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Do you keep one of those folders? The one stuffed with hotel screenshots, unique resorts, and Airbnb’s you’ve saved for “someday” — but never book because, well… yikes… a little above budget.
Guess what? Someday is now.
It’s called Secret Season — these deliciously quiet early months of the year when everyone else is recovering (and still paying) from the holidays. Who travels now besides skiers? Almost no one. And that’s exactly the point.
Insider tip: Jan – March is prime time.
We’re talking serious savings — we found rooms $100–$150 less than summer high season. Fewer crowds. More space. Easier dinner reservations. Peaceful hiking trails. And in California? You just might score stunning, blue-sky weather like last week.
If you’re new to Secret Season, start close to home. Our stretch of Highway 1 along the San Mateo coast delivers it all—crashing waves, bluff top hikes, working farms, and Pigeon Point Lighthouse standing guard. Add the newly designated Cotoni–Coast Dairies National Monument with its wide-open trails and wild beauty, plus a cozy stay at Costanoa, and you’ve got a winter escape that feels wonderfully undiscovered.
Hike First
Pack your hiking shoes and start the day right. In about an hour, we Silicon Valley–ites can be sipping coffee at Downtown Local in Pescadero. This avant-garde café is in the heart of downtown with indoor and outdoor seating alongside a fascinating collection of antiques, vintage cameras, and quirky finds.
From there, it’s just an 11-minute drive to Pigeon Point Lighthouse and State Park—well worth a stop. Currently under renovation, the lighthouse is preparing to reinstall its original Fresnel lens and reopen the tower for public climbs (estimated 2027). It’s fascinating to watch them work (ICC Commonwealth—historic preservation). How does one learn to fix lighthouses? I wondered too. The company owner got his start repairing smoke stacks, and now renovates lighthouses around the world. Adjacent to the lighthouse are gorgeous hiking trails to the north and south, plus the hostel—still a gem: $30 bunk rooms, $155 private rooms, full communal kitchens, spacious living areas, and a hot tub perched right on the coast. I spent the night here in December and had the place (and the hot tub) to myself.
Cotoni–Coast Dairies National Monument
Our next stop is 20 minutes south to the newly opened Cotoni–Coast Dairies National Monument, just north of Davenport, designated by President Obama eight days before leaving office.
What a save! Thanks Obama. Enjoy wide skies, rolling coastal terraces, and ranch land turned wilderness—big views, big beauty. Bring your phone and be a citizen scientist with Chronolog – a photo monitoring | land stewardship tool utilized at the site and powered by visitors like you and me.
Stay the Night – Coastanoa
Pull into Costanoa for happy hour… and maybe don’t leave. Opened in 1999, this eco-minded coastal retreat was designed to blend into the wild landscape — not compete with it. Lodge rooms, cozy cabins, tent bungalows (heated if you like), and classic campsites — all tucked into the rugged beauty of the San Mateo coast.
This is your one-stop shop for fresh air and freedom: hiking, biking, beach walks, and easy access to nearby parks. So much to do in the area.
Start by walking across Highway 1 for a basically flat, fantastic hike to Franklin Point (a 3-mile loop in Año Nuevo State Park). It’s rocky cliffs, windswept beaches, and—if luck is on your side—whale sightings. I forgot how gorgeous this hike is. Prefer to stay on property? Hike up to Ohlone Ridge (3 miles, about 90 minutes) for sweeping views of Año Nuevo Point and Island.
Stay Awhile
The lodge rooms are newly remodeled and priced right for Secret Season (starting around $250 this time of year). Ours had a wooden balcony overlooking the grounds, a gas fireplace to cozy up next to, and a groovy soaking tub with balcony views. They really did a nice job on the renovations – elevated yet homey.
Everything is in walking distance from the lodge: rocking chairs for sunset lounging, playgrounds, fire pits blazing, cold drinks and munchies from the general store, an ocean-facing Pescadero Deck for DIY happy hour.
Not a Lodge Person? Try these options…
- Cabins for 2 – 7 people (from $750)
- Heated or unheated tent bungalows ($89/$109)
- RV and tent sites (from $60)
- Pine Tent, a seasonal open-air gathering space for events
Dinner at Cascade
Wandering over to Cascade, I was surprised to see it buzzing on a Thursday night, and now I know why. The food is great! Hats of to Executive Chef Luis Chan-Camara and his crew on the delicious menu.
Dinner started with a Dry January selection from their “free-spirited menu” Faux Loma (grapefruit, lime, agave, soda). Not too sweet, and only $7. We toasted along with a loaf of warm bread topped with Chef’s prized homemade artichoke butter.
The Roasted Brussels Sprouts really caught my veggie attention—honey-glazed and paired with creamy, tangy goat cheese ($15). The Seared Salmon was perfectly cooked, resting on winter squash purée with charred kale and a bright citrus beurre blanc ($29). For dessert? Warm Berry Cobbler with melting ice cream and some crispy-crunchy magic garnishing the top. Wonderful meal in an unexpected place – worth the drive just for dinner.
Cascade has been beautifully refreshed (remember the old second floor? Gone). Word is the bar renovation is next — slated for midyear. This is already a bright and comfortable hangout to unwind post-hike or drive, and mingle with locals popping in after work. I can’t wait to see the new bar.
There’s still time to book a Valentine’s Escape — or just plan a midweek retreat all by your wonderful self. Coastanoa—it feels like an event coming out here—enjoying the natural beauty with really good food, drink and fire. Far, far away, but deliciously close to home.
On the Way Home…
There’s more to explore:
- Beauregard Vineyards
- Sante Arcangeli Family Wines
- Highway 1 Brewing Company – darn now closed 🙁
Farm stops worth pulling over for:
- Pie Ranch (produce, bakery, local goods)
- Harley Farms (goat cheese heaven)
- Swanton Berry Farm (berry desserts + coffee)
- Blue House Farm (beautiful produce)
Your Itinerary
Downtown Local: 213 Stage Rd, Pescadero (open daily 8/9AM – 5 PM)
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and Hostel: 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero (open daily 8 AM – sunset). Visitors Center (Thursday – Monday 10 AM – 4 PM)
Cotoni–Coast Dairies National Monument: 1 Cement Plant Rd, Davenport (open daily, sunrise to sunset)
Coastanoa: 2001 Rossi Rd, Pescadero
Cascade Restaurant and Bar (at Coastanoa)
Daily – Breakfast 7:30–11:30am
Lunch/Dinner 12–8:30pm (Sun–Thurs). 12–9pm (Fri–Sat)
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