Pausing our work routine on an August afternoon to wander along Highway 1, my husband and I stumbled upon Gazos Creek State Beach. This San Mateo County jewel, 25 miles north of Santa Cruz and within close view of the much-visited Pigeon Point Lighthouse, turned out to be an appealing local discovery.
We were nearly alone on the beach except for the birds: pelicans, gulls, plovers, sparrows – too many to name – providing a superb photo op.
Top, left, right: gulls; pelican; Gazos Creek meeting the Pacific
The beach came with a history, too. The Portolá Expedition of 1769 camped on October 23 near the mouth of Gazos Creek. This expedition of 63 men and 200 horses and mules, traveling from San Diego in search of Monterey Bay, stumbled instead upon San Francisco Bay. They are believed to be the first Europeans to see San Francisco Bay and the magnificent coastal redwoods. Imagine what California looked like then . . .
Gazos Creek State Beach looking north to Pigeon Point Lighthouse
The ocean was cold, but refreshing, with steady waves, but no surfers. Jagged rock formations covered with brilliant yellow flowers (see picture ~ right), small caves, and weathered driftwood filled the seascape.
After a couple of leisurely hours, we walked back up the hill to our small pickup, noticing several new arrivals in the parking lot and hearing German being spoken. Imagine: they’d traveled halfway across the world to visit this beach and for us it’s close to home.
For more on the Portolá Expedition, visit the Monterey County Historical Society website.
Learn about bird species at Gazos Creek State Beach.
