Just minutes from San Francisco, but miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Pacifica is a quaint beach town with rocky shores, restaurants serving the freshest seafood and tons for the kids to do. Whether you make it a day trip or a long weekend, we’ve got all the hot spots for you so read on!
LINDA MAR BEACH
Also known as “Taco Bell” beach (it’s home to what must be the most beautiful, beach-front Taco Bell in the world), surfers, boogie-boarders and beach bums flock to this mile-long stretch of sand for its excellent waves and plentiful parking ($4 for four hours or less, $8 for all day). Several surf schools offer lessons for kids and adults. A paved trail leading to a dirt path climbs over the hill to Rockaway Beach and all the way to Mori Point if you’re feeling adventurous.
ROCKAWAY BEACH
A bit quieter and more secluded than Linda Mar, this beach is a stunner with rocky hills on either side. Parking can be more difficult, but it’s free. Nick’s Seafood Restaurant is just off the beach if you get a hankering for some old-school fish dishes (the crab sandwich is a definite winner). Moonraker is also close by, and while it has more of an adult vibe, one of their nice big booths would do fine for an early dinner or brunch with the youngsters.
SHARP PARK BEACH AND FISHING PIER
The beach here is long and sandy and a partly paved promenade runs along it. The southern part of the trail is packed sand and leads to wetlands full of beautiful birds and other wildlife. Picnic tables and BBQ pits are first-come, first-served. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered (and harmless) San Francisco Garter Snake.
One of the best fishing piers in Northern California juts out of the north end of the beach. It’s open from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m. (unless it’s been closed for weather, high surf or repairs). It features overhead lights, fish cleaning stations, benches, restrooms and a coffee house and snack bar. Parking is free.
MUSSEL ROCK BEACH
From the bluff tops, you can take in distant views north toward San Francisco and watch hang gliders as they soar over the coastline. A network of routes leads to the beach. To the north, you'll find an awesome expanse of beach at low tide and very few people, many taking the journey with their dogs, which are permitted.
For more detailed information about Pacifica’s beaches, please visit Pacifica Beaches