Day Trip to Pescadero, California
This essentially three-road town on the west side of the Santa Cruz Mountains in San Mateo County is one of my favorite getaway spots on the Bay Area Peninsula. Just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and two miles east of the Pacific Ocean, Pescadero may be small, but it offers up big rewards, especially for anyone who enjoys artisanal food (especially artichokes and goat cheese), a vibrant arts scene, rural life, and small-town community closeness.
Harley Farms has some of the best goat cheese on the planet. Seriously. I would drive one hour from my home in Cupertino just for it, and, of course, to visit the adorable goats who help provide the divine delight. If you time it right, you can get a tour to learn the process, taste the samples, then stock up on fresh fromage. For adul... More >
Harley Farms has some of the best goat cheese on the planet. Seriously. I would drive one hour from my home in Cupertino just for it, and, of course, to visit the adorable goats who help provide the divine delight. If you time it right, you can get a tour to learn the process, taste the samples, then stock up on fresh fromage. For adults there are quarterly tasting dinners in the farm's restored Victorian hayloft, which is decorated with beautiful locally hand-crafted wood furniture.
If you have a hankering for artichoke soup, fresh seafood (particularly in a cioppino), and homemade pies--not to mention a stiff whiskey after a brisk walk on the beach--then Duarte's Tavern is for you. It's also a dying breed--a down-home American classic restaurant that cares more about great food and good company than trying to imp... More >
If you have a hankering for artichoke soup, fresh seafood (particularly in a cioppino), and homemade pies--not to mention a stiff whiskey after a brisk walk on the beach--then Duarte's Tavern is for you. It's also a dying breed--a down-home American classic restaurant that cares more about great food and good company than trying to impress customers with modern decor. This tavern-cum-restaurant, honored by the James Beard Foundation, opened in 1894 and has been drawing crowds ever since. Reservations are recommended as the line is regularly out the door for lunch and dinner, especially on weekends.
For adults there are quarterly tasting dinners in the farm's restored Victorian hayloft, which is decorated with beautiful locally hand-crafted wood furniture.
This grocery store is what urban gourmet delis strive to be, only this is the real deal. Scrumptious fresh-baked artichoke bread using the vegetables grown on neighboring farms is an Arcangeli staple. If Harley Farms is closed, pick up your goat cheese here. Arcangeli also carries organic meats, locally grown vegetables, and other arti... More >
This grocery store is what urban gourmet delis strive to be, only this is the real deal. Scrumptious fresh-baked artichoke bread using the vegetables grown on neighboring farms is an Arcangeli staple. If Harley Farms is closed, pick up your goat cheese here. Arcangeli also carries organic meats, locally grown vegetables, and other artisanal and sustainable goodies. Grab a loaf, a sandwich from the deli counter in the back, and a soda, and sit outside at one of the picnic tables where you can relax and watch the world go slowly by.
Wildlife abounds at this ocean-side nature haven, which is known as an elephant seal breeding location in the winter. Sea lions and gray whales can also be spotted when in season, and harbor seals are visible year-round. There's also excellent birding, wetlands, pine forests, walking trails, and vibrant plant life. The park was establi... More >
Wildlife abounds at this ocean-side nature haven, which is known as an elephant seal breeding location in the winter. Sea lions and gray whales can also be spotted when in season, and harbor seals are visible year-round. There's also excellent birding, wetlands, pine forests, walking trails, and vibrant plant life. The park was established to preserve and protect the central California coastline.
If driving along the Pacific Coast Highway near Pescadero, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is definitely worth a stop. Built in 1872, at 115 feet in height it's one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. The building is closed to the public, but you can walk around the grounds for stunning vistas over the Pacific Ocean. You often... More >
If driving along the Pacific Coast Highway near Pescadero, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is definitely worth a stop. Built in 1872, at 115 feet in height it's one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. The building is closed to the public, but you can walk around the grounds for stunning vistas over the Pacific Ocean. You often can spot seals in the water, and if you visit during the early part of the year, you might be able to see migrating gray whales off the rocky coast. The former lighthouse keeper's buildings now house a hostel.
| There's also excellent birding, wetlands, pine forests, walking trails, and vibrant plant life. |
No trip to Pescadero is complete without a stop at the nearby San Gregorio General Store. It's a true one-stop-shop with a bar, restaurant, post office, clothing store, bookstore, housewares store, coffeehouse, entertainment venue, and outdoor gear store all rolled into one. It's not uncommon to see a row of motorcycles lined up outside as riders stop by on their way down CA Highway 84. Live music every weekend. More
No trip to Pescadero is complete without a stop at the nearby San Gregorio General Store. It's a true one-stop-shop with a bar, restaurant, post office, clothing store, bookstore, housewares store, coffeehouse, entertainment venue, and outdoor gear store all rolled into one. It's not uncommon to see a row of motorcycles lined up outside as riders stop by on their way down CA Highway 84. Live music every weekend.
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