By Liam Mayclem–
Road trips are a thing again with international travel grounded and domestic air travel not something all are comfortable doing. I love a good road trip: a one-day getaway and overnight stay. For almost a decade on CBS 5’s nightly magazine show Eye on the Bay, we took viewers on weekly trips to all corners of the region we love, the Bay Area.
A tank of gas will take you as far south as Los Angeles and as far north as Medford, Oregon, just across the county line. In this new occasional series, I will share some of my fave spots for local road trips for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies.
This first road trip is a coastal journey along Highway 1 to the beach town of Pescadero, just several miles past Half Moon Bay and exactly one hour from the Castro in San Francisco. Pescadero is easy to get to, and once you are there, you will find all of your heart’s desires: coastal charm, good eats & shopping, plus inviting locals. Stage Street is Main Street and you’ll find all you need in just a few short, beautiful blocks. While there are no gay-owned businesses referenced specifically here, all welcomed myself and my partner Rick with open arms.
Liam’s Road Trip Tips
Before you hit the road, consider these tips:
1. Book your hotel and restaurant(s) in advance whenever possible.
2. Call planned destinations on the day of your trip to confirm opening hours.
3. Pack masks & sanitizer.
4. Pack snacks & lots of water.
5. Pack shoes & coats befitting the coast.
6. Pack a tent in case you choose to camp.
7. Gas up or charge up the night before.
8. Print out a hard-copy map(s) as a back-up.
9. Leave early & avoid the weekend crush.
10. Travel mid-week for better deals & less crowds.
Now, grab your boo or your pandemic posse, hop in the car, and let’s get going!
Pescadero Road Trip Stops
Pescadero State Beach
Highway 1, Pescadero
8 am–Sunset
Come for the people watching, but stay for the sunsets. The picnic tables allow for a fun family gathering or place to hang with your quarantine pod. There is a fee for parking in one of three lots. The mile-long beach offers great trails and nature abounds.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=522
Harley Goat Farm
205 North Street, Pescadero
Daily 11am–4 pm
This is one of my favorite places on Earth. Run by Dee Harley, this bucolic working farm boasts not only a great interactive tour but also tastings of the best goat cheese in America. Yes, stop by and pet the goats, but don’t leave without visiting the store to fill your cooler with goat cheese, olive oil & more. The farm is also available for a limited number of farm dinners & gatherings.
Duarte’s Tavern
202 Stage Road, Pescadero
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 12 pm–3 pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12 pm–6 pm
Duarte’s is the spot in town for good eats & killer cocktails. The vibe is old school, but inviting and warm. The star here is the artichoke soup served with the warm artichoke bread from Arcangeli Grocery Co. down the road. Order a pie to go—the olallieberry is especially good and best served with ice cream.
Arcangeli Grocery Co.
287 Stage Road, Pescadero
11am – 6 pm
This family-run bakery and grocery, open since 1929, is the heart of Pescadero. It is where locals and visitors unite over their passion for the famous Arcangeli artichoke bread. All manner of crafted goodies are up for grabs here too, from fresh produce to jams, sauces, cheese, wine & more.
Downtown Local Coffee Shop
213 Stage Street, Pescadero
Daily 9 am– 5 pm
Their incredible coffee hits the spot, but it’s the psychedelic Beatles lounge that drew me in. Part coffee shop & part consignment store, this local hangout features lots to feast your eyes on, such as clothes & collectibles, as your coffee kicks in. Enjoy a pastry to go with your brew.
https://m.facebook.com/downtownlocal/
Pescadero Grown Community Farmers’ Market
Seasonal from June 1–November 1
Enjoy the bounty from the region’s purveyors at the farmers’ market from June to November. Beyond artichokes, which are the talk of the town here, there is an ever-evolving array of fruits & vegetables with the farmers behind them to share their stories.
https://mypuente.org/farmers-market-kickoff-june-1/
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
210 Pigeon Point Rd Hwy 1, Pescadero
How cool is this? At the foot of this charming 116-foot-tall lighthouse, the property offers vacation/rental-style accommodations spread out over several buildings for groups of family and friends. It’s located a few miles south of downtown Pescadero. At this time, they are only offering vacation rentals instead of dorm or private rooms, for guests’ maximum privacy and safety. That may change as restrictions lift. It’s a memorable place to crash with bragging rights for life.
Enjoy your travels. See you down the trail!
Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem is regularly featured on KPIX as well as KCBS, where he is the popular Foodie Chap. Born in London, Mayclem is now at home in the Bay Area, where he lives with his husband, photographer Rick Camargo. For more information: https://www.bookliam.com/
Published on May 6, 2021
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