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Census-designated place in California, United States
Photo: BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Pescadero is a peaceful, coastal town of 600 people (2020) on the Peninsula, approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco.
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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.
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.
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.
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 Pescardero 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.
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.
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.
A popular hiking area with beautiful redwoods and 40 miles of trails. Be aware some areas are closed as of April 2023 due to damage from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fires. Please note the park may also be closed after heavy rain.
A local restaurant and bar known for its cioppino. Its menu changes daily and is typically posted on Facebook and Instagram.
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.
A food truck that sources its ingredients from local farms. Its menu changes each week and is posted on Instagram.
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.
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.
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).
A brewery located next to California State Route 1 (as its name suggests) that also offers a light food menu.
Located right next to the lighthouse. Has three different room types and a total of 59 beds.
A historic farmhouse that has been converted to an inn. Offers a country setting and nice views.
A small but beautiful inn with two rooms.
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.
Luna Sea (a pun on "lunacy") is a local gallery featuring arts and crafts by American and Canadian artists.
A furniture store known for the quality of its products.
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).
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.
Read in the guidePescadero 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.
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San Francisco · International · SFO
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