01
Best overall pick
Pescadero State Beach
West Of Pescadero At The End Of Pescadero Creek Road • Wide State Beach With Coves And Bluffs • Local Favorite
A mile-plus of sand, rocky coves, and a wild backdrop make this the default beach day choice around Pescadero.[3][6]
Three separate parking areas drop you onto very different feeling stretches of shoreline, from broad sand to pocket coves tucked below low cliffs.[3][6] Walk north or south at low tide to link them together, watch for rip currents before getting in, and pair your visit with a stroll through nearby Pescadero Marsh if you like birdwatching.[3][6]
02
Best for tide pools
Bean Hollow State Beach
South Of Pescadero Along Highway 1 • Rocky Pocket Coves With Tidepools • Best For Exploring On Foot
Small, craggy coves with honeycombed rock and lively tidepools make Bean Hollow a go-to for poking around rather than laying out.[2][4]
The shoreline here is more about discovery than swimming: expect polished pebbles, sculpted sandstone, and ankle-deep pools full of anemones and crabs on lower tides.[2][4] Pack sturdy shoes, keep an eye on sneaker waves, and plan to linger above the waterline with a picnic if the wind picks up.
03
Most secluded stretch
Gazos Creek State Beach
Between Pescadero And Año Nuevo • Windy, Lightly Visited Open Beach • Great For Quiet Sunsets
A broad, often blustery strip of sand at the mouth of Gazos Creek, usually with far fewer people than better-known stops nearby.[4]
You come to Gazos for space and sky: the creek cuts through the sand, the waves feel close, and the views north and south are wide open.[4] It’s a solid choice for watching the light change late in the day, just bring a warm layer and be ready for a soft, sometimes sloping walk underfoot.
04
Best classic state beach stop
San Gregorio State Beach
North Of Pescadero Toward San Gregorio • Broad Sandy Beach Below Bluffs • Best For Easy Access And Picnics
A deep sandy shelf where San Gregorio Creek meets the ocean, backed by tall cliffs and simple picnic spots just off Highway 1.[4]
This is the kind of straightforward, park-and-walk-out state beach that works well for mixed groups and low-effort outings.[4] Kids tend to gravitate to the creek lagoon and sandbanks, while adults get big-sky views down the coast and a handy place to spread out a blanket above the surf line.
05
Best for long walks
Pomponio State Beach
North Of Pescadero Near Pomponio • Wide, Gently Sloping Shoreline • Best For Long, Meditative Walks
A long, open-faced beach that invites you to wander the waterline, with bluffs and sea-carved outcrops adding just enough drama.[4]
When the tide and surf cooperate, you can walk for a long stretch here with only the waves and cliffside swallows for company.[4] There are informal windbreaks in the sand if you want to linger, but the real draw is simply strolling until the parking lot feels far behind you.