You can click each place to learn more & to view the menu!
Alice’s Restaurant
(Diners, Burgers)
17288 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside (650) 851-0303, Open Daily
Alice’s is a little slice of bliss among the redwoods. Whether you want gourmet burgers and sweet potato fries, one of their scrumptious scrambles, or homemade pies – you can find it. *Alice’s was named after the Arlo Guthrie song around the time when Ken Kesey was throwing legendary acid parties just down the road in nearby La Honda during the late 60s!
Duarte’s Tavern
(American-Traditional, Pubs)
202 Stage Road, Pescadero (650) 879-0464, Open Daily
A Pescadero landmark. Serving people and booze since 1894. It’s also a national James Beard Award winner for excellence. Specialties include cream of artichoke soup, crab cioppino, and their famous olallieberry pie (a’ la mode of course!). Using local ingredients like artichokes from their own garden, olallieberries from down the road, fresh fish from Princeton, beer from Half Moon Bay Brewery, and wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains. *A local insider tip: ask for a “half and half,” it’s half cream of artichoke and half cream of green chili soup! Yum.
The Mountain House
(American-New, Steakhouse)
13808 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside (650) 851-8541
The Mountain House offers an original fusion of California and American cuisine in a ridge top mountain cabin nestled amidst giant redwood trees. Enjoy generous servings of the coast – fresh seafood, steak, pasta, venison, and other game specials, followed by delicious homemade desserts. Enjoy your evening in an elegantly rustic, candle-lit dining room or the outdoor beauty of the forest room.
Bucks of Woodside
(American-Traditional, Breakfast, Brunch)
3062 Woodside Road, Woodside (650) 851-8010, Open Daily
Bucks is the place for a power lunch. Netscape had its early meetings in the backroom, Tesla was founded there, PayPal got funded there. Bucks became the first public Wi-Fi hot spot in the nation in the late ’90s! Plus, crazy vintage historic items hanging from the ceiling, decorating the walls, sills, and even the bathrooms will keep you distracted if all the people watching won’t. I always discover new treasures they’ve added each time I go. How many places can you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner and see horses tied up alongside Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or Teslas? Oh, and the food is pretty good too!
Highway 1 Brewing Company
(Brewery)
5720 S Cabrillo Highway, Pescadero (650) 879-9243
Highway 1 Brewery prides itself on creating unique combinations and incorporating flavors into its brews and small plates that most would not think of. Working with the local farmers, their menu of brews and bites change with the seasons to keep things as local and fresh as possible and always exciting. Stop on by for a French-Mexican War, the Pepper in the Rye, Ol’ Snaggletooth, or sample all the brews with a taster flight. Enjoy some wonderful food and an amazing view of the Pacific to go along with!
Arcangeli Grocery Company (Norm’s Market)
(Grocery)
287 Stage Road, Pescadero (650) 879-0147, Open Daily
Founded by Sante Arcangeli and run by the same family since their humble beginnings as Pescadero Bakery and Grocery in 1929. They have a unique selection of fresh bread (you must try their famous artichoke bread) pies, pasta sauces, salsas, California wines, cheeses, deli, local produce, and more goodies.
La Honda Country Market
(Grocery)
8865 La Honda Road, La Honda (650) 747-9722, Open Daily
They have a little of everything from deli sandwiches to local produce to the little things you forgot to bring to The Cottage!
Loma Mar Store
(Grocery/Kitchen)
8150 Pescadero Creek Road, Loma Mar (650) 879-0203, Open Wednesday-Sunday
This little store is 90 years strong! Recently renovated, they have locally sourced products, in house delish!!! bakery & deli using ingredients from neighboring farms, espresso bar, beer on tap, and wine by the glass! Sit outside on the deck and enjoy under the redwoods. Check the calendar for live music, brunch & other fun events.
Mercado & Taqueria de Amigos
(Mexican)
Yes, inside the gas station!
