Pescadero Beach is located on Highway 1, about 14.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay. The beach is almost a mile-long, with a rugged shoreline featuring rocky cliffs, sandy coves, fishing spots, tide pools, and several picnic facilities. The shoreline towards the center is fairly protected from the waves by offshore rocks, creating many tide pools and areas of calm, open water.

This habitat is a favorite of Steller sea lions and harbor seals, who love to sprawl on the offshore rocks and sun themselves, occasionally sliding back into the water to hunt. The area is full of common Northern California offshore birds such as the black oystercatcher and is also popular with fishermen and people searching for mussels. Just across the highway is the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a refuge for kites, blue heron, deer, foxes, raccoons, and skunks, which is a popular spot for bird watchers and naturalists.

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