Pescadero - census-designated place in California, USA

Pescadero is a peaceful small coastal town on the Peninsula, approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco.

Understand

Get in

The easiest way to get to Pescadero is to drive along Highway 1 until you come to a sign indicating turning inland to get to Pescadero. From that point, it's a two-mile drive to reach Pescadero. At the stop sign, take a left and drive into the town center.

Get around

See

Pescadero Marsh is a marsh close to the town of Pescadero. In rainy times, the marsh attracts many special birds who nest there.

• Pigeon Point Lighthouse, 37.181667°, -122.393889°. Lighthouse built in 1871. A State Historic Park with a small exhibition and steps down to the beach. 2021-01-09

Do

• Pescadero State Beach, 37.2656°, -122.4122°. Go swimming at the state beach.

Buy

Eat

• Duarte's Tavern, 37.25209°, -122.38278°, 1 650 879 0464. 12-3PM MWTh, 12-6PM FSa, 8:30-10:30AM and 12-6PM Su (restaurant); 5-8PM MWTh, 6-8PM F-Su (bar). A local restaurant and bar known for its cioppino. Its menu changes daily and is typically posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Drink

• Downtown Local (opened in 2014) serves Italian-style espressos and lattes. It is also a curiosity store.

Sleep

• Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel, 210 Pigeon Point Rd (7 miles from Pescadero), 37.18211°, -122.39408°, +1 650 879-0633. It has 59 beds.

Connect

Stay healthy

Be careful to check for ticks after hiking in fields in the Bay Area. There is a high rate of lyme disease transmission in the Bay Area. If a bulls' eye rash develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics.

Go next

• Santa Cruz - Located 35 miles southeast of Pescadero, Santa Cruz is best known as a countercultural hub, with a fun bohemian feel and youthful vibe, and weekend tourist attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a historic mission, and the dubious Mystery Spot. The beaches north and south of Santa Cruz are considered some of the more pristine areas of natural beauty in central California, and while conditions generally make them impractical for swimming, several are considered an expert surfer's cold cold paradise.