quite proud of what we accomplished on a challenging piece of ground. This is not your first choice, but it is fun to play - I always think a career round is there for the taking, but there are too many potholes and landmines to get through all 18 holes unscathed.
Coyote Creek is a windswept pile of shit so don't bother; Poppy Ridge is 27 holes that ought to have been left as vineyards, although if you get that deep into the East Bay, I really enjoy playing Wente. San Geronimo in Marin is a long drive, but a nice choice if you cannot get on Meadow Club - which is wonderful. San Juan Oaks - south of San Jose is excellent, don't miss a beer and some grub in San Juan Bautista. Dona Esther's is the best Mexican Food in the Bay Area.
One thing you have got to plan for is traffic, depending on which direction and when. It is like driving in the NYC Met area; there are times to go and times to just wait out the commuters in the bar.
If you feel the need to go south, try Boulder Ridge. It is a unique track, routed atop and around this abrupt plateau that rises above San Jose. Neal and I liked it quite a bit and although it is technically private, they tend to be accommodating.
I'd invite you to Olympic, but am gone that week on biz. Maybe one of the Treehouse gang will step up and help out a member of the brotherhood. Anybody?