1999 Pescadero Creek Road, Pescadero (650) 879-0232, Open Daily
This unassuming taco joint (that we locals like to keep all to ourselves) is inside a gas station. Most ‘city folk’ drive right past it but what they don’t know is this joint has been written about in the NY Times as one of the best fish tacos in the country! Yes, they really are that good. They also serve enchiladas, fajitas, tamales, Chile Rellenos, burritos and more. Distinctive, authentic, fast service, inexpensive, and really friendly people – can’t get any better than that! Be sure to take your meal to the beach, the forest, or a spot along Stage Road to enjoy outside.
The Sunshine
(Grocery)
213 Stage Road, Pescadero (650)879-9155, Closed Tuesdays
A grab-and-go + pantry offering healing meals and snacks that highlight what our beautiful coastal terroir has to offer. Produce, meats, and pantry items that are 100% gluten-free. No processed white sugar either! House-made soups, salads, and snacks are served in mason jars to avoid the use of plastic.
Hey, are you going into Half Moon Bay to eat? Click here
VISIT ‘GREAT SITES’ SECTION
VISIT ‘GREAT STOPS’ SECTION
- A great place to find serenity with family, friends, or just yourself!
I don't need to repeat what has already been said, but I have a few comments to add.
Attention to details, personal touches are awesome! Look around & appreciate the details!
Bring - clothes, food, & not much else! Basic spices are provided. I brought butter, but didn't bring any cooking oil. Butter can be used of course, but sometimes cooking oil is easier.
Don't bring - coffee, espresso, waffle maker, blender, or cooking pots, pans or utensils. If you bring your worries or stress, let 'em go whne you are here.
WiFi is easy & fast! No problems streaming. Plenty of USB plug ins.
I will return . . . . . . soon!
Cheers!read moreread lessEric J. - Exactly what we needed This was our first family trip to California an looked at several properties for our stay. We looked at reviews an Where the Waterfalls was recommended highly by many. I'm glad we chose Amy to rent from an I could not imagine any other place being so hospitable. The property is simply breathtaking, between the secluded environment of the redwoods an the hot tub outside it was very hard to leave the house to go to town. The drive in to town was one I will never forget. The fact I got to drive that route for a week is a bonus itself. We have 3 teens an a 12 year old an they were just as content w/ the ping pong table an the firepit an dont forget the hammock tucked in the red woods. We made family memories on that property an in my point of view made the best decision choosing Amy an her cottage.
A short drive to Santa Cruz an even closer to Half Moon Bay all on the historic California Rt 1. So many beaches on that route its impossible to not find one you like. We made arrangements an had lots of plans in the area but it was always nice to come back to the house.
An I have to mention how close the State Park is to the house, its literally a 1/4 mile down the road. You drive by it every time you leave the house an there are amazing sights. Giant fallen red woods trees, a beautiful creek an awesome trails.
In closing I'd like to thank Amy again for always making sure we were OK but also leaving us to our own privacy. It literally was a perfect time w/ house an owner. Thank you an I'd love to see it again.read moreread lessKarlos R. - The Cottage Where Water Falls is a true gem! Unique among stays anywhere in the world - here in our own neck of the woods.... Here are just some of the hospitality touches you may enjoy: fresh baked cookies, homemade marshmallows, wine, nuts, and fruit-infused water; a record player with awesome vintage records; tons of games; interesting books; Nespresso and frother (gotta have the frother!); outdoor paradise - clean hot tub under the stars, great ping pong table, horse shoes, hammock, swings.... The fire pit was already prepped with paper, kindling, and logs all ready to light! We went to sleep to a chorus of frogs and woke with the roosters.... The historical information was fascinating, too. The setting is fantastic, too. So close to Pescadero and the little towns dotting the forest. The new Loma Mar Market with awesome pastries is a few minutes away. We hiked the Heritage Grove Trail (many nearby parks were unfortunately closed due to last fall’s fires), drove the Stage Coach Road, visited farm stands, Harley Farms (baby goats! Goat cheese!), Bean Hollow/Pebble Beach, and Half Moon Bay easily in a weekend. Coolest thing ever - the instructions for checkout are not to clean - you’re on vacation! Of course we still tidied, etc., but without the stress of - what can be at other Airbnbs - draconian cleaning requirements on top of a steep cleaning fee - which can be a damper at the end of any vacation. NOT HERE!! Such a nice touch. We cannot wait to come back again, and again....!read moreread lessKimberly
- I cannot possibly rave enough about this home! Thoughtful touches everywhere, big comfy beds, super clean, gorgeous setting, charming and stylish decor, great heating, games, hot tub...wish I had more time there to soak more of it up! It was the best AirBnb I've ever stayed in. Highly recommend.read moreread lessJennifer
- Wonderful Trip for the Fall What a perfect time we had at The Cottage at Where Water Falls. From the Welcoming Basket to all the other decorating touches, including the descriptions of the decorations on the walls, we felt right at home. The Cottage was full of everything we needed including the Ping Pong Table. There is lots of hiking in the San Mateo County Parks, and fall was a great time to come visit the Loma Mar area. We even went to the Pescadero Farmer's Market and several pumpkin farms. We would definitely come back for a visit to the area and stay at the Cottage!read moreread lessvicki m.
