Bean Hollow State Beach
Discover Bean Hollow State Beach, a unique pebble shore on Highway 1, perfect for tide pool exploration and scenic coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pool exploration
Bean Hollow State Beach
Best Time
Best for tide pool exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Bean Hollow State Beach, a unique pebble shore on Highway 1, perfect for tide pool exploration and scenic coastal walks.
"A must-visit for its unique pebble beach and vibrant tide pools, offering a different kind of coastal charm."
Check Tide Charts First! 🌊
Tide pools are best explored at low tide. Check local tide charts before your visit for the best experience.
Pebbles, Not Sand! :rock:
This beach is covered in pebbles, not sand. It's a unique experience, but be prepared for a different feel underfoot.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 569 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tide Pools
Rocky areas exposed at low tide
Discover vibrant marine life like ochre stars, crabs, and hermit crabs in shallow pools. A must-see for nature lovers!
Pebble Beach
Main beach area
Experience a unique beach with smooth, colorful pebbles instead of sand. Perfect for beachcombing and enjoying the sound of the waves.
Coastal Trail
North Bean Hollow State Beach
Enjoy a scenic walk along the coast, offering beautiful ocean views and a chance to connect with nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Pool Treasures & Pebble Beaches
Coastal Drive Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! 🌊
Tide pools are best explored at low tide. Check local tide charts before your visit for the best experience.
Pebbles, Not Sand! :rock:
This beach is covered in pebbles, not sand. It's a unique experience, but be prepared for a different feel underfoot.
Dog-Friendly Fun 🐕
Bean Hollow is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for bringing your furry friends along for a coastal adventure.
Coastal Drive Stop 🚗
Conveniently located on Highway 1, it's an ideal spot for a break during a scenic road trip. Parking can be tight.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! 🌊
Tide pools are best explored at low tide. Check local tide charts before your visit for the best experience.
Pebbles, Not Sand! :rock:
This beach is covered in pebbles, not sand. It's a unique experience, but be prepared for a different feel underfoot.
Dog-Friendly Fun 🐕
Bean Hollow is a dog-friendly beach, perfect for bringing your furry friends along for a coastal adventure.
Coastal Drive Stop 🚗
Conveniently located on Highway 1, it's an ideal spot for a break during a scenic road trip. Parking can be tight.
Wear Old Clothes 👕
Some visitors report getting dirty from potential oil or residue in the water/sand. Consider wearing older clothes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bean Hollow State Beach for its unique pebble shores and fascinating tide pools, offering a different coastal experience. While some note the beach can be a bit messy, the natural beauty and opportunities for exploration, especially during low tide, make it a worthwhile stop on Highway 1.
"Visited in the morning during a -0.20 ft low tide and really enjoyed exploring the rocks and pools. Great diversity, including a couple Ochre stars."
Blake Schmidt
"Cool foggy autumn day. The beach was pretty empty of people. Tide was going out- would’ve been great to walk the tide pool but didn’t because of my dog. I love Northern California beaches! My only negative was how dirty we both got. Must have been some oil or something in the sand/water that day. My white washcloth is permanently stained from my shower. My dog’s bright turquoise harness turned black. But it was worth it for the fun day at a beach."
Carrie Mtn
"A beautiful State beach area to enjoy nature and the ocean. Don’t forget to visit the pebbles on the beach."
Ray O'Connor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bean Hollow State Beach is located directly on Highway 1 in Pescadero, California. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is available but can be limited, especially on busy days. 
Yes, Bean Hollow State Beach is situated right on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), making it a scenic stop for road trippers.
There is a parking lot available at Bean Hollow State Beach. However, it can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Public transportation options to Bean Hollow State Beach are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle due to its location along Highway 1.
Absolutely! Bean Hollow State Beach is a fantastic destination for a day trip from San Francisco, offering a unique coastal experience. It's about an hour's drive south.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bean Hollow State Beach is a California State Beach, and typically there is no entrance fee to access the beach itself. However, parking may have a fee or be subject to time limits.
State beaches are generally open from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for any specific hours or closures.
No, advance booking is not typically required for general access to Bean Hollow State Beach. It's a public beach, and you can visit as you please.
While generally open, always be mindful of posted signs regarding safety, tide pool etiquette (don't remove anything!), and any specific park regulations.
Accessibility can vary at state beaches. While some areas may be accessible, the pebble beach and rocky tide pools might present challenges. It's best to contact the park directly for detailed accessibility information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy beachcombing, exploring tide pools, fishing, picnicking, and simply relaxing by the ocean. The pebble beach offers a unique environment for exploration. +1
Yes, Bean Hollow State Beach is renowned for its tide pools, especially during low tide. You can find a variety of marine life, including sea stars and anemones.
Swimming conditions can vary, and the water can be cold. It's advisable to check local conditions and be cautious if you choose to swim. The focus here is more on exploration and beachcombing.
Absolutely! The dramatic coastline, unique pebble beach, and vibrant tide pools make Bean Hollow State Beach a fantastic spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Dress in layers, as coastal weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the pebble beach and tide pools.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food facilities directly at Bean Hollow State Beach. It's recommended to bring your own picnic or plan to dine in the nearby town of Pescadero.
The beach itself offers scenic spots for picnics. You can find areas along the pebble shore to set up and enjoy your meal with ocean views.
The charming town of Pescadero, just a short drive away, offers several dining options, including local cafes and markets like Arcangeli Grocery Co.
Bonfires are typically not permitted at Bean Hollow State Beach. It's best to check with California State Parks for current regulations regarding fires.
Yes, the town of Pescadero has local spots like Arcangeli Grocery Co. that offer coffee and snacks, perfect for grabbing something before or after your beach visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers stunning light for photography. Low tide is also excellent for capturing the details of the tide pools.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline, while a macro lens can be useful for close-ups of tide pool creatures. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Don't miss capturing the unique pebble beach, the dramatic rock formations, and the diverse marine life within the tide pools. The coastal views are also spectacular.
Experiment with different angles, getting low to the ground to capture the power of the waves crashing on the pebbles, or from higher vantage points for a broader seascape.
Drone usage is often restricted in California State Parks. It's crucial to check the latest regulations from California State Parks before flying a drone to avoid penalties.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit