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Discover Pacifica

Your Coastal Getaway on The San Francisco Peninsula

The City of Pacifica is spread along a six-mile stretch of coastal beaches and hills in San Mateo County's coastal region. Rich in history, beauty, and community spirit, Pacifica is located just 12 miles south of San Francisco along the scenic coast of the Pacific Ocean. Known for its natural beauty, Pacifica is filled with numerous hiking trails through rolling hills that overlook the ocean surf and forested canyons such as the Devil's Slide Trail and the Pacifica Beach Trail.

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About Pacifica

 

One of the best things to do in Pacifica is surfing! The City of Pacifica is well known regionally as a popular surfing destination and surfers and families often visit Linda Mar Beach. Another great scenic location has to be Rockaway Beach, which offers lodging, recreation, shopping, and dining. As mentioned, Pacifica is also a popular place to hike, with many trails that wind along the beaches and bluffs, including Mori Point, Sweeney Ridge, San Pedro Valley County Park, and the privately-owned Pacifica quarry. Or head to the popular Pacifica Pier to take a stroll and catch a beautiful sunset.

​Art enthusiasts can visit the Sanchez Art Center to experience amazing exhibitions by emerging and established California artists or head next door to Pacifica Performances to catch a live concert at the Mildred Owen Concert Hall. Pacifica Performances showcases a variety of musical styles, including blues, Americana/roots, world music, bluegrass, classical, and jazz, as well as dance, comedy and spoken word events. 

Pacifica is also home to three Golden Gate National Recreational Area sites, including the Portola Discovery Site, where San Francisco Bay was first discovered in 1796. Pacifica is also home to both the Sanchez Adobe, a restored adobe residence from the mid-1800s furnished with period pieces, and Sam's Castle, a castle built in 1908 that has piqued the curiosity of generations of San Mateo County residents and beyond! The beautiful historical estate is home to beautiful art, architecture... and ghosts!

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Surfers at dusk at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica California
 

Hotels in Pacifica

If you're planning an escape to Pacifica, then you will definitely need to book a room at one of these Pacifica hotels. If you're looking for a hotel with a beautiful view of the ocean? The Lighthouse Hotel is perfectly located where the ocean meets the coast against a beautiful backdrop of lush, rolling hills. Want something unique and intimate? Then the new Anchor Inn is the place for you! This modern tiny hotel is situated in a quiet area with a view of the ocean just minutes away! Looking for more affordable options? You can take a look at the Americas Best Value Inn Pacifica or the Sea Breeze Motel. Want even more options? We also recommend the Fairfield Inn & Suites San Francisco Pacifica, the Inn at Rockaway or the Pacifica Beach Hotel!

 

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Things to Do

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Pacifica Pier

The Pacifica Municipal Pier is a 1,140-foot long pier and it is one of the best fishing piers in our…

Pacifica Pier

Sanchez Art Center

Sanchez Art Center is a comfortable and welcoming place for the community to gather, engage, and be…

Sanchez Art Center

A Grape In the Fog

A Grape in the Fog is a charming wine bar in Pacifica, California, where we celebrate the best of…

A Grape In the Fog
Community

A Day in Pacifica, California

  • 4 min read

Whether you are looking to enjoy a scenic view, tasty meal or local art, Pacifica is the perfect place to go. With spring approaching, a day in this beautiful coastal town is nothing short of ordinary. In my opinion, the best way to start the day is by getting my heart rate up in some way. What’s…

A Day in Pacifica, California

Pacifica Trail Map

As mentioned, Pacifica is well known for its natural beauty and it is filled with numerous hiking trails that overlook the ocean surf and forested canyons. Download this helpful brochure and plan your next excursion!

Devil's-Slide-in-Pacifica-California-Trail-by-Bradley-Wittke

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pacifica

How can I reach Pacifica from San Francisco without a car?

You can reach Pacifica from San Francisco without a car using public transportation, though it requires transfers. The best route is to take BART and then SamTrans bus line 110, which takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes and costs $3-$8 San Francisco to Pacifica - 4 ways to travel via BART, line .... The journey involves taking BART to Daly City BART Station, then transferring to SamTrans bus line 110 which operates every 30 minutes and goes to Highway 1 & Reina Del Mar Avenue in Pacifica

What are some family-friendly activities in Pacifica year-round?

Pacifica offers numerous family-friendly activities year-round, including visits to the Pacifica Pier for family walks (especially beautiful at sunset), exploring Frontierland Park with its castle-like playground and grassy areas perfect for running and deer spotting, and enjoying the beaches for surfing, fishing and family fun Pier, Playground, and Coastal Trails: How to Experience Pacifica with Kids - Beautiful Brown Adventures - Families of Color Travel Inspiration and Tips. The city also features an indoor pool for year-round swimming, concerts through Pacifica Performances, and special events like the July 4th celebration at Frontierland Park with watermelon, face painting, and tug-o-war

Are there options for surfing lessons or board rentals in Pacifica?

Yes, Pacifica offers several options for surfing lessons and board rentals. Local surf shops like Sonlight Surfshop and NorCal Surf Shop rent surfboards, bodyboards, and wetsuits, while Traveler Surf Club offers surfboard and wetsuit rentals with day passes to their surf club amenities including hot showers and lockers Sonlight Surfshop – Linda Mar · Pacifica · CA · 94044 +2. For lessons, you can choose from NorCal Surf Shop ($94 per person for group lessons), Surf Camp Pacifica, or Adventure Out which offers professional instruction at Linda Mar Beach

Is there parking near coastal trails and beaches in Pacifica?

Yes, there is parking available near Pacifica's coastal trails and beaches. Parking is available on Mori Point Road or Bradford Way for Mori Point trails Mori Point | Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and the newly remodeled public restrooms and ample parking at Pacifica State Beach provide great amenities for the shoreline trail

When is the best time to visit Pacifica’s beaches for good weather?

The best time to visit Pacifica's beaches for good weather is between July and October, when the area is typically warmest and sees the least rain Hikes in Pacifica: Pacifica Hiking Trails With the Best Coastal Views. Winter can get pretty chilly with more rain, so it's best to avoid that season if you're looking for pleasant weather and dry conditions

What hiking trails are available in Pacifica?

Pacifica offers numerous scenic hiking trails with stunning coastal views, including Mori Point Loop Trail, Montara Mountain North Peak Loop, San Francisco Crosstown Trail, Baquiano, Sweeney Ridge, and Mori Ridge Trail 10 Best trails and hikes in Pacifica | AllTrails among the most popular options. Hikers can enjoy over 100 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in Pacifica with panoramic beach views, from Montara Mountain offering 360-degree views including the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days, to Mori Point and Milagra Ridge providing stunning coastal views perfect for whale watching and sunsets Hiking | Visit Pacifica. The area also features Devil's Slide Trail (a former highway turned hiking path), Pedro Point Headlands, and the newly connected seven-mile waterfront trail that runs from Sharp Park Beach around Mori Point through Calera Creek and Rockaway Beach to Pacifica State Beach