Tucked away on California’s rugged coast, the tiny town of Pescadero is a hidden gem. With just 500 residents, it’s so small you might miss it if you blink! But don’t let its size fool you – Pescadero is packed with natural beauty, mouth-watering eats, and plenty of outdoorsy fun. It’s the perfect escape from the Silicon Valley rat race, unless you’re allergic to fresh air and relaxation!
How to Get to Pescadero, California
Nestled along the San Mateo Coast, Pescadero is easily accessible for both road trippers and public transportation users. The town sits adjacent to State Route 1, the famed Pacific Coast Highway. From San Francisco, simply hop on Highway 1 South and follow the breathtaking oceanfront road 34 miles to reach downtown Pescadero. The drive takes just over an hour in normal traffic conditions along this twisty yet incredibly scenic highway.
For public transit riders, SamTrans Route 17 provides bus service between San Francisco and Pescadero, with the end of the line being just three blocks from downtown. The complete bus trip takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Visitors coming from San Jose can catch SamTrans Route 17 at the Redwood City Transit Center.
Those coming from farther afield can fly into San Francisco International Airport or San Jose International Airport and then transfer to a rental car or use a combination of Caltrain, BART and SamTrans busses to access Pescadero without needing a car during your stay. No matter how you choose to arrive, the breathtaking coastline vistas and warm welcome await visitors upon reaching this hidden gem of the California coast.
Getting Around Pescadero, California
Despite its small size, Pescadero offers plenty to see and do within a short distance. The charming downtown spans just a few walkable blocks, making it easy to access restaurants, shops and cafes on foot. Just a mile south of downtown lies Pescadero State Beach and nearby hiking trails, easily reachable by foot, bike or short drive.
Further afield destinations like Butano State Park, Pigeon Point Lighthouse and local farms dot the surrounding countryside. Having a car allows flexibility for accessing these sights as well as more removed beaches and parks. Drivers can follow slow, scenic country roads through forests and farms or cruise along Highway 1 taking in nonstop coastal views.
Cyclists accustomed to hills will enjoy pedaling to area attractions or joining group rides popular with Bay Area cyclists. Though rural, Pescadero roads have wide shoulders and bike lanes to safely accommodate riding. SamTrans buses equipped with bike racks provide another car-free option for accessing the tiny town.
No matter how you traverse the landscape – by foot, car or bicycle – travelers soon learn getting around is half the fun in Pescadero. Meandering country lanes lead to hidden pocket beaches, redwood groves and out-of-the way cafes populated by locals. Going slow to uncover all the natural beauty both in town and beyond makes for the ultimate Pescadero experience.
Location and Geography
Pescadero is located in San Mateo County, situated at the southern end of Stage Road about 34 miles south of San Francisco and 17 miles west of the city of Redwood City. It sits among rolling green hills dotted with giant coastal redwoods and overlooks the Pacific Ocean from its perch on Highway 1.
The town centers around Pescadero Creek, which flows from the Santa Cruz Mountains through the heart of downtown before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Just offshore sits Año Nuevo Island, part of Año Nuevo State Park and an important breeding ground for northern elephant seals and other wildlife.
History and Culture
The area around Pescadero has been inhabited by the Ohlone people for thousands of years before Spanish missionaries and Mexican land grantees arrived in the early 19th century. Logging and dairy farming were early industries but declined over the 20th century. Today, Pescadero retains its small-town rural charm from earlier eras.
Downtown Pescadero consists of a single main street featuring restaurants, shops and historic buildings. White picket fences and colorful flower gardens in front of homes and businesses line the main thoroughfare. The downtown corridor has been designated as part of the Pacific Coast Highway, the iconic route that hugs California’s coast.
Though small, Pescadero hosts several festivals and events for locals and visitors throughout the year. These include a country fair, holiday craft bazaar, pumpkins festival and art and wine stroll. The town also has a tight-knit community of artists, writers, ranchers and fishers.
Outdoor Recreation
Pescadero’s location among lush redwood forests, rolling ranch lands and scenic coastline provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. The mild Mediterranean climate draws visitors year-round.
Hiking
Pescadero’s hiking trails are like a buffet for your eyes – you’ve got everything from dense forests to beaches that’ll make your hair stand on end (literally). The Marsh Loop is perfect if you like getting up close and personal with swampy critters. Peters Creek Loop is great for feeling small among giant redwoods. And the Lighthouse Trail? It’s like a postcard come to life, minus the tacky gift shop.
Beaches
Rocky coves and sandy beaches dot the Pescadero coastline. Bean Hollow State Beach features rocky tide pools teeming with starfish, anemones and other sea life. The wide, sandy beach at Pescadero State Beach draws beachcombers and surfers. Both provide front-row seats for watching gray whales migration December through April. Further south, remote Pomponio State Beach impresses with scenic sandstone cliffs.
