If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Pescadero, California is the perfect destination for you. Situated on the coast between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, there are a variety of great things to see and do in Pescadero, whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or just looking to relax.
Nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this charming town is definitely a hidden gem on the California coast that you might not consider unless you’re shown all there is to do there.
I have to admit that I never considered going there until we added it to our San Francisco to San Diego road trip itinerary. We found so many fun things to do, and the views were spectacular. It’s definitely worth a visit, even if it’s just for a day while you’re passing through.
Getting to Pescadero
Pescadero does not have its own airport, so unless you drive there from where ever you live in California or surrounding areas, getting there will involve a flight into one of the nearby airports, followed by a drive.
You can fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose International Airport (SJC), or Oakland International Airport (OAK).
If you land at SFO or OAK, you can rent a car (we recommend going through Discover Cars) and drive to Pescadero, which will take about 1 hour, depending on traffic. There are more flights from more location to SFO than SJC, but I prefer landing at SJC for the ease of it.
The drive from Los Angeles is about 6:20 hours, and 8:20 hours from San Diego. It’s 4:45 hours from Santa Barbara.
Pescadero in One Day
Most visitors to this area don’t stay long. It’s usually a stop on a longer road trip. And while there are many things to do to keep you busy for more days, it’s totally possible to do the top things in one day. Here is our suggested one-day itinerary.
- Head to Año Nuevo State Reserve to see the elephant seals.
- Take a hike in Butano State Park.
- Grab lunch at Duarte’s Tavern in downtown Pescadero.
- Visit Harley Farms to see the goats and taste some cheese.
- Spend some time on the beach at Bean Hollow State Beach.
- End your day with a visit to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
Pescadero is part of the Slow Coast, a movement that celebrates the beauty and simplicity of the area. Take some time to slow down and enjoy all that Pescadero has to offer. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos to remember your trip.
Top Tips for Visiting Pescadero
- When you’re in Pescadero, be sure to check out the downtown area. It’s a great place to shop for local items and grab a bite to eat.
- The weather in Pescadero is usually mild, but it can get chilly at night, so be sure to bring a jacket.
- If you’re planning to spend time on the beach, you’ll want to bring a wetsuit. You can also rent one from a local surf shop.
- If you’re interested in guided tours, there are a few options available. You can take a tour of local farms or go on a whale watching tour.
- Be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Best Things to See and Do in Pescadero
Beaches
Pescadero State Beach and Bean Hollow State Beach are two of the most popular beaches in the area. Both offer miles of sandy shoreline, great for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Pescadero State Beach is also a great spot for fishing and picnicking.
- Bean Hollow State Beach is a popular beach located in Pescadero. It is known for its unique rock formations, tide pools, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can explore the tide pools and observe various marine life such as sea anemones, crabs, and starfish. The beach is also a popular spot for picnics, fishing, and beachcombing.
- Pescadero State Beach is a long, sandy beach that offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the sun and surf. The beach is known for its strong currents, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, picnicking, and hiking along the beach’s scenic trails.
- Pomponio State Beach is a secluded beach located in Pescadero. It is known for its rugged beauty and pristine coastline. The beach is popular for swimming, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can also explore the nearby tide pools and observe various marine life.
- San Gregorio State Beach is a popular beach located in Pescadero. It is known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its unique black sand. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the nearby tide pools and observe various marine life.
Hiking Trails
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve and Butano State Park are two great places to explore on foot. Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve offers a network of trails that wind through wetlands, where you can spot a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, and ospreys.
Butano State Park is home to miles of hiking trails that wind through towering redwoods and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The park’s trails range from easy to challenging, and visitors can explore the park’s forests, meadows, and streams. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and bobcats.
Portola Redwoods State Park is a beautiful park located in Pescadero that offers visitors a variety of hiking trails. The park’s trails range from easy to challenging, and visitors can explore the park’s redwood forests, meadows, and streams. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and bobcats.
Tide Pools
Pescadero State Beach and Bean Hollow State Beach are also great places to explore tide pools. At low tide, you can see a variety of marine life, including crabs, sea urchins, sea anemones, and starfish. Two other spots you can go for tidepools are Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and San Gregorio State Park, which is known for its black sand and unique rock formations. Remember to be respectful of the creatures living in the tide pools and avoid touching or removing them.
Elephant Seals
Ano Nuevo State Park is home to a large colony of elephant seals, which you can observe from a safe distance. You won’t believe these huge creatures until you see them. They just loaf around all day on the sand, barking, fighting, and vying for the best spot amongst their dozens of friends. You can also spot whales and other marine life from the park’s bluffs, if you’re lucky.
Harley Farms
Pescadero is famous for its local delicacies, including cheese, jams, olallieberry pie, and artichoke soup. You can visit Harley Farms, a local goat dairy farm, and taste their delicious goat cheese. You can take a farm tour to learn about the cheese-making process.
Sante Arcangeli Winery
Located right next to Harley Farms is Sante Arcangeli Winery, owned by the same owners as Arcangeli Grocery. They are open 12pm-5pm Friday to Sunday, so if you happen to be there during those times, you can pop in for a tasting of wine paired with cheese. You’ll enjoy Dee’s fresh, handmade goat cheese with a flight of 4-6 wines. Cost is $60/person.
Duarte’s Tavern
The small town of Pescadero doesn’t have much to see, but there are a few restaurants and shops along the main road that you can stop at. One of those is Duarte’s Tavern, which has been a local institution serving customers since 1894. If you’re lucky enough to be there around mealtime, be sure to stop and get a bowl of their cream of artichoke soup.
Arcangeli Grocery
While you’re driving through town, you can also visit the Arcangeli Grocery Co, across the street from Duarte’s Tavern. It’s a local market that sells baked goods, honey, and other local products. If you’re going to making your own food at all on your trip, it’s a great place to get all kinds of local products and produce. One of the things we loved the most was the garlic artichoke bread, which comes only in a large loaf, so be ready for that.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
One of the most iconic landmarks in Pescadero is the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Built in 1872, it is one of the tallest lighthouses in the country and has been guiding ships along the rugged Pacific Coast for over a century. You can visit the lighthouse and the surrounding Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park to learn about the history of the area and enjoy stunning views of the ocean.
Fog Signal Building
Pescadero has several historic sites that you can visit to learn about the area’s past. The Fog Signal Building, located at the Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, is a great example of early 20th-century architecture and was once used to house the equipment that sounded the fog horn at Pigeon Point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some recommended restaurants in Pescadero?
Pescadero has a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes. For seafood lovers, Duarte’s Tavern is a must-visit. The restaurant has been serving delicious seafood dishes for over 100 years. Another popular spot is the Arcangeli Grocery Co. & Bakery, which is known for its freshly baked bread and pastries. For a unique dining experience, try the Harley Farms Goat Dairy, where you can enjoy a farm-to-table meal with a view of the goats grazing in the fields.
What makes Pescadero famous?
Pescadero is famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The town is located on the California coast, and visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and beachcombing. Pescadero is also known for its historic lighthouse, Pigeon Point, which dates back to 1871. The lighthouse is a popular spot for photography and whale watching.
Is Pescadero worth visiting?
Yes, Pescadero is definitely worth visiting. The town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, beachcombing, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery, Pescadero has something to offer.
How far is Pescadero from Santa Cruz?
Pescadero is approximately 35 miles north of Santa Cruz. The drive takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Visitors can take Highway 1 south to reach Pescadero.
Laura is a travel fanatic who loves seeing and doing new things. She lives in Ventura, CA, and spends a lot of time exploring California’s cities, beaches, and national parks.
