Post and photos contributed by Lisa Dion
Every year for the past several, our family meets to camp with a posse of others that we’ve known since my daughter Parker was in preschool. We secure the same sites at Butano State Park in Pescadero in a protected bowl of trees down the hill from a big meadow.
Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m more 5-stars than under the stars — camping is not my thing. But, I suck it up for a weekend at the end of the summer to hang out with this awesome crew. And also because Pescadero, California is a true gem.
About an hour from both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, this delightful rural town is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland and across the highway from some of the most spectacular beaches on the Pacific coastline.
The tiny town itself stretches a few blocks down State Street and is anchored on the west by the venerable Duarte’s Tavern, a Pescadero institution since 1894. This is a must stop for the cream of artichoke soup, the crab melt, and old school cocktails.
If you’re like me and don’t especially enjoy getting filthy and sleeping on the ground, there are other options. Costanoa, a few miles south steps it up a bit by offering glamping in tent bungalows with heated floors and a lodge if you require showering.
Or fully upgrade to the lovely McCormick House “Bed & Biscuit” Inn and enjoy breakfast in bed in a cozy historic house.
Insider Tip
Bean Hollow Beach is a pristine, accessible stretch with tide pools just south of town.
Do yourself a solid and stop at Archangeli’s Market to pick up a warm loaf of artichoke bread and a cappuccino at quirky Foursquare while perusing the collection of vintage items that fill the shop.
For additional insider tips follow @Nancydbrown on Twitter and @CAStateParks.
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