Location: Pescadero
Top Things to do in Pescadero
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Pescadero, United States
Pescadero is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Mateo County, California two miles (3 km) east of State Route 1 and Pescadero State Beach. The center of town, on Pescadero Creek Road, is located at latitude 37.255 and longitude 122.38028. The town is 14.4 miles (23.2 km) south of Half Moon Bay. The ZIP Code is 94060 and the community is inside area code 650. The population was 643 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Pescadero
1. Ano Nuevo State Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Home to the largest mainland seal colony in the world.
Reviewed By SnowyShasta - Portland, Oregon
We visited Ano Nuevo (thus named because the area was first sighted by explorers on New Year's Day) in late December. We had pre-purchased tickets for the elephant seal tour for a nominal fee; a good thing since they were completely sold out for the day. We arrived about 40 minutes before our tour team, which gave us a chance to explore the small museum with information about elephant seals, see the gift shop, and also spend about 15 minutes watching the 30-minute looped movie (interesting but not must-see). Then we were set off on our tour. The first mile was self-guided; basically a walk out to the reserve portion of the park. We were given 30 minutes for the 20 or so minute walk at an easy pace. Once arrived, there was shelter, bathrooms, and views of the ocean, plus a couple docents answering questions. At our appointed time, we were assigned a guide docent, who led us into the reserve to see the seals. Gerardo was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and we learned a lot about the history of the site and the life cycle of the elephant seals. The highlight, of course, was seeing the seals themselves. We had 3 different stops with views of the seals - mostly males at this time of year, but a few females and 2 newborn pups. You can get within 25 feet of them, and they basically ignore humans, so it was quite impressive to see the huge creatures up close. Our overall tour took about an hour, and did require some fairly energetic walking through sand and up sand dunes. After exiting the reserve, we completed the one-mile walk back to the education center and parking lot on our own. Overall an excellent way to learn more about these creatures and see them up close. I hear that the tour is best in mid-late January, when the bulls are actively fighting over the females, but we enjoyed seeing the mostly lying around relaxing as well.
2. San Gregorio State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
A nude beach open weekends from nine to sunset and weekdays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Reviewed By Rachel V
Hubby and I took our 2 dogs for the first time and it was perfect! Everything about this beach took my breath away. Beautiful views and plenty of sun. It's a great place to work on your tan and the dogs enjoyed getting their paws wet. Recommend if you do bring your dog, to also bring bags to clean up after them! After all, you don't want to ruin it for others
3. Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Towering redwoods meet the sandy beach, offering something outdoorsy for everyone.
Reviewed By Teresa W - Clive, Iowa
California's Oldest State Park that was only about hour and 20 minutes from Los Altos. I am a novice hiker but in good shape and we hike for a couple of hours with inclines/declines. Beautiful forest! Near the Park Headquarters Visitor Center is the Redwood Loop Trail (easy stroller-and wheelchair-accessible) that winds a half-mile through the ancient redwood environment. There is a paper guide for the marked locations along the trail. Very informative and great for picture taking. Trail includes the Father of the Forest. Height 250 ft, circumference at ground 66 ft 9 in. $10 per car use fee.
4. Portola Redwoods State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By hafe - Bakerton
The winding road to access this place is worth the price of admission, very scary and thrilling. Not many people down here this time of year but thats ok, doesn't need to be crowded it was a sweet park to visit.
5. Pigeon Point Light Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
This historic lighthouse, named after the carrier pigeon, is more than a century old.
Reviewed By LightFighter - Lafayette, California
The Pigeon Point Light station is an amazing historical site near Pescadero. The lighthouse is currently being renovated but the photo opportunities are still amazing. The fresnel lens is quite impressive. Located just a short distance off Highway 1, well worth a stop on your way down the coast.
6. Harley Farms Goat Dairy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
A working goat dairy farm that does tours - of the goats and the dairy
Reviewed By getgoingCanada - Canada
The petting area (there were baby goats last time much to my delight!), milking parlour and cheese shop are all quaint and kitchy. There are many samples in the cheese shop, and I dare you to leave without buying some cheese, infused oils and vinegars and chocolates to take home. Phone ahead to be sure the cheese shop is open, or go on line to check the hours. Picnic tables if you bring your own, or there is a restaurant. We've not been there but looking forward to our next visit.
7. Bean Hollow State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Located on the scenic San Mateo Coast, this popular beach features a self-guided nature trail plus many opportunities for fishing, picnicking and beachcombing.
Reviewed By Melissa L - Tampa, Florida, United States
We didn't know about Bean Hollow State Beach before we stumbled upon it while we were driving towards Santa Cruz. We opted to stop and found it really beautiful. It's up high, so you have to walk down steps to get to the actual beach, but the pebble filled beach was neat to see and felt good on our feet. Nice for a photo op and was free :-)
8. Ano Nuevo Elephant Seal Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Robert S - Lawrence, Kansas
This area is just beautiful in general and we had a good weather day.
The docent led us through the reserve and eventually to where the beach where the elephant seals had settled.
These animals a huge, especially the large bulls.
We were all watching the seals sleep and move around a little when suddenly we realized that a female just gave birth to a calf.
At that point things started happening - the female and the calf began barking at one another, other males started to approach, and that set off the alpha bull who "flew" over there - you have to see these huge animals move fast to believe it. It is a spectacle.
Well, it was a regular soap opera for a while - the alpha got distracted by another male near another female , then a male was trying to mate with new mother, so Mr. Alpha was back. We were afraid he was going to crush the calf when he decided he wanted to mount the mom.
While all this is going on the docents were doing a play by play.
Eventually we had to leave, because it was getting late, but it was a tour to remember
9. Butano State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By ohdonnaoh - Mountain View, California
First I'll say that the park is lovely. One of the loveliest redwood parks we've been to. We picked up some picnic stuff from Arcangeli in Pescadero - must stop! - and we had our picnic in Butano. There were picnic tables galore.
We asked at the visitors center about a trail appropriate for kids (we had 2 4 yr olds and 2 4 month olds with us. They told us to take the Six bridges trail over to Little Butano Creek and loop back and that it was maybe a mile and a quarter. Holy goat, we walked and walked and walked a never ending trail! And with so many young kids it was not easy but we'd home to far to turn back but the other end wasn't in sight! After about 3 hours and about 4+ miles (with many inclines) we were back at the car just as dusk was setting. There was no cell reception at all. It was very irresponsible of them to have volunteers pointing out good trails for kids when this obviously was not. All's well that ends well but there were some scary (albeit lovely) moments for sure!
10. Pebble Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Steve L - Lincolnshire, Illinois
The famous Golf Club is just one of the attractions near Pebble Beach. It is very scenic and a photographers dream-area. There is a lot of wildlife, with many black-tailed deer, lots of birds and sea otters in the area. A portion of the beach was fenced off as there was an area used for breeding during the time we were visiting. Nice pull-offs so one can get out and visit or just stretch your legs or take pictures.
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