The Best Pescadero California Guide

Abundant wildlife and serene wilderness dot the landscape of Pescadero. Offering refuge to birds and animals, Pescadero State Beach is a popular spot to view seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. You’ll find several beaches, as well as a breeding ground for elephant seals and the Marine Education Center at Ano Nuevo State Reserve. High on a cliff at Pigeon Point Light Station you’ll find one of the nation’s tallest lighthouses. You can’t go inside, but you can visit the grounds of the historical site, which dates back to the late 1800’s.   Visit beautiful Pescadero CA today. For a list of all the great area beaches, click here.

When to Visit Pescadero CA

Average temperatures in Pescadero CA vary little. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit, the hottest months are July thru September. The warmest time of year is generally late August to early September where highs are regularly around 78°F with temperatures rarely dropping below 57°F at night. The busiest months for Pescadero CA is June thru September. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance.

Pescadero CA Attractions

Pigeon Point Light Station

Perched on a cliff on the central California coast, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in America, has been guiding mariners since 1872. The coastal areas surrounding Pigeon Point Light Station are rich with life. Marine mammals, such as seals and whales, can be seen regularly from shore as they pass by beyond the surf. The intertidal zone along this part of the coast, particularly in the rocky reefs that flank the light station, contains a diverse and numerous variety of plant and animal life. 

Pescadero State Beach

The beach has a mile-long shoreline with sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tide pools, fishing spots, and picnic facilities. Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular spot for bird watchers and other naturalists. The Reserve is a refuge for wildlife such as: blue herons, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes, and skunks.

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Pomponio State Beach

Located 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay along the San Mateo coastline, this area provides access to miles of gently sloping, sandy beaches at the base of high sandstone bluffs. This day-use facility features a small lagoon, roaring surf – and a wide parking area, picnic tables, and barbecues. 

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Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

The 235-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a part of Pescadero State Beach, lies on the eastern side of Highway 1 and surrounds the confluence of the Butano and Pescadero Creeks. The Marsh Preserve includes several habitats—a tidal estuary, freshwater marsh, brackish water marsh, dense riparian woods, and northern coastal scrub. The Sequoia Audubon Trail is the main trail through the Marsh Preserve. Please stay on the trails to protect wildlife and plants.

Bean Hollow State Beach

Bean Hollow State Beach is a beautiful cove secluded beach flanked on both sides by rocks. There is a one mile kid-friendly trail that links this beach to nearby Pebble Beach. Both beaches are considered part of Bean Hollow State Beach and are managed by the California Parks Department.

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Things to do in Pescadero

Covewater

Covewater SUP of Santa Cruz is the only fully dedicated stand up paddle board (SUP) shop in Northern California. They are passionate about paddle boarding. Providing the best in stand-up paddling equipment & accessories, SUP classes and SUP rentals is their sole focus. Stand up and see the water from a whole new perspective! Telephone: 831-600-7230 Web: Covewater

Half Moon Bay Kayak Company

Paddle among seals, birds, and other marine life in protected Pillar Point Harbor or the wild waters of the open Pacific. Learn to surf in kayaks or travel in them throughout the world, stand up paddle board the tranquil waters of the harbor or bike the famous HMB Coastal Trail. Their fleet is made up of single and double kayaks, a wide variety of stand up paddle boards and many different bikes to suit your needs. Telephone: 650-773-6101 Web: Half Moon Bay Kayak Company

Santa Cruz Whale Watching

The Stagnaro family has been serving the Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz area for over a century since Italian Patriarch Cottardo Stagnaro settled in Santa Cruz in 1879. They’ve provided Ocean Adventures to thousands of people each year, and now offering the best Monterey Bay whale watching on their luxurious charter boat, Velocity. Telephone: 831-427-0230 Web: Santa Cruz Whale Watching

Sea, Surf & Fun

Since they take no more than 8 students at one time, their classes are very friendly and offer good value for money ! They take place in a very beautiful and safe spot of Half Moon Bay. You will enjoy an unforgettable experience and get basic skills at surfing. See you soon in the waves ! Telephone: 415-410-1102 Web: Sea, Surf & Fun

