Pescadero State Beach
Pescadero State Beach (meaning "the place to fish" in Spanish) is alongside State Route 1, located 14.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 1.5 miles west of the city of Pescadero in San Mateo County, California.
| Pescadero State Beach | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | San Mateo County, California |
| Nearest city | Pescadero, California |
| Coordinates | 37°15′43″N 122°24′48″W |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
The beach has a mile-long shoreline with sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tide pools, fishing spots and picnic facilities. Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular spot for bird watchers and other naturalists.
Characteristics
- Three separate parking areas/units: North Pescadero, Middle/Central Pescadero, and South Pescadero.
- Of the three only North Pescadero has a self-registered parking fee.
- Considered a self-registered fee area, there is a kiosk which is staffed during summer months.
- Mile long beach, connects to northern beaches (depends on tide levels - be careful): Pomponio State Beach and San Gregorio State Beach.
- Nature preserve.
- The reserve is a refuge for blue heron, kite, deer, raccoon, fox, skunk, barn swallow, and weasel.
- Changing weather. Always bring a jacket.
- No dogs on beach. No camping. No beach fires.
- Includes hiking trails and easy access to the beach.
- Also hosts a natural marsh and wetlands to the south-east of North Pescadero and the north-east of Middle Pescadero.
The shoreline at the center and southern parking areas is protected from the ocean waves by offshore rocks with numerous tide pools and areas of open water. This habitat is frequently occupied by both the Steller sea lion and the harbor seal. These pinnipeds alternately sun themselves by hauling onto the offshore rocks and sliding back into the water to hunt nearby.
Many of the common birds of rocky northern California shorelines are seen here including the black oystercatcher.
These areas are also often utilized by both fishermen and gatherers of mollusks, primarily mussel. A California State fishing license is required for these activities.