Craving ocean views and coastal trails just outside San Francisco? Head to Pacifica! This laid-back seaside town offers dramatic cliffs, scenic beaches, and chill surfer vibes. Whether you’re hiking the headlands, sipping coffee by the sea, or watching the waves roll in, Pacifica is a perfect Bay Area escape.
Pacifica, CA Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike the Devil’s Slide Trail – A breathtaking cliffside path with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- For Nature Lovers: Explore Mori Point – Climb wildflower-covered bluffs and spot whales in the spring and fall.
- For Beachgoers: Chill out at Linda Mar Beach – A local favorite for surfing, sunbathing, and coastal strolls.
- For Couples: Watch sunset from Rockaway Beach – Dine oceanfront and take in a romantic golden-hour view.
- For Families: Visit the Pacifica Pier and Sharp Park Beach – Try your hand at fishing or walk the promenade with the kids.
Best Time to Visit Pacifica, CA
The best time to visit Pacifica is from September to November for warm, clear weather and fewer crowds. Spring and summer offer cool breezes, blooming coastal flowers, and marine fog that adds to the town’s moody beauty.
How to Get to Pacifica, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Pacifica is located along Highway 1, about 20 minutes south of downtown San Francisco and 15 minutes from SFO.
- By Plane: Fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO), then take a 15–20 minute drive or rideshare to Pacifica.
- By Public Transit: Take BART to Colma or Daly City, then connect via SamTrans buses or a short rideshare trip to Pacifica.
Where to Stay in Pacifica, CA
- Recommended for Families: Best Western Plus Lighthouse Hotel – Oceanfront hotel steps from Rockaway Beach with a pool and on-site dining.
- For Couples: Inn at Rockaway – Boutique hotel with coastal decor and easy access to beach trails and restaurants.
- For a Cozy Stay: Pacifica Beach Hotel – Spanish-style property across from Linda Mar Beach with ocean-view balconies and whirlpool tubs.
Best Things to Do in Pacifica, CA
1. Pacifica State Beach
Rating: ★★★★★
Visited by over a million people every year, Pacifica State Beach is also commonly known as Linda Mar Beach. The crescent-shaped beach is less than a mile long and can be found near the San Pedro Valley in downtown Pacifica. It is an extremely popular site with beginner surfers due to the milder waves that can be found there. In addition to surfing, you can spend your time swimming, sunbathing, taking part in beach yoga, or indulging in one of the many other water sports that are available there. If you get hungry, head on over to the beach’s Taco Bell which is recognized as one of the most scenic Taco Bell locations in the world.
5000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044, Phone: 650-738-7381
2. Mori Point
Situated along the banks of the Pacific Ocean and a part of the Golden National Recreation Area, Mori Point is a 110-acre haven that is filled with natural beauty and wildlife. The main attraction, Mori Point itself, is a prominent bluff that can be seen jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. Visitors are urged to walk to the tip of Mori Point so they can see stunning views of the peninsula coastline. In addition to the bluff and ridge, the large expanse of land is also home to wetlands and small ponds - all of which have trails winding through them, making it easy to explore. You’ll come across several species of flora and fauna while you’re there so be on the lookout for threatened and endangered animals such as the California red-legged frog or the San Francisco garter snake.
Mori Point Rd, Pacifica, CA 94044, Phone: 415-561-4323
3. Devil's Slide Trail
A segment of what used to be Highway 1, the Devil's Slide Trail is a 1.3 mile long path that takes you through the precarious heights above the Pacific Ocean. The trail can be accessed by hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders - all of whom can stop at the trail’s many overlook points and observation scopes to take in the breathtaking beauty of the rocky waters below. Amenities that are available along the trail include several benches and interpretive signs which describe the geography, history, flora, and fauna of the area. Other facilities on the paved trail also include bike racks, restrooms, drinking fountains, and pet waste stations.