University of Surfing

University of Surfing has been teaching since 2004. Their amazing crew of Instructors are all experienced teachers that are patient, kind, knowledgeable, local and safe! They use the right gear at the right tide and fully licensed and insured. Telephone: 650-436-6603 Web: University of Surfinghttps://www.universityofsurfing.com/

Best Pescadero Restaurants

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$$ – $$$ Duarte’s Tavern

Duarte’s Tavern offers American country cooking, spiced by the Portugese roots of the Duarte family. They cook local fish depending on the week’s catch and a tavern menu of simple dishes, nothing fancy. Almost all of their vegetables and fruits are from the restaurant garden or grown locally. Telephone: 650-879-0464 Web: Duarte’s Tavern

$ Taqueria y Mercado de Amigos

The gas station at Pescadero’s crossroads gives no hint of the busy taqueria within, serving great tacos such as al pastor (barbecued pork) or savory lengua (tongue). Telephone: 650-879-0232 Web: Taqueria y Mercado de Amigos

$$ – $$$ Alice’s Restaurant

They use the finest locally-sourced ingredients, serving up mouthwatering food in a casual atmosphere. They’ve got several local microbrews on tap, as well as local wines. The building was originally constructed in the early 1900’s as a general store to support the logging industry. Telephone: 650-851-0303 Web: Alice’s Restaurant

$$ – $$$ Cascade Bar & Grill

Cascade Bar & Grill at Costanoa uses local, organic, and handcrafted ingredients in its offering of fresh California coastal cuisine. Cascade presents you with fresh, delicious food made from the best and most responsibly sourced ingredients possible. Cascade’s menu is updated seasonally. Telephone: 650-879-1100 Web: Cascade Bar & Grill

Best Pescadero CA Nightlife

Duarte’s Tavern

Duarte’s Tavern offers American country cooking, spiced by the Portugese roots of the Duarte family. They feature wines from the Santa Cruz mountains, and their fully stocked bar makes a mean Bloody Mary. Telephone: 650-879-0464 Web: Duarte’s Tavern

Apple Jack’s

They have a solid beer and liquor selection, stiff pours, sketchy bar food, a pool table, a small stage featuring excellent live music, a world-class jukebox for use when no one is performing, all housed in a historic old building sitting atop the Santa Cruz Mountains in the middle of the redwoods… what more could one ask for in a dive bar? Telephone: 650-747-0331 Web: Apple Jack’s

Joe’s Bar

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Joe’s is a fixture of the community. Like they say, “If you haven’t been to Joe’s you haven’t been to Boulder Creek”. Diane and Gina invite you down for some great libations. Bring your thirst and an appetite for fun. Telephone: 831-338-9417 Web: Joe’s Bar

Hop Dogma Brewing

At Hop Dogma they believe the soul of the coast is a little part of every beer that they create. They hope to share their beer and home with you soon! Cheers! Telephone: 650-560-8729 Web: Hop Dogma Brewing

Old Princeton Landing Public House & Grill

A year round venue for live music, Old Princeton Landing is also know as the Coastside’s Biggest Little Music House. They welcome a wide range of artists both local and touring on most weekends. Telephone: 650-728-7096 Web: Old Princeton Landing Public House & Grill

Best Pescadero Hotels

HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel

Hosteling International at Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a shared overnight accommodations. Featuring a hot tub overlooking the ocean, this oceanfront, Pescadero hostel offers free WiFi in all rooms. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Hi Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel.

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Half Moon Bay Lodge

South of San Francisco off coastal Highway 1, this Half Moon Bay, California hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and serves a daily continental breakfast. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Half Moon Bay Lodge.

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The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Located on a cliff with a full spa overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is surrounded by 2 championship golf courses. It features spacious rooms and 2 fine dining restaurants. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit The Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.

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Rosewood Sand Hill

Located on 16 private acres, Rosewood Sand Hill offers sophisticated accommodations in West Menlo Park. This boutique hotel features an outdoor pool and spa center, on-site dining options and elegant guest rooms with rain showers and free WiFi. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Rosewood Sand Hill.

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Little Redwood Grove

Located in Boulder Creek, Little Redwood Grove provides self-catering accommodations with a patio and free WiFi. Guests staying at this vacation home can use the fully equipped kitchen. For more information, pricing, or to reserve your room visit the Little Redwood Grove.

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