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Sitting at San Mateo County’s southern edge, Pescadero is a coastal farming community located 17 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Along Highway 1, visitors will encounter towering cliffs, grazing animals and rolling hills throughout their drive to Pescadero. While often associated with Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the unincorporated area offers myriad sights to explore. Nature and California wildlife await in the surrounding parks and marshlands, and historical buildings, longtime eateries and art galleries pepper downtown.
Ready to make Pescadero your next getaway destination? Read our neighborhood guide below for what to see, do, taste and explore on your next visit.
Nature and history
- Año Nuevo State Park: One of the main draws for a winter visit to Pescadero is Año Nuevo State Park, where upwards of 10,000 Northern elephant seals make their way to the park’s Natural Preserve during mating season (December through March). First spotted at Año Nuevo in 1955, Northern elephant seals were once on the brink of extinction but are now thriving and can be seen in Pescadero year-round. During winter, guided tours are required given the number of seals present, including newborn pups. After a tour, visitors can also hike one of several trails within the park. Guided tour reservations can be made here.
Año Nuevo State Park, New Years Creek Road.
- Pescadero State Beach: Lined by high dunes along Highway 1, Pescadero State Beach features a mile-long shoreline and other natural elements worth exploring on your visit. These include a protected lagoon, beach coves, wetlands and a rock arch you can walk through during low tide. In winter, Western snowy plovers – a small, threatened species of shorebirds – can be found nesting in the sand. The beach is accessible from two parking lots, and the beach tidepools are accessible from the northern lot.
Pescadero State Beach, Pescadero Creek Road and Cabrillo Highway.
- Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve: A prime spot for naturalists and bird watchers, the preserve is located opposite of Pescadero State Beach. The 235-acre preserve is home to several habitats, including a tidal estuary, freshwater marsh and dense riparian woods. Several animals take refuge in the habitats, including blue herons, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks. Four hikes are accessible to visitors year-round, and visitors can also go kayaking and fishing seasonally.
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, Pescadero Creek Road and Cabrillo Highway.
- Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park: A local landmark, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is the tallest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Closed to the public since 2001, California State Parks recently embarked on a rehabilitation project to restore the picturesque lighthouse. Plans include restoring the ironwork and structural integrity of the building over the next two years, with work commencing this winter. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park remains open to visitors during construction from 8:00am to sunset.
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park, 210 Pigeon Point Road.
- First Congregational Church of Pescadero (Pescadero Community Church): Built in May 1867, the First Congregational Church of Pescadero is the oldest surviving wooden church building on its original site in San Mateo County. Designed in the classical revival style, the church – now called Pescadero Community Church – sits toward the end of Stage Road in downtown, where its steeple can be seen from afar. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a California Historical Landmark.
First Congregational Church of Pescadero (Pescadero Community Church), 363 Stage Road.
Food and drinks
- Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos: Fuel up in more ways than one at Taqueria De Amigos, where you’ll find a gas station, corner market and Mexican restaurant. Locals recommend the breakfast burritos, shrimp tostadas and fish tacos at this cash-only eatery.
Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos, 1999 Pescadero Creek Road, 650-879-0232. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Duarte’s Tavern: A Pescadero institution, Duarte’s Tavern has been in operation since 1894. The eatery describes their food as “American country cooking, spiced by the Portuguese roots of the Duarte family.” The restaurant previously earned a James Beard Award and was featured on “Drivers, Dine-Ins and Drives.” Stop by for artichoke soup, weekend-only cioppino or order one of their seafood specials, such as steamed mussels and scallop pasta with a signature cocktail. Desserts currently include olallieberry soft serve and pie slices in apple, apricot, peach, strawberry rhubarb and olallieberry flavors.
