Contact Number

  • (650) 726-8819

Park Accessibility Information

Park Hours

  • 8am to Sunset
    Camping is not available at this park.

Park Activities

No
Picnic Areas
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
Hiking Trails

Park Facilities

Parking
Restrooms
Boating

Park Directions

Get directions through Google Maps

The beach is located 14.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway One.

Visiting Pescadero State Beach

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. The reserve is a refuge for wildlife such as blue herons, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes, and skunks.

Parking and Facilities

Northern Pescadero Beach Access Parking Lot
Beach Access: The sandy beach is accessible from two locations in the parking lot.
Facilities: Single pit toilet. No running water.
Fees: There is an $8 parking fee which is payable daily upon entry to the park. Only US currency and checks are accepted. To pay for a parking permit when a parking attendant is not present you must locate the “Pay Here” sign in the parking lot. Follow the instructions on the sign. Fill out the self-registration envelope, include payment and tear off the top stub. Leave the top stub visible on the dashboard of your vehicle and place the envelope into the deposit slot. Park rangers will confirm payment.

Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve and Central Pescadero Beach Access Parking Lot
Beach Access: The rocky beach is accessible at the southern end of the parking lot by the way of a narrow stairway.
Marsh Access: There is a wooden staircase on the eastern side of the parking lot that leads to a pedestrian walkway along the Highway 1 bridge. Once you walk across the Highway 1 bridge, access the marsh by walking under the bridge from the beach. Crossing Highway 1 on foot is not recommended.
Facilities: Single pit toilet. No running water.
Activities: Free guided marsh walking tours are sometimes available. Register at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me or call (650) 726-8814 for availability.

Southern Pescadero Beach Access Parking Lot (Located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Pescadero Creek Road)
Beach Access: The rocky beach is accessible from the northern end of the parking lot by stairs.
Facilities: Two restrooms. No running water. Two picnic tables. No barbeque pits.

Basic Park Information

DOGS aare prohibited on the beach and in the Natural Preserve at all times.

BEACH FIRES are not allowed.

COLLECTING is prohibited. Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features.

FIREWORKS are prohibited.

DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.

CAMPING is not available at this park. Nearby state park campgrounds include Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park.

OCEAN SAFETY – Always use caution when you are in or near the ocean. The ocean water is very cold year-round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life-threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops before normal). In addition, strong rip currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers offshore.

PERMITS are required for all events and weddings. A photography permit is required for all commercial photography.


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