Franklin Point Beach(The Fist)

Located in Pescadero, Franklin Point Beach – also known as The Fist – is a small beach with beige sand and clear water. This beach is situated adjacent to the northern part of Año Nuevo State Park. The beach sees fewer visitors than other Pescadero Beaches, and is ideal for beachgoers looking for a quieter beach experience. The beach is named after the clipper ship Sir John Franklin which was shipwrecked near the beach owing to dense fog in 1865. 

Franklin Point Beach does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly. 

Franklin Point Beach offers many fun activities including surfing, swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and hiking.

Getting to the Franklin Point Beach is easy – it is located a mile south of Gazos Creek State Beach and is easily accessible from Cabrillo Highway / Pacific Coast Highway. A free parking lot is also available near the beach.  A trail from this parking lot leads to the Franklin Point Beach. 

There are many attractions near Franklin Point Beach. Franklin Point is an observation point that offers a spectacular view of the San Mateo County coastline. Año Nuevo State Park is home to an enormous seasonal elephant seal rookery, which offers an amazing wildlife-watching experience. You can also see many other kinds of animals and birds here including otters, California sea lions, coyotes, cormorants, and terns. In addition, the park features the Marine Education Center, which incorporates a natural history museum, a theatre, and a bookstore. If you are looking for another attraction near Franklin Point Beach, Butano State Park features many hiking trails and offers guided nature walks and weekend campfire excursions during the summer. You can spot many kinds of wonderful animals and birds in the state park including woodpeckers and newts.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants within 30-minute drive of Franklin Point Beach. Highway 1 Brewing Company serves a variety of delicious dishes such as smoked chicken, chopped briskets, and Greek salad. Loma Mar Store & Kitchen serves delightful home-style food. They are also known for their amazing variety of sweet and savoury baked goods. Duarte's Tavern serves American cuisine and also offers vegetarian and gluten friendly options. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Franklin Point Beach, the modestly priced Cafe Capistrano serves American and California-style Mexican cuisine.

If you are looking for a hotel near Franklin Point Beach, there are many great nearby options. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Rosewood Sand Hill is 55 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a pool, a fitness center, fireplace, and bicycle rental services. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Hotel Keen that offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast, a nightly wine-tasting hour, Nintendo Wii rental facility, and discounted access to a nearby fitness center and spa. As another moderately priced option, the 3-Star Stanford Terrace Inn offers many amenities including a pool, sun terrace, and a gym. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Franklin Point Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Berbeda Place offers complimentary credit for all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.