- Wonderful place This Place is really fantastic!!! Location is good and the photos was fine. But nobody can't describe this place with photos, you must see it by yourself. The property was VERY CLEAN!!! We are two couples from Sweden, and we have never rented such a good place before. The owner was very helpful and answered all our questions. We would really recommend this place to our friends. One thing about the restaurants in Pescadero and also the shops. The people there were not so friendly, we don't know if it was because that we are Tourists, but I Think the need to change their behaviour. We are used to all friendly people in the restaurants in California.read moreread lessGunilla
- Great place to rejuvenate After full days of sightseeing, the cottage was so nice to come back and unwind. It is absolutely beautiful both inside and out!!! The house was equipped with everything you could possibly need. A ton of love and attention has gone into this lovely home. I did not want to leave. Thank you Amy and family!!!read moreread lessTonya
- Absolutely Perfect!! From beginning to end our stay was magical! Location was private and beautifully tucked into the woods. The welcoming notes and gifts were such a nice touch. It was so hard to check out because none of us wanted to leave! We're already looking forward to our next visit ♡read moreread lessJordan K.
- What. A. Property. Such an amazing time! Amy has thought of so many little touches and details! We couldn't have been happier with our stay! The garden is breathtaking and there was so much to explore!
She provides history of the property and area (her family goes back generations on that property! I loved the history and learning about everything. 10 stars, they were amazing hosts <3read moreread lessMargaret - Our family enjoyed a wonderful stay at the cottage for 4 nights. We were a little wary at first because it was a brand new listing and seemed much nicer than anywhere I had seen in the area for around the same cost. However, after talking to the owners we felt reassured and are so glad we decided to stay. They were always helpful and told us to call anytime if we needed anything but we never had to because it seemed they had thought of everything we might need already. The cottage is very private and we never saw them but every morning a delicious breakfast was delivered to our door, then the dishes picked up later in the day like room service. Even with 6 people we never felt crowded because there are so many different places to spread out—the deck, fire pit, back patio, the hot tub, a hammock and swing hidden in a small grove of redwoods and more—all serenaded by the relaxing sound of the beautiful backyard waterfall. The landscaping is lovely and the cottage itself has been completely remodeled and has every amenity yet still feels very homey, full of neat little details everywhere. We were always finding new surprises from the décor to the interesting mix of thoughtful books and games. Best of all was simply relaxing with a good book or exploring the natural surroundings—watching the birds, banana slugs and even 4 deer one night while driving the 7 miles from Pescadero. Although we were on a family vacation, the cottage would make a great getaway for families or couples in the Bay Area who want to get away from it all without going too far. If you are visiting from out of town it will also give you a new perspective while serving as a base to explore the Bay Area. The setting in the middle of the redwoods is truly awe-inspiring—it’s easy to just relax among the trees and forget about everything. Sure it is a little off the beaten path but that is part of the cottage’s charm. Yet it is still only an hour drive up or down the beautiful California coast to spend a day in Santa Cruz or San Francisco, and about half an hour through the redwoods to Palo Alto. Another day we just hiked around the redwoods and went to the nearby un-crowded coastal beaches and Pelican Point lighthouse. I really can’t recommend this place enough—it even exceeded our high expectations and put the rest of the places we stayed on vacation to shame. We hope to return as soon as we can!read moreread lessMark H.