Cycling
Winding rural roads taking cyclists through redwood forests and alongside ocean vistas attract road cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels. The Stage Road climb is a popular route as is the coastal ride along Highway 1 to Davenport via Swanton Road. Many low-traffic dirt and gravel paths cater to mountain bikers as well. Nearby Portola Redwoods State Park and Big Basin Redwoods State Park offer miles of scenic off-road cycling trails.
Food and Dining Scene
The Pescadero dining scene punches far above its weight class thanks to an abundance of fresh seafood, artisanal produce, award-winning barbecue and famous sweets. The rich agricultural lands and bountiful Pacific waters surrounding Pescadero supply local eateries with super-fresh ingredients.
Duarte’s Tavern
No visit to Pescadero is complete without a meal at the legendary Duarte’s Tavern. This fourth-generation family-run restaurant has dished up giant olallieberry pies, artichoke soup and rich cream of artichoke since 1894. Their pie baking expertise even earned them a James Beard American Classic Award. It’s a required stop for all foodies touring coastal Highway 1.
Barbecue and Brews
Carnivores rejoice at Harley Farms Goat Dairy and Pescadero institution Arcangeli Grocery Co./Norm’s Market. Harley Farms whips up scrumptious barbecue ribs and tri-tip sandwiches utilizing their pasture-raised goats and spices from their heirloom garden. Dine alfresco under the ancient redwoods. Meanwhile, Norm’s Market crafts melt-in-your-mouth artisanal meats smoked in-house to perfection. Locals line up for their acclaimed brisket and hot links.
Pescadero also boasts several breweries crafting farm-to-pint beers with locally sourced ingredients. Destination drinkeries like Pie Ranch and San Gregorio General Store couple tasty suds with epic coastal views.
Seafood
Situated on a historic dock overlooking Pescadero Creek, Duartes Tavern sources ultra-fresh seafood like salmon, rock cod and petrale sole captured by Pescadero’s own fishing fleet. Nearby, Made in Pescadero utilizes produce from area farms and fish direct from the sea to create elevated California cuisine. Further south in La Honda, La Honda Inn impresses diners with their award-winning cioppino stew brimming with fresh clams, mussels and savory broth in addition to their famous cider-glazed salmon.
Produce
Several family-owned farms around Pescadero nourish the land to provide top-quality organic fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs to Bay Area tables. Visitors can pick their own luscious strawberries, raspberries and apples at Classic California Cuisine or explore flower fields bursting with blooms at The Flower Farm. Harley Farms not only makes award-winning chèvre goat cheese but also presses their own olive oil and infuses vinegars with herbs from their gardens. Swanton Berry Farm in nearby Davenport allows U-Pick berry harvesting.
Places to Stay
Accommodation options in Pescadero consist mainly of small-scale motels, inns and vacation rentals owing to its peaceful, rural locale. Lodging along scenic Stage Road or off Highway 1 allows easy access to beaches, redwood forests and the town’s restaurants and shops.
The quaint, pet-friendly Casas de Pescadero offers modern bungalows just over a mile from downtown. Nearby off Stage Road lies Costanoa, an eco-adventure lodge providing easy access to hiking trails plus comfy tent bungalows, RV sites and lodge rooms. Several scenic spots provide cabins and camping for visitors desiring a remote redwood forest retreat.
Dozens of short-term vacation rentals are available through online rental sites. These cabins, cottages and homes allow visitors to temporarily reside in the area like a local. Options range from rustic creekside cabins to sprawling ranch estates.
FAQs
Some top activities in Pescadero include hiking among coastal redwoods, exploring tide pools along rocky beaches, visiting North America’s largest colony of elephant seals, enjoying farm-to-table dining and combing beaches for shells and driftwood. The town also hosts several festivals and events year-round.
Pescadero enjoys mild weather year-round thanks to its coastal location, with daily high temperatures averaging 65-75°F. The weather stays relatively cooler in summer and warmer in winter compared to inland locations. Rain most commonly occurs from November to April.
Peak visitation occurs May through October when skies are clearest. Whale watching is popular during winter and early spring when gray whales migrate past the coast. Fall brings harvest festivals and less fog.
Pescadero lies roughly 34 miles south of San Francisco, situated alongside coastal Highway 1. The drive time is just over 1 hour from the city without traffic.
As a small rural town, Pescadero offers more budget-friendly prices compared to other Bay Area destinations. Lodging ranges from affordable motels and campsites to pricier inns and vacation rentals. Activities tend toward hiking, beach-going and picnicking rather than high-cost options. However, the acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants may be pricier than casual spots.
Popular Pescadero souvenirs include locally harvested honey; artichoke garlic spreads and soaps from famed Duarte’s Tavern; goat milk soaps and cheeses from Harley Farms; and of course, famous olallieberry pies to take home and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Pescadero might not be as famous as some of California’s other coastal hotspots, but that’s what makes it so great! It’s like the quirky, underrated friend in your group who’s actually the most fun to hang out with. The locals are as friendly as they come, and they’ll make you feel right at home. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Bay Area – perfect for a weekend getaway!
