The Pacifica Historical Society preserves and celebrates Pacifica's rich and fascinating history.
In addition to historical research, we host regular events about local history and run the Pacifica Coastside Museum.
Pacifica was the site of an Ohlone village over a thousand years ago, and since then it has been part of Spain, Mexico and the United States. Europeans first saw the San Francisco Bay from Pacifica’s mountains. Pacifica's incredible view of the Pacific Ocean brought military lookouts and missile silos during the Cold War. Today Pacifica attracts visitors from around the world, drawn to our natural beauty, amazing hiking trails, legendary surfing, a castle, and the world's most beautiful Taco Bell on the beach (seriously!).
The Pacifica Coastside Museum is currently open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Docents are on hand to answer questions and to interpret exhibits which trace local Native American history through Pacifica's development and include artifacts and an interactive model of the Ocean Shore Railroad.
While you’re at the Museum, please stop by our gift shop for informational and fun Pacifica souvenirs that are available for purchase. In addition, our shop is THE place to buy Pacifica Jack Cheese, made from the original recipe first created on Mori Point in the late 19th century. (All proceeds go to the Pacifica Historical Society.)
The main floor of the Museum is available for meetings and small weddings. In addition, our speakers can give talks about the Ohlone People, Pacifica History, the Ocean Shore Railroad, the Portola Expedition, and give a walking tour of the city's historic area. Please visit our Resources page for more information.