- I booked a two night stay as a surprise for our 43rd anniversary. After booking, I started questioning whether it made sense to pay a premium for a place so close to home....I need not have worried. After the first hour we were wishing we had at least another day and after the first night we decided to make a stay at the cottage an annual event. Amy has thought of EVERYTHING to make your stay as comfortable and fun as possible. The cottage is spacious, bright, and appointed beyond anyone’s expectations. The decor and design, inside and out is so well thought out, every detail is brilliantly considered, from the hammock placed in a magical spot under a canopy of redwoods to the many personal touches throughout the home. We never tired of finding new special touches....fruit infused water in the fridge, wine and snacks on the counter...check...stencil art in the bedroom...even found a birdie in the closet!...check...every detail so well thought out, every comfort considered. The hiking in the area is amazing, although some parks were still closed after a bad fire season.
If you’re looking for a lot of action or a foodie restaurant scene, Lima Mar is not for you. If you want to be absolutely pampered and relaxed in the heart of the redwoods, don’t hesitate.
I have stayed in vacation rentals all over the world and am a “super host” myself, but I have never stayed in such a magical place. We will be back year after year.
Thank you, Amy!read moreread lessBonnie N. - The perfect relaxing getaway From the time we booked our stay several months ago Amy has been welcoming, responsive, efficient and friendly. We booked here because a family member was getting married in a nearby state park and we knew it would be a convenient location. Our experience far exceeded our expectations. We flew in to San Jose and used Amy’s detailed directions (complete with photos – yeah!) to wind our way to the Cottage and were welcomed with homemade cookies and marshmallows and wine. The property was immaculately, spotlessly clean, very comfortable, and had every single thing we could want or need. The kitchen was fun to cook in - the appliances seem brand new, there are lots of pots and pans and dishes and utensils and very sharp knives! The front porch with its rockers and swing were perfect for coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. We cooked dinners on the grill and ate at the table on the back porch. The flowers surrounding the house are so lovely and obviously well cared for; the hot tub made for a perfect de-stresser; the internet was fast and reliable; the music provided a great background for our time there – streaming 50’s and 60’s music matched the era of the house and made for lots of fun sing-alongs; even the bathrooms are terrific! The roosters in the morning were a little shocking the first day but we got used to them pretty quickly. 😉 While the rest of our family were stuck in the traffic and noise of Half Moon Bay, we were relaxing in our mountain refuge. Amy’s sense of fun and attention to detail are apparent and very much appreciated. We loved the family touches, stories and information about the area. It’s obvious she loves this place and now so do we. We’re sending huge thanks to Amy (and Sharon & Irv) for sharing their home with us!read moreread lessSusan H.
- Extraordinary place for a wonderful weekend of rest and relaxation! The pictures on the website do not do justice for what awaits you upon entering the property. The minute you enter the wooden door, the outside patio beckons you to follow the path towards the waterfall, where you just want to lounge by the fire pit with a glass of wine in your hand. The back patio is spacious and delightfully landscaped and decorated, and is even more stunning at night with the lighting.
Upon entering, our family was greeting with a special welcome message on the board. The cottage is spacious, clean, and had all the amenities one can want. The attention to details was amazing. We really appreciated the warm welcome basket waiting for us with a bottle of wine, fresh baked sugar cookies, cheese & crackers, chocolates and marshmellows to roast in the fire pit.
The abundance of board games, ping pong table, foosball table, dvds, entertainment system left not a moment of boredom. The cottage was well stocked with basic necessities from shampoo to towls, and even provided make up remover in the bathrooms. The kitchen is modernly equiped and suited well for our family Thanksgiving weekend there and the dining table was spacious.The fire place created a warm ambiance pre & post dinner - giving us many hours to talk and laugh the nights away.
The perfect to end the night for a few of us was to watch the stars and reminisce about good times, while the stress of daily life melted away in the hot tub. What more can one ask for? We commonly rent vacation homes when we travel, from within California, to Hawaii, and all the way to Italy. We have to say, this has been one of the most positive experiences we've had...not only from the property but from the begining of the process with Amy all the way to the thoughtful card after our stay.
