Bean Hollow State Beach
The Park is currently OPEN.
Park Facilities
Looking for your next adventure?
California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer, including our NEW "Cars-BA" Family Camp at Big Basin! Online registration is open now!
Visiting Bean Hollow State Beach
Bean Hollow State Beach encompasses a one mile stretch of San Mateo Coast shoreline with two parking lots: Pebble Beach and Bean Hollow Beach. Pebble Beach is aptly name for the rounded, ocean-polished rocks that make up its shore. Collecting of any kind – including pebbles – is prohibited. Bean Hollow Beach features a small, sandy cove flanked by rocky tide pools.
The two beaches are connected by the Arroyo de los Frijoles Trail that runs one mile from Pebble Beach to Bean Hollow. Interpretive panels along the trail allow visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour.
Each beach offers a multitude of activities including fishing, picnicking, and beachcombing. Visitors can explore tide pools, home to anemones, crabs, sea urchins, and other marine inhabitants. Please only observe; do not touch or disturb the tide pools.
Swimming is dangerous because of cold water, rip currents, and heavy surf.
Pebble Beach is located half a mile south of Pescadero. The parking lot has chemical toilets and stairs that go down to the beach.
Bean Hollow State Beach, located one mile south of Pescadero, has a small parking lot with picnic tables and chemical toilets.
Basic Park Information
DOGS are permitted and must be controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times.
BEACH FIRES are not allowed.
COLLECTING is prohibited. Please refrain from removing shells, driftwood, and other natural beach features.
FIREWORKS are prohibited.
DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.
CAMPING is not available at this park. Nearby state park campgrounds include Half Moon Bay State Beach and Butano State Park.
WATER is NOT available in the park.
OCEAN SAFETY – Always use caution when you are in or near the ocean. The ocean water is very cold year-round. Even a short swim can cause cramps or hypothermia (a life-threatening condition which occurs when your body temperature drops before normal). In addition, strong rip currents can pull even the most experienced swimmers offshore.
PERMITS are required for all events and weddings. A photography permit is required for all commercial photography.
- Wedding & Special Events Permits:
SMPermits@parks.ca.gov
(650) 726-8819 - Film & Photography Permits:
SMFilmPermits@parks.ca.gov
(650) 726-8815