Cascade Creek Beach

Located in Pescadero, San Mateo County, Cascade Creek Beach is a smooth sand beach bordering the north end of the natural preserve of Año Nuevo State Park. It is one of the less-visited beaches, as a result, there should be little traffic. The wind is relatively steady, which makes it perfect for kite and windsurfing. 

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

There are a couple of fun activities at Cascade Creek Beach including hiking, beachcombing, swimming, and wildlife watching.

Getting to Cascade Creek Beach is easy – the beach is next to the gated fence along Highway 1. It is about a mile hike from a parking lot beside Highway 1, approximately 2 miles north of the Año Nuevo State Park entrance. Small free parking is available near the park entrance. The trail begins at this parking lot and passes a large open area for more than a half-mile. Just north of Cascade Creek, the route leads down to the beach.

There are many attractions near Cascade Creek Beach. Año Nuevo State Park is known for its enormous northern elephant seals, which draw a large number of visitors. The Park serves as a ginormous breeding colony for elephant seals, which provides an unforgettable wildlife experience. In addition, the park features the Marine Education Center, which incorporates a natural history museum, a theatre, and a bookstore. Chalk Mountain Overlook is at a height of about 1600 ft and provides a spectacular view of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean from every angle. It's an excellent area to go wildlife watching because it's home to a large variety of fauna. Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park features America’s one of the tallest lighthouses, which has guided mariners since 1872. Steep cliffs next to the lighthouse are an excellent site to see the majestic marine life such as dolphins and even whales migrating. If you are looking for another attraction near Cascade Creek Beach, Cove Beach is a lovely sandy beach where you can see huge elephant seals.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Cascade Creek Beach. Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos serves fantastic Mexican cuisine. Whale City Bakery serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. They feature local cuisine, as well as vegetarian dishes and, are well-known for their seafood. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Cascade Creek Beach, the modestly priced Cascade Bar & Grill offers freshly prepared meals using local and organic ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally to include fresh products from local farms as well as Costanoa's organic farm.

If you are looking for a hotel near Cascade Creek Beach, there are many great nearby options. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the luxurious 5-star The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is 30 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a tennis court, kids club, hot tub, electric car charging station, limo/town car service, spa, and 24-hour fitness center. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Zaballa House that offers comfortable and welcoming rooms that are pet-friendly. In addition, the hotel offers many amenities including complimentary breakfast which consists of buttermilk waffles, gourmet egg dishes, and homemade granola. As another moderately priced option, the 3-Star Cypress Inn On Miramar Beach offers many amenities including ocean view rooms, a private balcony, complimentary breakfast, fireplaces, and private baths. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Cascade Creek Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Costanoa Lodge is located 4 miles from the Pigeon Point Lighthouse and provides activities such as guided horseback riding and mountain biking.