We would recommend this property to anyone who wants to have a memorable trip and experience, wheter it be for good times with family & friends or a quiet relaxing time to rejuvenate the soul.
Thank you!!!
-The Mack Familyread moreread lessMack F. - Wonderful mountain escape The cottage is lovely and well-appointed with everything you can think of. Amy was responsive to our requests and questions and was always pleasant and helpful. It was a perfect location for a get-together with old friends. We enjoyed the rockers on the deck, the hot tub, cooking in the well-appointed kitchen, grilling fresh fish outside, fires in the fire ring after supper, and fires in the living room fire place on chilly evenings. (We also enjoyed local wines during many of these activities!) Spent one day going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, another exploring nearby beaches and picking up fresh fish in Half Moon Bay. The last day we took a couple of nearby hikes through the red woods and then returned to the cottage to laze around. I have particularly fond memories of reading a book in the hammock under the redwoods. I highly recommend this vacation property. It's a great get away just an hour from San Jose.read moreread lessMartha H.
- Amy's place was just what we were looking for in a weekend getaway: close enough to drive from the south bay but still feel like you are somewhere very different, fireplace, comfortable beds, hot tub and nice kitchen -- in the gorgeous redwoods, 10 minutes from one of our favorite little towns (Pescadero). Amy, thought of everything and we really appreciated it all the treats. We will be back for sure!read moreread lessBeth
- This Cottage is Pure Bliss We had the privileged of staying here for our wedding weekend, and WOW! Amy went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and cozy. The home is immaculate and the thought and details radiate love and warmth. Even with the PG&E power outages- with zero fault to the owners!!- we had the best time and made the best of it all. As modern as this home in the woods is, there is also plenty to do and enjoy without power! The home already had flashlights in almost every room, lanterns, and wood for the fireplace. We had such a peaceful weekend and dream of coming back soon!read moreread lessAshley W.
- Amy's cottage is amazing! The attention to detail is above and beyond and you can really feel the care that Amy has taken in helping create a memorable experience for her guests. From personal notes and gifts of fresh blackberries, homemade wine and even a birthday ballon, Amy extends a warm hearted welcome. Since Amy's family has roots in this home, she has invested a sensitive energy to how it is presented and honored. The landscape is so inviting with the lovely garden and surrounding forest and you'll love unwinding under the stars in the fancy hot tub. You can pick fresh herbs to add to your meals prepared in the greatly outfitted kitchen and enjoy them al fresco on the charming patio in the fresh Loma Mar air. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend Amy as a fabulous host and her lovely cottage as an Airbnb gem. Thank you, Amy!read moreread lessErin
- My wife and I spent her birthday weekend at the cottage, and it was a perfect getaway. It was a bit of an indulgence for just two people, since the house has two bedrooms (both with large beds) and two full baths. But it was a special occasion, and it looked perfect for our purpose, which was to lounge around and do as little as possible.
We arrived on a Friday night (stayed through Sunday), and found the cottage all lit up with music playing inside. A gift bag of wine, fruit, and snacks greeted us in the kitchen. The house was in perfect condition; everything very clean and in order.
The kitchen (which is where I usually get picky) was well-stocked, and had all the tools I needed for a few modest meals. The closest food shops are several miles away and close early, so you kinda need to plan ahead. Provided in the house is coffee, tea, sugar, salt, and pepper. There's a coffee grinder, drip machine, and an espresso pod machine, too. The only thing I wish we'd brought was milk for the coffee.
The dining room is just outside the kitchen and seats 6. The living room has a bunch of comfortable chairs, a fireplace, a TV with cable and DVD player, and a foosball table (kinda weird, but okay). There are a ton of great board games and books in the bookshelf. My wife and I kept calling it "the most interesting bookshelf in the world".
The two bedrooms and bathrooms are both clean and in great shape. I found it a bit weird that there wasn't a dresser to put your clothes in (in either bedroom), but there were shelves in the closet that did the trick. The bed we stayed in was comfy and warm. The window coverings aren't exactly opaque, so bring an eye mask if you want to sleep in.
