Pescadero State Beach: Coastal Beauty and Marshland Wonders

Pescadero State Beach is a captivating coastal destination in San Mateo County, California, offering a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and the adjacent Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve. The beach itself is divided by Pescadero Creek, with a wider, sandier beach to the north and a rockier beach to the south. The northern beach stretches towards Pomponio and San Gregorio State Beaches, depending on the tide. The southern beach features rocky coves and tide pools, providing a habitat for marine life such as harbor seals and Steller sea lions. Across Highway 1 lies the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a 235-acre wetland that supports a variety of wildlife, including steelhead fish, blue herons, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at Pescadero State Beach, including beach wandering, bird watching, and exploring the tide pools. Hiking trails wind through the marsh, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting. Please note that dogs, camping, and fires are not allowed on the beach or in the natural preserve. The Sequoia Audubon Trail will be closed from May 2025 - October 2025 for habitat restoration. The town of Pescadero, located a short distance from the beach, offers a glimpse into California's past with its historic buildings and farming community.