Pescadero Marsh & State Beach

Pescadero California borders the Pacific Ocean, 14 miles south of Half Moon Bay along the San Mateo County Coast. Please view our information on Pescadero’s downtown to combine locations for a full day’s excursion.

Pescadero State Beach

The popular mile long beach is divided into three regions, each with its own parking lot and toilets.

NORTHERN ACCESS: This parking area is the only one that currently charges a fee, but offers easy access to the park’s sandy beach area. This is the area to go if you’re seeking a typical day on the sand at the beach. It also offers a selection of trails to hike and a verity of coastal habitats to explore.

CENTRAL ACCESS: It’s a quick walk from the Central Access parking lot to the best beach’s scenic lookouts. Walking the narrow dirt footpaths will take you to panoramic views of the rocky shoreline, highway bridge and the sandy beach. See below for information about the trail leading to the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve.

SOUTHERN ACCESS: You’ll find the entrance for this parking lot near the Pescadero sign at the intersection of Highway 1 and Pescadero Creek Road. This popular location offers rocky beaches, spectacular views, scenic trails and picnic grounds.

Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

Part of the state beach, the 235-acre marsh habitat offers a unique experience in the area. The marsh is popular for it’s scenic hikes and birdwatching. Visitors wishing to get a quick sample of the park explore the Butano Trail accessed through a trail starting at a dirt parking lot on the northern side of Pescadero Creek Road just before the road ends at Highway 1. Also popular are the Sequoia Audubon and connected North Pond trails which can be accessed from a trail starting at Pescadero Creek’s Central Access parking. The trail crosses north across the western edge of the highway bridge and then under it into the marsh. For more information, maps, and additional parking locations please visit the Coastside State Parks Association or the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve official website.