Outdoors there are a ton more things: a nice deck that looks out to the road, a patio in the back with a gas grill, a hot tub, a fire pit, and then a hammock and swing a little ways up the hill.
The setting is a big redwood grove, and a half mile down the road is Memorial Park, which looks like a great park for camping. We took a little hike down there during our stay, and it was beautiful to see the creek and the redwoods. And the banana slugs! The cottage has lots of helpful little maps and guides that will get you the hike or nature experience that you're looking for.
I can't say enough nice things about this spot. Would highly recommend for a lazy weekend away in the woods. The proprietors clearly care a lot about their guests' experience, and everything from the initial booking to our arrival was easy and stress-free.read moreread lessAndrew M. - 3rd year at the cottage where we craft, make memories and relax! The Cottage is, by far, the BEST vacation rental I have ever booked. For 3 years, myself and 6 other women spend 3 nights at the Cottage. We are all moms taking a couple of days to relax and craft away. Amy is amazing. We are so very glad that they decided to share their home with us. It doesn't feel like a rental, it truly feels like home. Each and every time we have been there, my mind, body and soul are nourished. I would give it all the stars in the sky if I could!!!! Every detail that is put into your stay exceeds my imagination. AND it is so clean that I could eat off the floor!! Being with 5 others, I used the roll-away this visit and was surprised at how comfy the bed was. Let's not forget the red wine!!! It was spectacular. This place is such a gem. Thank you very much Amy for everything!!! Until the next time...xoxoread moreread lessLisa L.
- I kind of want to keep this place secret It’s AMAZING. Perfectly appointed, thoughtful hosts, lovely setting. My kids spend a few days every year at a camp nearby and I will keep on coming back without hesitation. They've taught me A TON about being a better host at my own vacation rental home. THANKS!read moreread lessSara B.
- This is the best Airbnb I’ve stayed at, and I’ve stayed at a lot!! The property has an interesting history and the host Amy, is super thoughtful! She left local goodies, wine, and sent many recommendations for local activities. We enjoyed going to the coast a short and beautiful drive away, and relaxing at the house! The property is huge with so many fun things to do- ping pong, foosball, horseshoes, tree swing and hammock, gardens, hot tub, fire pit, porch swing and rocking chairs, a record player and some classic records, a well-equipped kitchen…it’s everything you could want in a vacation home! We will definitely be back!read moreread lessKristina
- My adult son and I stayed here for 2 nights after being in Yosemite NP for most of the week. I've stayed in quite a few VRBO accommodations and think this was the best I've stayed at. The gardens are fantastic! After driving 5+ hours from Yosemite and dropping off my younger son at SFO, we got to the cabin and immediately hung out on the lounge chairs on the patio and the stress of travel just melted away. The beauty and scent of the gardens, the sun, glorious redwood trees, hummingbird, turkeys, and quail hanging out at the bird bath were all so peaceful and relaxing. The inside of the cabin is thoughtfully appointed and beautiful as well and was great to retire to once the temperature dipped outside. We had fun rummaging through the record collection and playing some albums--haven't done that in decades. The treats and bottle of wine were also much appreciated. This was a fantastic place to stay and it was too bad that we were there for such a short time.read moreread lessPeter M.
- The details are what we so appreciated about Where the Water Falls. During our two night stay, we came nowhere close to experiencing all of them. The fire pit, the horse shoes, the board games and ping pong will need to happen at a future visit. We (a pair of couples) arrived at Amy’s place after a almost 15 mile hike from a friend’s house near the top of Page Mill Rd, so our goal was rest, nutrition, and nurturing our aching muscles. We enjoyed the spacious and well equipped kitchen and patio area to cook bbq dinners. We 50-somethings, spun a number of records from the Righteous Brothers to Beatles, selecting albums that we grew up hearing, and reminisced about our childhoods, lounging on the comfortable chairs and couch. There is no other music experience like spinning vinyl! I soaked in the hot tub, with a view of chipmunks scampering on the rocks at the edge of the (Website hidden by Airbnb) was a soothing soak! Beds were very comfortable, the neighborhood quiet, and we were grateful for our very restful stay!read moreread lessJim
- Quaint, well-appointed cottage in the redwoods Compared to the photos and descriptions, the Cottage is possibly understated! Adorable, neat as a pin, wonderful attention to detail and well-appointed. The term "gracious living" comes to mind. We loved our stay here, and really appreciated how great the kitchen was. Everything we reached for (utensils, waffle maker, griddle, cutlery) was there, and the little notes and descriptions were a highlight. Thanks for the welcome basket; we mowed through several of the treats on our first evening while sitting on the front porch listening to the birds.
