Pin 11 1.1K Shares

Bean Hollow State Beach, also known as Arroyo de los Frijoles, is a beautiful cove beach flanked on both sides by rocks. The secluded beach is located on the San Mateo coast and makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway from San Francisco and Silicon Valley (about 47 miles south of San Francisco, 36 miles southwest of Palo Alto, 31 miles northwest of Santa Cruz). There is a one mile kid-friendly trail that links this beach to nearby Pebble Beach. Both beaches are considered part of Bean Hollow State Beach and are managed by the California Parks Department.

Both beaches have parking areas that are easily accessed via Coast Highway 1. Activities include tide pooling, fishing, beachcombing, photography, and hiking. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on leash. No bonfires are allowed and swimming is not recommended as the water is cold, has rip currents and there are no lifeguards on duty.

Stock up for picnic supplies at the nearby farming and ranching community of Pescadero or enjoy a prepared meal at the Highway 1 Brewing Company (lunch & dinner Monday and Thursday-Sunday, Sunday brunch) located about 5.6 miles to the south or travel another mile to the Costanoa Lodge and eat at their Cascade Bar & Grill which has excellent food. If spending the night, consider the rustic Pescadero Creekside Barn.