Duarte’s Tavern, 202 Stage Road; 650-879-0464, Instagram: @duartestavern. Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and breakfast Sundays 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Arcangeli Grocery Co. (Norms Market): Fresh-baked breads, deli sandwiches, homemade sauces and grocery items are available at Arcangeli Grocery Co. The nearly century-old market is most famous for its artichoke garlic bread, stacking warm loaves in baskets at the center of the store. A variety of other fully and partially baked breads are available as well, such as cheddar artichoke, jalapeno, and cranberry walnut sourdough.
Arcangeli Grocery Co. (Norms Market), 287 Stage Road; 650-879-0147, Instagram: @arcangeligroceryco. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends; closed Tuesdays.
- Downtown Local: This quirky local coffee shop offers a compact menu of espresso drinks and drip coffee, plus tea and hot chocolate. The shop is decorated with plenty of classic car memorabilia and vintage ware to check out or purchase while sipping on your beverage.
Downtown Local, 213 Stage Road; 650-879-9155, Instagram: @downtown_local.
- Highway 1 Brewing Company: Highway 1 Brewing Company crafts brews on-site sustainably using local ingredients in a lively, family-friendly setting. Given its location at the outer edges of Pescadero, the brewery offers a welcome respite for those concluding or continuing their coastal road trips. A small food menu is available as well, including options like buffalo cauliflower bites, smoked chicken wings sourced from nearby Fogline Farm and house beer-battered fish and chips.
Highway 1 Brewing Company, 5720 CA-1; 650-879-9243, Instagram: @highway1brewing. Open Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. (Closing hours may vary depending on demand, so call ahead to be sure.)
Arts and shopping
LunaSea Gallery: For artful inspiration during your visit to Pescadero, stop by LunaSea, where both decorative and functional pieces are on view. Everything from jewelry, paintings, glassware, window decor, wearable art, greeting cards and kinetic sculptures are available at LunaSea. The gallery has been owned and managed by Janice Keen for over 15 years.
LunaSea Gallery, 290 Stage Road, 650-879-1207. Open Mondays from noon to 4 p.m., Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Madrone Arts: Madrone Arts mounts new exhibits every quarter and currently features the work of 13 artists. Visitors can view paintings, drawings, photography and sculptures from locally based artists in the recently formed artist co-op. The space also houses a learning center that offers a number of workshops, such as knitting, drawing and painting, and short story writing.
Madrone Arts, 216 Stage Road, 650-440-4302. Open Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tom Shuman Pottery: Established in 1974, local artisan and potter Tom Shuman exhibits his works in a cottage-like studio. As a working studio, visitors can see Shuman at work crafting new pieces, where he creates functional pottery for daily use and display. Shuman also offers space for group or private instruction as well as custom commissions.
Tom Shuman Pottery, 251 Stage Road, 650-703-7962. Open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
South Coast Children’s Services Thrift Shop: Thrift shop while supporting a good cause at South Coast Children’s Services Thrift Shop. Operated by nonprofit South Coast Children’s Services, the organization provides educational and recreational opportunities for the youth of the South Coast communities of San Mateo County. Find everything from clothing, furniture, books, DVDs and kitchenware at the shop.
South Coast Children’s Services Thrift Shop, 2041 Pescadero Creek Road, 650-879-9613. Open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Closed Monday-Wednesday.
The Sunshine: Aptly painted in bright yellow, The Sunshine (located next door to Downtown Local) sells curated goods from local makers with a greater mission to cultivate more sustainable food systems. Small-batch goods available for purchase include Burn Hot Sauce from Santa Cruz, Allie’s Perfect Pickles from Oakland, organic heirloom beans from Fifth Crow Farm in Pescadero and Beeswax Candles from Sonoma County Bee Company, to name a few. Their online shop is also available 24/7.
The Sunshine, 213 Stage Road; 650-879-9155, Instagram: @thesunshine.pescadero. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; full service available Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Farms
- Harley Farms: Greet Jimmy the alpaca, spot barn cats and wave to donkeys and working goats at Harley Farms, located just a few minutes from downtown. Visitors can view farm animals from the farm’s fence during operating hours or book a tour to pet baby goats. The farm also produces and sells its own cheese and goat milk cleansers, moisturizes and balms at its on-site shop.
