By Soona Mata – April 20, 2023 – Photos by Kasey Bruce & Carol Camacho
Located just a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean, Historic Downtown Pacifica (HDP) is a lively coastal
neighborhood that offers something for everyone.
One of the most charming aspects of HDP (on Palmetto and Francisco Blvd, from Paloma to Clarendon) is
that it offers the perfect combination of both indoor and outdoor activities—beach strolls, shopping, eating, music,
and art all within a walkable area. The scenic Mori Point is located north of the area and is a popular spot to hike to.
There’s something for everyone— there’s lots to discover including several bakeries, a wine shop, plant
store, cannabis dispensaries, an art gallery, eateries, a museum-like clothing store (Cotton Crustacean),
and live music at the local bar and music venue, Winters Tavern.
Hotspots for HDP events include Table Wine, 731 Designs, Cotton Crustacean and the Royal Bee Yarn Company. This
core group of entrepreneurs first got together during the pandemic to organize the first Historic Downtown Pacifica
Holiday Stroll, inviting families to walk through the neighborhood, discover new businesses, chat with other locals, meet up with friends, grab a cup of coffee, and shop. Evnents such as these have continued since, and HDP has plans to continue expanding the repertoire of annual events.
Left: Aaron John Gregory, owner of Cotton Crustacean
Below: Kelley Corten of Royal Bee Yarn Co. – Olga Munoz of 7.3.1 Designs & (not pictured) Katie and Courtney Brookshire of Table Wine
Taking a stroll down Palmetto Avenue, you’ll find that it is dotted with colorful murals (such as the iconic ‘Pacifica’,
Living Room Plant Co, and Sharp Park Market murals), and has views of the iconic Pacifica Municipal Pier and
Sam Mazza Castle. Rentable E-bikes, for exploring the area, as well as bait and tackle for pier fishing are available
at the Sharp Park Market, just one block east from the pier.
A focus on community manifests itself in small business pop-ups, as well as, in regular gathering spaces such as the Royal Bee’s garden, which is open for all knitters and crafters during business hours, and 731 Design’s backyard area- hotspot for artiste gatherings.
With no major retailer in sight, this area has a true shop-local, small-town feel that coastsiders love. When you shop her, you’re likely to meet the business owners themselves and purchase locally made pieces.
Of course, no visit to historic downtown Pacifica would be complete without a trip to the Pacifica Coastside Museum in the historic ‘Little brown Church’ is a must. Admission is free, and knowledgeable docents are available to guide visitors enjoying the artifacts, exhibits and films highlighting the different eras of the city’s history. A years-long effort to bring a train car from the original Ocean Shore Railroad to a lot next to the museum recently came into fruition and will soon be available for public access for posterity.
In addition, don’t forget to pick up a brick of the infamous Pacifica Jack Cheese. Pacifica’s claim to the real Monterey Jack Cheese. For $9 you get a good size brick and it is only sold at the museum.
Historic Downtown Pacifica businesses meet and plan a variety of events and activities throughout the year. Their efforts to bring more awareness to their shops will also get an added boost with the annual Pacific Coast Fog Fest, held the last full weekend in September, where thousands gather along Palmetto Avenue.
Besides the core businesses that coordinated the efforts of HDP, you’ll also find a variety of entrepreneurs in the neighborhood. Stop by the Saltwater Bakery, Perfect Pour, Florey’s Book Company, Vintage Cove, In the Attic, Tiger Eye Beauty, Luna Rising Beauty Collective, David’s Bagels, Pacifica Cafe and the newest, Malt + Stone, plus many more.
So whether you’re a foodie, a shopper, an art lover, you’re sure to find something to love in this charming coastal community. So why not plan a visit and discover all that Historic Downtown Pacifica has to offer?
Above left, Malt + Stone and top right is beautifully displayed products at Royal Bee Yarn Co. Then you’ll find David himself of David’s Bagels.
Historic Downtown Pacifica is located from north at Clarendon Rd. to a block south of Paloma Ave. and Palmetto Ave. east to Francisco Blvd.