The remote stretch of Highway 1 between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz meanders along the rugged Pacific coastline for nearly 50 miles, treating drivers to breathtaking views of windswept bluffs; driftwood-strewn beaches; crashing waves; a patchwork of artichoke, berry and Brussels sprouts farms; and refreshingly, not much else. Exploring this gorgeous, unspoiled segment of the San Mateo County coastline makes for an ideal day trip. Here are some of the best beaches to visit in Southern San Mateo County — plus a few don’t-miss local eateries and farms to visit along the way.
Featured Photo: California State Parks
Just over 10 miles south of Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio State Beach sits at the mouth of the San Gregorio Creek, creating an estuary that attracts numerous birds year-round. Stroll north of the creek on the mile-long beach to explore caves and fossils in the sandstone cliffs (but be aware of the clothing optional private beach farther north).
Parking Free lot
Amenities Restrooms, Barbecues
Picnicking Atop a grassy bluff overlooking the beach
Dogs No
TIPS
Make a quick detour inland on San Gregorio Road to procure picnic fare at the historic San Gregorio General Store or pick up heirloom beans, veggies, flowers and seasonal u-pick berries from Blue House Farm.
With its scenic dunes, sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tidepools, natural rock arch and many fishing spots, plus a picnic area, the mile-long Pescadero State Beach is another worthwhile stop located a few miles south of San Gregorio State Beach. The beach is divided by the mouth of Pescadero Creek, offering two distinct areas to explore accessed by two different parking lots. Across Highway 1, the 500-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, accessible via a pedestrian walkway under the highway, is the largest freshwater estuary on the Peninsula, home to see blue herons, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and many birds making a pitstop here during their migration along the Pacific Flyway.
Parking $8 lot for northern beach, free for central or southern
Amenities Pit toilet, picnic tables at the southern beach
Picnicking South parking lot
Dogs No
TIPS
Travel a few miles inland on Pescadero Creek Road to wander around the tiny town of Pescadero. Savor cream of artichoke soup and a slice of olallieberry pie at Duarte’s Tavern, open since 1894; pick up coffee and vintage finds at Downtown Local; scarf a burrito or taco at cash-only Mercado & Taqueria de Amigos, a hidden gem located inside a gas station; pick up a loaf of garlic, herb and artichoke bread at Arcangeli Grocery Co.; pick berries seasonally at R&R Fresh Farms; or visit the goats and purchase cheese, jams and bath products at Harley Farms Goat Dairy.
Halfway between Half Moon Bay and Davenport on an isolated stretch of Highway 1, Bean Hollow State Beach encompasses two beaches (with two parking lots) — each with their own appeal. Interesting honeycomb-textured sandstone tafoni rocks are another draw at both beaches, which are connected by the 1-mile Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail featuring interpretive signage. One caveat: rip currents and heavy surf make swimming dangerous here.
Parking Limited parking
Amenities Pit toilets, picnic tables, barbecue grills
Picnicking Picnic tables
Dogs Permitted on leash
TIPS
Colorful, polished agate, chert, jade, jasper and moonstone pebbles from an offshore, Pleistocene-era gravel bed wash up at Pebble Beach on the north side, while tidepools among the rocks at Bean Hollow Beach at the southern end shelter anemones, crabs, sea urchins and other marine creatures. However, keep in mind that collecting anything is prohibited at both beaches.
While you can’t go inside the Pigeon Point Lighthouse due to repair work, the 1872-era landmark still warrants a quick stop on the route between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Besides beholding the 115-foot lighthouse — one of the tallest in the country — you can visit the historic Fog Signal Building to see its original Fresnel lens and other exhibits and look for seals and whales, frequently spotted from the shore here.
Parking Free
Amenities Visitor center, picnic areas, lodging
Picnicking Picnic areas
Dogs No, except on leash at Pistachio Beach north of Pigeon Point
TIPS
The onsite Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel offers overnight stays, or you can glamp a few miles down the road at Costanoa, which offers a variety of lodging options ranging from tent bungalows to hotel rooms, as well as an onsite spa, restaurant and general store. Also nearby, Highway 1 Brewing Company makes a good dog-friendly pitstop for house brews and burgers.
Each winter, a large colony of northern elephant seals gathers on the coast at Año Nuevo State Park to breed and give birth, a fascinating spectacle that visitors can witness on one of the park’s viewing tours, available December 15 to March 31 and required during this time. (It’s best to book ahead starting in October, as weekends tend to fill up quickly.) The viewing requires a three- to four-hour hike over varied terrain. The elephant seals also return from April and November to molt, and tours aren’t required during that time.
Parking Lot parking with a small fee
Amenities Picnic tables, visitor center, guided tours, wildlife viewing
Picnicking Picnic tables near parking lot and visitor center
Dogs No
TIPS
More reasons to visit: Sealions, seals and dozens of species of birds and land animals also call the park home, and tidepools teem with more than 300 species of invertebrates, including clams, abalone and anemones. The marine education center, located in the historic Steele Brothers Dairy barn, is also worth a visit.
