Bean Hollow State Beach is a hidden gem nestled just south of Pescadero on Highway 1. It is located along California’s scenic San Mateo Coast. This intimate beach park offers rugged beauty, tide-pool exploration, and relaxed coastal charm—ideal for beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and quality time with family or your leash-wrapped pup.
What Makes Bean Hollow Unique
Bean Hollow State Beach was established in 1958 and spans approximately 44 acres. It features a rare combo of sandy coves and dramatic rocky shores. The shores have honeycomb “tafoni” rock formations—etched by ocean spray and wind over millennia. It’s one of the only dog-friendly state beaches in the area, and home to vibrant tide pools full of anemones, crabs, barnacles, and sea urchins. One Redditor even enthused, “Bean Hollow beach has the best tidepools ever!”
Activities & Amenities
Beach Access & Tide Pools
The beach is accessible via two small parking lots—“Pebble Beach” at the north end and the sandy Bean Hollow cove to the south—connected by a one-mile bluff trail dotted with interpretive signs . Tide-pooling during low tide reveals colorful sea life; visitors are urged to observe gently and leave creatures undisturbed.
Swimming, Surfing & Fishing
Swimming is generally unsafe due to cold water, rip currents, and heavy surf—even experienced swimmers are advised caution . Surfing and windsurfing are possible here, but only for advanced users comfortable with exposed coast conditions. Shore fishing is occasionally practiced from the rocky points.
Picnic Areas & Restrooms
Each parking area offers picnic tables, basic chemical toilets, and steps down to beach access . There are no showers or potable water on site—plan accordingly.
Beachcombing & Wildlife Viewing
Explore washed pebbles, driftwood, and natural treasures—just don’t remove anything, as collecting is prohibited . Birdwatchers may spot cormorants, pelicans, and shorebirds; harbor seals often haul out on offshore rocks.
Hiking & Nature Trail
A self-guided bluff trail winds between the two beach areas. It offers interpretive panels and native coastal plant habitats. These include coast buckwheat, seaside daisy, leather leaf fern, and soaproot.
Swimming, Sunbathing & Surfing
While the sandy cove is appealing for sunbathing, swimming is risky and recommended only for hearty surfers. Experienced surfers may find occasional surfable waves, weather permitting .
Practical Visitor Tips
- Fees & Hours: Free day-use park; open 8 a.m. to sunset .
- Parking: Very limited—two small lots; overflow along Highway 1 is available but narrow; arrive early on weekends .
- Dogs: Allowed on leash no longer than 6 ft—rare dog-friendly exception .
- Restrooms & Water: Chemical toilets only; no drinking water or showers—bring supplies .
- Tide Pool Conduct: Observe tide pool life, but **do not touch or remove** organisms .
- No Fires or Collection: Beach fires, shell collecting, drones, fireworks all prohibited .
- Swimming Safety: Cold water and dangerous surf—beware of sneaker waves and currents .
- Fog & Layers: Coastal fog common—dress in layers with wind protection .
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Seek the southern coves at low tide. Explore for 30–40 feet. Tide pools here are some of the richest and least disturbed on the coast. You might find starfishes, anemones, hermit crabs, and even elephant seals on occasion. Evening brings dramatic sunsets and seal sightings right from the bluff trail, best paired with a stop at nearby Highway 1 Brewing to warm up afterward. For fewer crowds, visit on weekdays during early spring or autumn—foggy mornings filtered with soft light make for stunning photos and quiet contemplation.