Harley Farms, 205 North St., Instagram: @harleyfarms. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- R&R Fresh Herbs: R&R Fresh Farms sells organic berries, eggs and herbs, allowing you to create your own farm-to-table experience. During the summer, visitors can drop by for u-pick harvesting of raspberries, blackberries and olallieberries. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and essential goods are available from their market shop.
R&R Fresh Herbs, 2310 Pescadero Creek Road; 650-954-0055, Instagram: @rnrfreshfarms. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Pie Ranch: Pie Ranch is a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating a healthy and just food system from seed to table. Its food education program has partnered with local public schools since 2005 and reaches up to 1,000 young people yearly. They also lead a farmer pathways initiative that builds opportunities for under-resourced farmers and empowering women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. Pie Ranch’s farm stand is open to the public six days a week and offers goods such as blue corn flour, preserves and locally pastured chicken and pork, as well as baked goods from Companion Bakery.
Pie Ranch, 2080 CA-1; 650-683-5216, Instagram: @pie_ranch. Farm stand open weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays) and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Stay
- Pescadero Creek Inn: For over 20 years, Pescadero Creek Inn has offered quaint lodgings a stone’s throw from downtown. The grounds boast an organic vegetable and flower garden, horses and 25 acres of flower fields. The inn’s four rooms are specially designed with a nature-inspired theme and feature a meadow view.
Pescadero Creek Inn, 393 Stage Road, 650-879-1898.
- McCormick House Inn: Built in 1868, the historic McCormick House Inn offers two rooms on the second floor of the home. The rooms are available to book separately using a shared bath or booked at once to enjoy the building in complete privacy. Organic coffee and tea are available for all guests.
McCormick House Inn, 358 Stage Road, 650-521-2628.
- Costanoa Lodge: Described as an eco-adventure resort, Costanoa offers four distinct lodgings: the lodge, cabins, tent bungalow, and the KOA campground. For a luxurious stay, opt for the lodge – which includes bathrobes and hot tub access – and add a spa visit to top off your stay. If glamping is more your style, Costanoa cabins feature views of the surrounding wilderness plus skylights, private decks and fire pits. Guests can fully immerse themselves in the natural world at Costanoa, which is surrounded by four state parks, 30,000 acres of hiking trails and secluded beaches. Located just north of Año Nuevo, the resort hosts a robust activity calendar for guests of all ages, with options like yoga, tie-dye workshops, seasonal sunset s’mores, mountain biking, horseback riding and stargazing. Guests can also enjoy two on-site restaurants: Cascade Restaurant & Bar offering California coastal cuisine and Pine Tent, a seasonal open-air eatery serving hearty dishes like fried chicken biscuits, artichoke tacos and chili bread bowls.
Costanoa Lodge, North Lodge & Spa, 2001 Rossi Road; 650-879-1100, Instagram: @costanoalodge.
Around the corner
- Cowell Purisima Coastal Trail: Located in Half Moon Bay, the Cowell Purisima Coastal Trail features a 3.6-mile path that leads to a view where farmlands and the coastline converge. During the winter months, gray whales can be seen from the northernmost beach along the trail – binoculars are recommended!
Cowell Purisima Coastal Trail, 18501 S. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay.
- State beaches: Drivers on Highway 1 to Pescadero will pass several state beaches along the way. Toward the north, San Gregorio State Beach and Pomponio State Beach both offer convenient parking lots for a breezy rest stop. To the south, Bean Hollow State Beach features plenty of marine inhabitants to spot, including anemones, crabs and sea urchins, plus the 1-mile Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail.
Special thanks to Nicholas Erridge of Pescadero Municipal Advisory Council for his recommendations and insights.