Pescadero State Beach

Pescadero State Beach is a mile-long stretch of spectacular coastline between Año Nuevo State Park and Half Moon Bay. There are three main parking areas to access the beach. The southernmost is across the highway from Pescadero Creek Road, which leads to the historic settlement of Pescadero. The middle parking area is just south of the highway bridge that crosses Pescadero Creek and provides access to beaches on both sides of the creek. The northern parking area is about a half-mile further north. In addition to beach access, all three parking areas are near trailheads for the stunning Pescadero Marsh Reserve on the east side of the highway.

Beach access is pretty straightforward at the northern and southern parking lots. From the middle lot near the creek, access to the beach is via a walking trail that starts on the east side of the parking lot adjacent to the highway. Walk north along the highway and cross the bridge on a well-protected pedestrian lane, then take the steps down to the beach on the north side of the creek. From here there is a large expanse of beach to explore as well as the marsh preserve that is accessible via a trail that goes under the highway bridge. On the north side of the creek there are lots of bluffs to explore with great views up and down the coast.