Whaler's Cove Beach(Pigeon Point Beach)

Located in Pescadero - Whaler’s Cove is a remote beige sand beach that is a part of Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and is situated below oceanfront bluffs. 

Whaler’s Cove does not have lifeguards or any other amenities, so plan your trip accordingly. Dogs are allowed on the beach if they are on a leash.

Whaler’s Cove offers many fun activities including sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife watching, tide-pooling, and hiking.

Getting to the Whaler’s Cove is easy – a free parking area is available on Pigeon Point Road, adjacent to the HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel (located near 210 Pigeon Point Road). From the parking area, you need to walk across the road and take the short trail towards a venue named Council Circle and from there you will find steps leading down to Whaler’s Cove. It is important to note that public access to the beach is seasonally restricted as seals gather on this beach during certain parts of the year.

There are many attractions near Whaler’s Cove. 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. 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 in this state park including otters, California sea lions, coyotes, cormorants, and terns. In addition, the park features the Marine Education Center, which has a natural history museum, a theatre, and a bookstore. If you are looking for another attraction near Whaler’s Cove, Harley Farms Goat Dairy is a dairy farm that offers various fun tours around the farm premises including family tours, regular farm tours, and cheese and wine-tasting tours.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants within a 25-minute drive of Whaler’s Cove. Cascade Bar & Grill serves delicious American dishes. Duarte's Tavern serves amazing American cuisine and offers vegetarian and gluten-friendly options. Apple Jacks serves delicious chicken salad, pork belly roast dip, and burgers. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Whaler’s Cove, the modestly priced Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos serves excellent Mexican food.  

If you are looking for a hotel near Whaler’s Cove, there are many great nearby options. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is 25-minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a pool, an outdoor fireplace, a tennis court, kids club, and a fitness center. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Half Moon Bay Lodge that offers a pool, hot tub, and an outdoor patio with a fireplace. As another moderately priced option, the 3-Star Stanford Guesthouse is located conveniently close to some of the major attractions in Menlo Park and offers complimentary breakfast. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Whaler’s Cove, the modestly priced 2-Star Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp has a spa, bar, and outdoor hot tub.