Off Highway 1, between Pacifica and Montara, Phone: 650-355-8289
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
4. Pacifica Municipal Pier
Located on Sharp Park Beach and spanning over 1,140 feet, the Pacifica Municipal Pier is one of the best fishing piers in all of California. Extending out into the Pacific Ocean, anglers in the Bay Area flock to the pier all year long in hopes of catching a high number of quality fish. Even better, there is no admission charge nor is a fishing license required to go fishing off the pier. Some of the fish that you might catch include striped bass and salmon; if you prefer, crabbing is also allowed and no license is required for that either. Facilities that are available on the pier include fish cleaning stations, restrooms, benches, lighting, and a coffee house/ snack bar.
2100 Beach Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044, Phone: 650-738-3760
5. San Pedro Valley Park
San Pedro Valley Park is a wonderful place to explore Pacifica’s outdoors. There are seven trails in the park, each of varying length and different amenities. The longest one is Hazelnut Trail and is a 3.7 mile path that winds through the park. Montara Mountain Trail is 2.1 miles long and will have several vantage points that look out into the Pacific Ocean while the one-mile-long Brooks Creek Trail will lead you to the gorgeous 175-foot-tall Brooks Falls. Weiler Ranch Road Trail is known for its abundant wildlife and is best explored in the early mornings, and the Plaskon Nature Trail is popular with many as it is wheelchair accessible.
600 Oddstad Blvd, Pacifica, CA 94044, Phone: 650-355-8289
6. Sweeney Ridge Trail
Just half an hour away from San Francisco, the Sweeney Ridge Trail is a hilly hiking area that is adjacent to Thornton State Beach. Visitors can head up to the 1,200-foot-high summit of the ridge to see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the bay, coastal scrubs, and grasslands. At the trailhead, you will find a cluster of greenhouses that were originally built in 1949 but are now known as the Shelldance Nursery; within it, world-class hybrid orchids are cultivated and open to the public for viewing. Some of the flora and fauna that you may come across include spring wildflowers, deer, and hawks. If you’d prefer going on a guided hike, the park rangers there conduct several walks through Sweeney Ridge.
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
7. Rockaway Beach
Often recognized as one of the cleanest beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area, Rockaway Beach is popular with tourists and locals alike as it is filled with a number of shops and restaurants on its waterfront. Be sure to climb up to the scenic overlook for stunning panoramas of the beach, the Pacific Ocean, and the neighboring town. Popular activities you can participate in while there include swimming, sunbathing, hiking, biking, surfing, fishing, and walking along the beach. There are several amenities such as showers and restrooms to make your stay more comfortable. A paved path can be found along the length of the beach for walkers, joggers, and wheeled visitors.
Cabrillo Hwy and Rockaway Beach Avenue, Pacifica, CA 94044
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
8. Shelldance Orchid Gardens
One of the city of Pacifica’s most unique attractions is Shelldance Orchid Gardens, a world-renowned bromeliad nursery. The gardens were originally established in 1949 by Herb Hager, who used his skill and vision to turn an artichoke field into what was then state-of-the-art greenhouses. Other than a change in name, the greenhouses have essentially remained the same until today. You will be able to see world-renowned hybrid orchids, many of which are named after local area landmarks such as Pacifica, Pedro Point, and Pacific Ocean. Go explore the ethereal place and walk through the arrangement of plants - you’ll also come across an array of local artwork throughout the gardens.
2000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044, Phone: 650-355-4845
9. Milagra Ridge
A part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Milagra Ridge is a protected 275-acre, open-area park that is open to the public for hiking and exploration. The ridge has a rich history, having first been inhabited by the Ohlone indigenous people and later on by Mexican Ranchers and Spanish settlers. In the 1930s the land was acquired by the United States Army who proceeded to build Battery Construction No. 244, a fortification which was a part of a larger defense network to protect the San Francisco Bay. The battery was decommissioned in 1950 and its ruins can still be found in the park today. In addition to seeing the ruins, you’ll also come across various flora and fauna during your hike in Milagra Ridge; some of the special status species you may see are the San Bruno elfin butterfly, California red-legged frog, and the San Francisco garter snake.
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