We had a wonderful time, and will definitely be back! Thanks Amy, Sharon and Irv!read moreread lessSioux - Awesome Cottage! The Cottage is great- it's very inviting when you get there. We arrived to find it lit up with a bunch of cool lights, there was a great welcome basket for us in the kitchen (as well as some homemade stuff), and a cool welcoming message on the board in the entryway. She's pretty much thought of everything- there's a full kitchen with very good appliances, a cool coffeemaker with a grinder in it for fresh-ground coffee, a grill, great bedding, all sorts of games and books, ping pong, foosball, hot tub, multiple areas to relax both inside and outside, a hammock in the trees, places to get some sun, etc. She has all sorts of information on places to go and things to do in the area. We also used the bird identifying guides she had for the tons of cool birds around. On top of it all, she's super friendly and really good at responding when you email her.
Nearby Pescadero is a cool little town and the Mercado & Taqueria De Amigos (the gas station/convenience store in town) has a really good Mexican restaurant inside (we went there a few times while we were there). It doesn't look like much but the food is awesome (and pretty cheap!). There are good beaches all along Hwy 1 just a few miles away.
Oh yeah, and driving on the curvy mountain roads through the redwoods is tons of fun as well!
Thanks again!read moreread lessJordan P. - Delightful, comfortable, sparkling-clean house deep in the redwoods. Fantastic hiking and swimming holes in state park in walking distance. 15 minutes from the coast, and spectacularly beautiful Pescadero State Park beach. If you love nature, and yet want all the modern conveniences in a lovely house, this is the place for you. Our hosts were there in a heartbeat if we had any questions but gave us our privacy. Ask them about their fascinating family history as the first settlers in the region!read moreread lessJulia
- Regeneration and relaxation under the redwoods We knew when we opened the gate onto the lovely flagstone patio and heard the frogs creaking in the waterfall pond that we had stumbled upon a magical place in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. We had booked the cottage (by the way, calling this a cottage is modest in the extreme) on short notice when a previous reservation had fallen through. Lucky us! Sometimes clouds do have silver linings. We were talking about this with our friends as we let the hot tub soak away our long day of travel. Amy's welcome basket (wine, cheese, nuts, and other goodies) had been waiting for us on the island in the extremely well-appointed kitchen. The home, and it is a home, is wonderful in all respects: spotlessly clean, very comfortable beds, decorated with amy's winsome photographs of local creatures, and some pieces dating to the time the house was built. If you are wine drinkers, make sure to try the Pinot Noir made by the family who runs the grocery store in Pescadero Creek, which I suspect you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer, and we have hopes to remedy that someday.read moreread lessBrent G.
- Great weekend getaway We just got back from a great weekend in Loma Mar at the Cottage. The cottage has been recently renovated and was very comfortable for two couples. We BBQ'd each night, shared some wine, used the hot tub, played some ping pong - just a great, relaxing weekend all around. The house is in a easily accessible location surrounded by beautiful redwoods and only a 15-20 minute drive (and a beautiful drive, no less) from Pescadero Beach. Pigeon Point and Ano Nuevo are just a few minutes further down PCH.
The hosts do a wonderful job providing information about the surrounding area. The cottage was well appointed with all the kitchen utensils you might need, extra roll away beds, linens, towels, etc. It's also only a 5 minute drive from a small general store that carries anything you might have forgotten.
A big thanks to the hosts for a great time and for the wonderful breakfasts, which are brought fresh each morning. The breakfast baskets included scones, apple tarts, berries, yogurt, granola, etc. All of it delicious and much appreciated.
