Gazos Creek Beach

Located in the city of Pescadero, Gazos Creek Beach is a beach with beige-colored sand that is situated below oceanfront bluffs and is a part of a state park named Año Nuevo State Reserve. Gazos Creek flows through the beach into the Pacific Ocean and sometimes pools up on the beach. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is located to the north of the beach. 

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

Gazos Creek Beach offers many fun activities including surfing, sunbathing, fishing, beachcombing, and wildlife watching. The water near this beach is unsafe for swimming as it has extremely strong rip currents.

Getting to the Gazos Creek Beach is easy - the beach is located in the northernmost part of Año Nuevo State Reserve. There is a free blufftop parking lot for this beach just off Cabrillo Highway/Pacific Coast Highway less than half a mile north of the Gazos Creek Bridge. From the parking area, a short trail leads to the beach below.

There are many attractions near Gazos Creek Beach. Big Basin Redwood State Park offers a variety of recreational activities including horseback riding and hiking. You can spot many kinds of wonderful animals and birds in the state park including deer, bobcats, herons, egrets, and California woodpeckers. 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 are looking for another attraction near Gazos Creek Beach Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park features one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States – the Pigeon Point Light Station is 115 feet tall and was built in 1872. The oceanfront blufftop area around this lighthouse is an excellent site to see marine animals including dolphins and migrating whales (between March and May).

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Gazos Creek Beach. Highway 1 Brewing Company serves a variety of delicious dishes such as smoked chicken, chopped briskets, and Greek salad. Cascade Bar & Grill serves delicious American dishes. The food is surprisingly good and the pleasant ambiance adds to the dining experience. Duarte's Tavern serves amazing American cuisine and also offers vegetarian and gluten-friendly options. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Gazos Creek Beach, the modestly priced The Sunshine serves excellent Mexican food.

If you are looking for a hotel near Gazos Creek Beach, there are many great nearby options within a 30-minute drive. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is 26 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a pool, an outdoor fireplace, a tennis court, kids club, and a fitness center. As another upscale hotel, the 4-Star Oceano Hotel & Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor is 36 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a restaurant, a spa, a fitness center, and bicycle rental facilities. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Redwood Croft that offers delicious customer breakfast and a hot bath. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Gazos Creek Beach, the modestly priced 2-Star Pescadero Creek Inn offers complimentary breakfast.