16 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1, Half Moon Bay, CA
650-879-2170
Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular spot for bird watchers and other naturalists. The Reserve is a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks.
The 243-acre Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a part of Pescadero State Beach, includes the only extensive wetland along the coast of the San Francisco peninsula. The preserve includes a complex of several habitats—a tidal estuary, freshwater marsh, brackish water marsh, dense riparian woods, and northern coastal scrub. It is an important wintering ground for waterfowl on the Pacific flyway.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the marsh, including more than 60 that nest there, among them the Great Blue Heron. Species in the marsh listed under the Endangered Species Act include the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, steelhead trout, and Coho salmon.
A foot bridge was installed in 2011, which enables easy access to the back of the marsh. The bridge is slightly north of the center Pescadero parking lot. SMCNHA was instrumental in facilitating the funding for the bridge.
Pescadero Marsh docents lead nature walks in the marsh twice a month:
First Sunday of the month at 10 a.m.
Third Sunday of the month at 1 p.m.
Walks last about two hours. Dress in layers, bring binoculars, water, wear a hat, and enjoy the marsh. Meet the volunteer docents in the middle parking area for Pescadero State Beach on Highway 1. Pescadero State Beach has three parking areas.
From the north, the parking area for marsh walks is immediately south of the bridge, on your right.
From the south, the lot is 1/4 mile past the flashing light at Pescadero Road and before you reach the bridge, on your left.
Pomponio State Beach
This Half Moon Bay beach features miles of gently sloping beach backed by sandstone bluffs. There's a small lagoon, picnic tables overlooking the ocean, barbeques, and restrooms. Enjoy fishing or hiking along the trails. No beach fires and no dogs on the beach. Day use fee.
This area provides access to miles of gently sloping, sandy beaches at the base of high sandstone bluffs. This day-use facility features a small lagoon, roaring surf - and a wide parking area, picnic tables, and barbecues.
Location - Directions
The beach is located 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended clothing
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended.
Operating Hours
Day-use Area
8:00am to Sunset
Cowell Ranch Beach is one of the jewels along the Half Moon Bay coastside. Since it requires a bit of a walk to reach it does not get as much use as many of the other beaches in the area. I don't use the beach but instead enjoy mountain biking the recently opened Cowell-Purisima coastal trail extension which consists of a smooth gravel covered wide pathway with several bridges extending three miles south to another parking area. This trail is mostly level except for one section which travels down to the Purisima Creek Bridge.
The kind of place only the locals know about, this scenic state park is just south of Half Moon Bay and features a sandy beach and a seal preserve, plus trails for hiking and horseback riding.
Description: Easy and scenic hiking trail along the Pacific coast that measures six miles round trip.