Only have a single day to get away? This might be for you. Warm artichoke bread straight from the oven, chased with a slice of rhubarb pie, and about 5 miles of scenic hiking in between to burn off all those calories? Add dinner at a local brewery and it's a perfect day.
This pre-planned package includes the following:
Pescadero is a small town with a population around 600, right on historic Highway 1, about 14 miles south of Half Moon Bay. Within an hour and a half from San Francisco, this town is very accessible and has a lot of wonder to offer those who seek it.
Today's going to be a really fun day, but there is a lot going on, so an early start would be good. Plan to arrive at the Arcangeli Grocery company to pickup food for the hike. You can grab a sandwich or just buy a load of artichoke bread, turkey breast and some wasabi hummus. You may find that you'll finish eating before you even get to the trailhead!
Butano State Park is literally down the street from Pescadero town. Once you're at the park, pay the entrance fee ($10 per car, cash only) and drive up to the Ben Ries campground for parking closer to the trail. There are several wonderful trails down here that could take several hours, but in the interest of time and the beer you'll need to consume later, a 2 hour trail would do just fine. We suggest a custom made, moderate 5 miler for the occasion.
You were probably standing on the top of the Butano Valley thinking, I could do a piece of pie and a beer right now. So let's fix that :) Get back in the car and head to the pie ranch on Highway 1. Keep track of time – the pie ranch technically closes at 5, but they could run out of pie as early as 4. Finally head back up Hwy 1 to the Hwy 1 Brewing Company for a nice juicy burger, a beer flight and live music.
Doesn't that look absolutely delicious?
Nature offers free retreats.
This is the burger and beer you were craving.
Pescadero can be a great destination all year round thanks to the wonderful California weather. But we'd recommend the spring or the summer to get to sit outside when dining, as well as have a more comfortable hike.