Old Pescadero Photos

Historic Pescadero CA Pictures

“Don’t squat with your spurs on” — Will Rogers

Originally a favorite hunting and fishing spot for Ohlone Indians, Pescadero CA was “founded” in 1856 when the first stores were opened.  Early Pescadero was a rough and tumble place, with many settlers drawn west for the gold rush settling in the coastal area that reminded them of New England.

The early townspeople were farmers and ranchers, and later were joined by fishermen and lumberjacks, supplying lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the Great Earthquake of 1906. Later, Pescadero became a vacation destination for people from San Francisco, being a one day stagecoach ride from the city. 

A local entrepeneur, James Coburn, attempted to cash in on the areas popularity with a large hotel and stable on Pebble Beach. It was one of FIVE hotels in the area at the time.

Pescadero has a long history of parades.A tradition that continues to this day, the Chamarita Festival each spring celebrates the Spanish Queen sending food to the Azores to safe the island folk starving from a famine.. Farming is still the mainstay of the towns lifestyle, with many new organic farms being started. Pescadero, CA now has a farmers market on Thursdays in season.

At one time Pescadero boasted of having five hotels and six bars for the visitors from San Francisco.  It was once the third largest city in San Mateo County. While much of the original downtown Pescadero was destroyed in a large fire, many original buildings still remain, having been renovated and continue in use for the local population.

“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip”-Will Rogers