Overview
Pescadero is a peaceful, coastal town of 600 people (2020) on the Peninsula, approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco.
4 sights · 4 things to do · 4 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Pescadero
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Built in 1871, this 115-foot lighthouse is one of the two tallest lighthouses on the West Coast of the United States. Preserved as Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and listed on the National Register of His…
Harley Farms Goat Dairy
A well-known local goat farm that features tours and a cheese shop. It also hosts a monthly dinner during summer months, although this event is quite expensive.
First Congregational Church of Pescadero
Built in 1867 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the First Congregational Church of Pescadero is described as the first church built in Pescadero for religious purposes.
Pomponio State Beach
A beach known for its high bluffs along the coastline. At the base of sand stone cliffs that are not as hard to reach as steeper trails. Be aware that the beach is inaccessible during high tides. Sister beach of Pescarde…
Pescadero State Beach
Explore the tide pools or watch the waves crash along the rocks; go swimming or take a stroll along the state beach. Good spot to watch wildlife, including birds. Sister beach of Pomponio State Beach.
Bean Hollow State Beach
Consists of two beaches connected by the mile-long Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail. Pebble Beach is named for the many ocean-polished rocks on the shore, and Bean Hollow Beach features tide pools with various marine life. D…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Nov. Summer highs reach about 66°F; winter lows dip to about 43°F. Wettest: Dec and Jan. (climate data from nearby Half Moon Bay)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- SQL San Carlos Airport, San Carlos — 19 mi away. Directions
- SFO San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco — 25 mi away (major hub). Directions
The easiest way to get to Pescadero is to drive along Highway 1 until you see a large "Historic Pescadero" sign. It is posted in either direction. Continue for two miles, turn east onto Pescadero Creek Road and drive into the town center.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Pescadero State Beach
- Lunch Mercado & Taqueria de Amigos
- Afternoon First Congregational Church of Pescadero, Año Nuevo State Park
- Dinner Duarte's Tavern
- Evening Downtown Local
Day 2
- Morning Harley Farms Goat Dairy, Pomponio State Beach
- Lunch Off Stage
- Afternoon Bean Hollow State Beach, Butano State Park
- Dinner Arcangeli Grocery Go.
- Evening Sante Arcangeli Family Wines
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Food is also available at Costanoa's Cascade Restaurant & Bar (see § Sleep) and various other establishments. Pescadero Country Store was another grocery store that was popular among locals until it was destroyed by a fire in 2016. Its owners have vowed to rebuild the store, although this has not happened as of April 2023.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Pescadero (Spanish for "fishmonger") is a farming and ranching community located on the San Francisco Peninsula. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beaches, parks and local food.
Get in
The easiest way to get to Pescadero is to drive along Highway 1 until you see a large "Historic Pescadero" sign. It is posted in either direction. Continue for two miles, turn east onto Pescadero Creek Road and drive into the town center.
Get around
Pescadero has no public transit due to its small size. A bus station used to be located at the corner of Pescadero Creek Road and Water Lane, but has permanently closed.
See
Pescadero Marsh is a marsh close to the town of Pescadero. In rainy times, the marsh attracts many special birds that nest there.
See Pigeon Point Lighthouse (Pigeon Point Light Station)
Built in 1871, this 115-foot lighthouse is one of the two tallest lighthouses on the West Coast of the United States. Preserved as Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Features a visitor center, store and easy beach access. Special events are sometimes held here; see the calendar for details. Next to the lighthouse is a hostel with 59 beds.
See Harley Farms Goat Dairy
A well-known local goat farm that features tours and a cheese shop. It also hosts a monthly dinner during summer months, although this event is quite expensive.
See First Congregational Church of Pescadero
Built in 1867 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the First Congregational Church of Pescadero is described as the first church built in Pescadero for religious purposes.
Do
Do Bean Hollow State Beach
Consists of two beaches connected by the mile-long Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail. Pebble Beach is named for the many ocean-polished rocks on the shore, and Bean Hollow Beach features tide pools with various marine life. Due to the heavy surf and rip tide, swimming is not recommended, but it's a fine place to climb on the rocks or have a picnic. Do not collect the pebbles or disturb the tide pools. Dogs allowed if kept on leashes at all times. Restrooms next to the parking lot.
Do Año Nuevo State Park (Año Nuevo State Natural Reserve)
A state park known for its population of elephant seals. Visitors must be on a guided tour to see the seals from December to March. Self-guided tours are permitted during the other months, although a free permit must first be obtained.
Buy
Shop Pescadero Grown Community Farmers Market
Features local food and children's activities. Organized by the community organization Puente de la Costa Sur. Please note some sources are out of date and still refer to the old address at 251 Stage Rd (at the site of the former Pescadero Country Store).
Eat
Eat Duarte's Tavern
A local restaurant and bar known for its cioppino. Its menu changes daily and is typically posted on Facebook and Instagram.
Eat Arcangeli Grocery Go.
A popular grocery store that sells various food items. It also has a sandwich deli with fairly reasonable prices. However, the store is best known for its freshly baked garlic herb and artichoke bread.
Eat Off Stage
A food truck that sources its ingredients from local farms. Its menu changes each week and is posted on Instagram.
Eat Mercado & Taqueria de Amigos
A small Mexican eatery located inside a gas station convenience store. Its tacos were featured in The New York Times in 2006 and Sunset in 2007. Please note the restaurant does not seem to have an official website, and there is conflicting information about its hours. It may be a good idea to avoid early morning or late night visits.
Food is also available at Costanoa's Cascade Restaurant & Bar (see § Sleep) and various other establishments. Pescadero Country Store was another grocery store that was popular among locals until it was destroyed by a fire in 2016. Its owners have vowed to rebuild the store, although this has not happened as of April 2023.
Drink
Drink Downtown Local
Has been serving Italian-style espressos and lattes since 2014 and contains a grocery store called The Sunshine that sells grab-and-go items. It is also a curiosity store.
Drink Sante Arcangeli Family Wines
Specializes in wine made from grapes grown in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Offers wine tasting and cheese for $60 per person (or $30 without cheese).
Drink Highway 1 Brewing Company
A brewery located next to California State Route 1 (as its name suggests) that also offers a light food menu.
Duarte's Tavern is another good place for drinks, although food is not served during the extended bar hours; see § Eat for details.
Sleep
Stay Costanoa
A resort that offers a lodge, cabins, tent bungalows and a KOA campground. Features a restaurant on premises called Cascade Restaurant & Bar that uses ingredients from its organic garden.
Stay healthy
Be careful to check for ticks after hiking in fields in the Bay Area. There is a high rate of lyme disease transmission in the Bay Area. If a rash with the appearance of a bull's eye develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics.
Go next
- Half Moon Bay is the first major city to the north at about 16 miles away. It features a busy harbor, as well as numerous beaches and seafood restaurants.
- Santa Cruz is the first major city to the southeast and is located 35 miles from Pescadero. It is best known as a countercultural hub, and has a fun bohemian feel and youthful vibe. The popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the dubious Mystery Spot are among the best-known weekend tourist attractions. Santa Cruz is also home to one of California's 21 Spanish missions. The beaches north and south of Santa Cruz are considered some of the more pristine areas of natural beauty in central California. While they are not good for swimming due to the cold water, several are considered a paradise for pro surfers.
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My experience
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