INTRODUCTION
I’m sure you’ve heard about the bay area and the stunning contrast between the gigantic building and the sight of a tranquil beach, but today I’m going to tell you how this brief description of the bay region is a mirage to disguise the area’s true and authentic gems, Pacifica being one of them. Pacifica is a well-kept secret that I had the luxury of discovering and exploring; therefore it’s only right that I share it so that the majority of you may see what Google isn’t telling you.
Pacifica is a little town in the bay area that is approximately 30 minutes by vehicle from San Francisco. There is public transit from San Francisco to Pacifica, but I recommend calling the bus system before relying entirely on it. It’s the ideal weekend getaway for most San Franciscans who want to detach from their daily lives and enjoy some well-deserved nature, which may result in some blatant bragging to coworkers
on Monday morning for sure. That being said, getting to Pacifica shouldn’t be difficult, and it’ll be well worth the effort when you can visit Rockaway Beach and wonderful hiking locations like Mori Point, Milagra Ridge, and Sweeney Ridge, all of which offer spectacular views of the ocean. One thing you’ll immediately notice is the architecture, which is unquestionably one of my favorite attractions as equally as impressive as the beach.
I have a soft spot for vintage and cozy-looking structures, so you can imagine my delight when I visited the region. Every building in the area has a vintage, colorful bungalow air to it, and each one makes sense. What I mean is that there is a place for whatever you need, whether it’s a souvenir, a gym, or even a dentist, and there is no better way to be thoroughly immersed in a culture than to pretend to be a native for a few days. Another method to immerse yourself is to participate in regional customs such as crab fishing. In fact, there’s something enduring about feeling like a member of a area just for a little and I think that what makes Pacifica different from most touristic attractions is how the town can make you forget that just 20 minutes away there is one of the most fast-paced city in the world where stress and consumption is part of people’s daily live
WHAT TO SEE
People frequently ask about my reason for traveling, and I have always found it difficult to respond. To be honest, I enjoy traveling because it allows me to become lost and immerse myself in unfamiliar cultures that somehow seem familiar to me. I never anticipated seeing art inspired by Afro or Afro-American culture that depicts a facet of folks from minorities in this little community. There are two main locations where those works of art may be found. The first location will be in the city center, just a few minutes walk from the Inn at the Rockaway, where a celebration of three minorities in attributes and accessories more than representative of their origins will be
held, using powerful colors like red and white that are ideal for highlighting the power and or pure intention of each element in this painting. The second location is near the beach, where you can see a fresco depicting a saint holding a baby in his hand, which is when I realized the town’s Christian aspect, and I thought it was pretty cool to see, especially since she was depicted as a black person, which is something I don’t see often enough on religious frescoes. I like these two frescoes because they portray the habits and rituals of this little town while showcasing it in a beautifully inclusive approach, which is to be recognized today. They are great for any photography enthusiast and anyone who wants to cover Instagram with magnificent images.
For all of my nature enthusiasts, I am confident that Pacifica will be heaven for you, with its water activities and hiking trails. One thing is certain: surfing and snorkeling here may appear to be reserved for the pros, but as they say, practice makes perfect, and lying there on the beach while watching those experts move to their elements can feel quite fulfilling, as if I were their cheerleader.
When I chose to take use of those hiking routes, though, I wish I had the flexibility of a cheerleader. Each one has a different level of difficulty and, consequently, a different level of reward at the finish, but my favorite trek was undoubtedly Mori Point, which is only a 20-minute walk to the top of the most breathtaking view I’ve ever seen. We can view the little town, the greenery, and the water from the top, as if we were in the midst of a compass, with each turn revealing a different element of nature.
WHERE TO STAY
It’s not simple to find the ideal hotel accommodation. Some people may want to focus on something completely different than what they are accustomed to, but the introvert in me craved a sense of normalcy and a sense of belonging. It wasn’t difficult to find a place to stay, but everyone has their own style, and for the trip, I was glad to stay at the Inn at Rockaway, which was the right spot to stay as authentically as possible to the spirit of the town. The essence of the town would want something modern but more charming than smart, and you can see the inspiration and attitude in the building’s refurbishment. I was exposed to a wonderful quaint-looking place dominated by the color blue, which not only soothes the eyes but also provides a mirror image of the beach, giving us a sense of connection to the place. The hotel boasts one of the most impressive rooms, providing direct visual access to the rest of
town and the majority of the activities available. The room was pleasant and didn’t feel like a hotel, which I believe was due to the integrated living room, fridge, and microwave. The goal, in my opinion, was to give you the impression of being at home without the distractions of normal life, which can be problematic for anyone who wants to explore because I definitely found myself entertained just by staring out the windows and watching the sunset. However, don’t worry about missing out on activities since the locals will make you feel like you’re wasting your time by sitting in your hotel room for too long. I’ve seen individuals twice or three times my age being active and outdoorsy, so there’s no reason to stay indoors, no matter how comfy it is. The fact that the hotel has many entrances is also a plus for folks who want to avoid crowds as much as possible.
WHERE TO EAT
Food can reveal a lot about a culture, and for me, it’s more than just a way to gain some energy; it’s also a way to observe how easily people can translate their feelings, so I had to commit to every meal to get the entire experience. I basically had French toast and tea for breakfast at Breakers. It’s approximately a minute’s walk from the hotel and has the greatest goods as well as the marine-inspired design. It’s ideal if you’re on the move and need something quick, but you can also sit and appreciate the music, which will make most of us feel like we’re back in the 1980s for the first time. I’ll describe Breakers as a venue that will transport you back in time with the chair placement or even the pictures on the wall.
We resumed our tour with some Peruvian food at the Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar. Peruvian food is known for being spicy and seafood-centric, so I was delighted to find a Pacifica rendition of those typical meals. In this restaurant, my favorite dish was the ceviche’s, whether the classico, puerto, and chifa. I was also infatuated with their plantain chips, and if you know me, you know how much I adore plantains, and all of those things were executed flawlessly. The ambiance was generous given the amount of room available, but it was also warm and pleasant. I was honestly too focused on the cuisine to notice any interruptions, as I’m sure most people who had lunch or
supper there will attest to, and the reality is that a dish that can make you focus is always a winner.
Last but not least, dinner at Moonraker Restaurant, which offers a glimpse of the sunset and the beach if you arrive early enough. I ordered as much fish as possible and I’m still amazed that I didn’t get sick, given how sensitive my stomach can be, which I suppose speaks volumes about the food’s freshness. This restaurant is ideal for a romantic evening or an important meeting that needs to be completed. I can envision any event being immortalized and celebrated around any of the dishes because they’ll make you feel extra special. It’s really upscale, and I wouldn’t recommend coming there alone, unless you are celebrating yourself like I did.
CONCLUSION
At the end of the day, I had a fantastic time in Pacifica, and I’d have to say it was more of a learning experience for me than anything else. If it makes sense, I learned how to be a good tourist. There was no hint that I needed to act a specific way, but the fact that most people were treating this town with such care and concern made me want to do the same, and I hope that’s the perspective you’ll have when you visit as well.