Selfishly, I don't want to post the review because I don't want word to get out that this place exists! But, we'll definitely be back - looking forward to it!Review Response:Owner - Thanks for the great review. We are happy you all had a relaxing weekend. I agree, Loma Mar is in a unique area-feels so far away, yet closer than you think. Oh, and we will secretly keep a weekend open for you! 😉read moreread lessKC - This place is adorable!! A few friends and I decided to escape the city for a quick getaway. Amy is a great host. The place was spotless with so many unique touches (cookies & wine) upon checkin. We really enjoyed the horseshoes, ping pong table, fire pit, and jacuzzi. This is a great pick. The morning view on the deck was so peaceful and there was a lot of privacy.
Highly recommend!read moreread lessAnita - Cottage in Redwoods With Waterfall The listing description of this property and location sounded wonderful, but the privilege of actually staying in it exceeded our highest expectations! The darling cottage was so clean, well equipped and decorated! The landscaping was gorgeous. There were six of us staying there and we took advantage of ping pong, horseshoes, hot tub, hammock on the hill, television, books, well equipped kitchen and more. We definitely would recommend this property to friends and relatives (providing that we could go there with them!). The owner was very helpful, both in emails and by little notes of descriptions and information in the cottage. On our way home we went to the tiny town of Pescadero, saw the amazing goat farm and market and bought very special food items. There are very good restaurants in nearby Half Moon Bay and we recommend Calvary Chapel there for Sunday services. There aren't many other places that provide the beautiful forest and ocean so close together and we love it!!!read moreread less
- Amazing Spot Perfect getaway nestled in the redwoods a short drive from pescadero and the beaches along highway 1. Private and secluded, amazing hot tub and outdoor area, with a great deck to enjoy all of the coffee and treats provided for our stay. I'd definitely go back - beats the Ritz up the road and is half the price!read moreread lessGraeme B.
- Great weekend getaway We just got back from a great weekend in Loma Mar at the Cottage. The cottage has been recently renovated and was very comfortable for two couples. We BBQ'd each night, shared some wine, used the hot tub, played some ping pong - just a great, relaxing weekend all around. The house is in a easily accessible location surrounded by beautiful redwoods and only a 15-20 minute drive (and a beautiful drive, no less) from Pescadero Beach. Pigeon Point and Ano Nuevo are just a few minutes further down PCH.
The hosts do a wonderful job providing information about the surrounding area. The cottage was well appointed with all the kitchen utensils you might need, extra roll away beds, linens, towels, etc. It's also only a 5 minute drive from a small general store that carries anything you might have forgotten.
A big thanks to the hosts for a great time and for the wonderful breakfasts, which are brought fresh each morning. The breakfast baskets included scones, apple tarts, berries, yogurt, granola, etc. All of it delicious and much appreciated.
Selfishly, I don't want to post the review because I don't want word to get out that this place exists! But, we'll definitely be back - looking forward to it!read moreread less - This cottage was fantastic and exceeded expectations. Everything was sparkling clean and the hosts provided so many well-thought out touches like fresh sparkling fruit water, wine, and snacks. The property itself was lovely and very well maintained. You could tell that a lot of tender loving care went into styling and building this home. What a treat to stay at!read moreread lessColleen
- As complete as your own home and much more relaxing Our 2-day stay was among the very most relaxing and carefree ever. We were so surprised at how perfectly furnished the cottage was, containing just about everything needed and so much extra to make it seem like home: professionally landscaped garden (surrounding the house) with a short trail to a hammock & swing, charming waterfall, Jacuzzi, ping pong, porch swing with breath-taking view, outdoor fire pit with plenty of wood, and tables for dining al fresco. Both bedrooms have king beds, nicely stocked bathrooms, linens for a month's stay, newer washer and dryer, modern kitchen with (it seemed like) 100 cooking utensils & serving dishes, old fashioned telephone, luxurious welcome package with homemade goodies, numerous board games and books, and much more. There is email and phone contact to the owner, if needed, and she was responsive. A tiny wish: there is no garbage disposal in the kitchen sink, probably because of the septic tank, so we wrapped wet garbage in plastic bags, no big deal. This place is absolutely wonderful. We want to return soon and stay longer.read moreread lessAllena M.