Pescadero

Pescadero is a peaceful, coastal town of 600 people (2020) on the Peninsula, approximately 45 miles south of San Francisco.

Understand
Pescadero (Spanish for "fishmonger") is a farming and ranching community located on the San Francisco Peninsula. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beaches, parks and local food.

Get in
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. Continue for two miles, turn east onto Pescadero Creek Road and drive into the town center.

Get around


Pescadero 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.

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

Eat


Food is also available at Costanoa's Cascade Restaurant & Bar (see § Sleep) and various other establishments. Pescadero Country Store was another grocery store that was popular among locals until it was destroyed by a fire in 2016. Its owners have vowed to rebuild the store, although this has not happened as of April 2023.

Drink


Duarte's Tavern is another good place for drinks, although food is not served during the extended bar hours; see § Eat for details.

Connect
San Mateo County provides free Wi-Fi access in multiple locations in Pescadero. See map for details.

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 rash with the appearance of a bull's eye develops at the tick bite site, immediately seek medical help and treatment with antibiotics.

Go next

 * Half Moon Bay is the first major city to the north at about 16 miles away. It features a busy harbor, as well as numerous beaches and seafood restaurants.
 * Santa Cruz is the first major city to the southeast and is located 35 miles from Pescadero. It is best known as a countercultural hub, and has a fun bohemian feel and youthful vibe. The popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the dubious Mystery Spot are among the best-known weekend tourist attractions. Santa Cruz is also home to one of California's 21 Spanish missions. The beaches north and south of Santa Cruz are considered some of the more pristine areas of natural beauty in central California. While they are not good for swimming due to the cold water, several are considered a paradise for pro surfers.