The Best Pacifica CA Guide

Located just 15 minutes south of San Francisco, Pacifica feels worlds away from other communities on the West Coast. Bordered by rocky ocean bluffs and mountains, Pacifica is known for it’s biking, hiking and most of all surfing. Beginner surfers can catch a wave at Pacifica State Beach, while Rockaway Beach is one of the best surfing locations around, and one of the cleanest beaches in the area. Families will also delight in the several nearby shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, don’t miss a stop at Sharp Park for its pebbled beach and large crashing waves.

Pacifica CA provides a wide range of recreational opportunities from surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving, fishing and paragliding, to hiking, bird watching and cycling. Pacifica is known to be the fourth richest area in the world for marine mammal life. Watch the sunset from the expansive beaches, or breathe the fresh air from the hilltop peaks. Visit beautiful Pacifica CA! For a list of all the great area beaches, click here.

Weather – When to visit Pacific

Average temperatures in Pacifica vary little. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Pacifica, the hottest months are July thru September. The warmest time of year is generally late August to early September where highs are regularly around 78°F with temperatures rarely dropping below 57°F at night. The busiest time for tourism in Pacifica, CA, is June thru August. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance.

The Best Pacifica CA Beaches

Pacifica State Beach

This long and wide sandy beach is backed by dunes for the northern half. The tall point north of the beach is called Rockaway Point and has hiking trails that meander through the hills to various viewpoints above Rockaway Beach. Surfers in wetsuits are a common sight here. There is a paved multi-use trail that runs behind the beach and stretches far north for bikers to enjoy.

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Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach is a popular brown colored sandy beach in Pacifica, CA. Right next to the beach are restaurants and hotels so you can spend the day or even a weekend here. There are hiking trails to explore on the rocky point south of the beach and on Mori Point north of the beach.

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Linda Mar Beach

Linda Mar Beach is south of San Francisco, and is widely regarded as the best beach for surfing, kayaking and water play in the Bay Area. There are many retailers who offer rentals of surfboards, kayaks and lessons all year around. Private surf camps for children and adults operate during the summer. There is also a bike and walking trail along the ocean, restrooms, showers and whale watching in the spring. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on their leash.

Sharp Park Beach

Sharp Park Beach is known for its rare black sand, A sea wall protects the nearby Laguna Salada marsh during storms, with a half-mile promenade connecting Mori Point trails to Pacifica Pier. The pier offers fishing and crabbing, with salmon and striped bass in summer and Dungeness crabs in winter. There’s a large picnic area, restrooms, and free parking near the pier on Beach Boulevard. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on their leash.

Esplanade Beach

Esplanade Beach is the only beach where dogs are allowed leash free. This secluded beach can be accessed via a long set of switchback trails and stairs at the north end of Esplanade Drive, near the Lands End Apartments. The steep rugged bluffs and soft sand contribute to this hidden treasure, but visitors will want to check tide tables before going as the beach is very narrow during high tide and it can be dangerous during stormy weather.

Best Restaurants in Pacifica

$-Inexpensive     $$-Moderate     $$$-Pricey     $$$$-Ultra High End

Nick’s Rockaway $$ – $$$

Nick’s Dining Room offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a relaxed atmosphere with extraordinary views of the Pacific Ocean. Fresh seafood is always available and their extensive menu is sure to contain something for everyone.  The best crab sandwich can be found here! Nick’s bar and lounge is open daily for cocktails and appetizers and features live music and dancing on the weekends. Telephone: 650-359-3599 Web: Nick’s Rockaway

Puerto 27 $$ – $$$

The talented Executive Chef at Puerto 27, Jose Calvo-Perez is a San Francisco native. While in high school, Jose aquired his passion for food as he worked alongside his father at their San Francisco Fresca restaurant, from there it’s history. Come enjoy the ornate dishes, delicious cerviches, an exquisite infusion of international flavors rooted on his Peruvian heritage with beautiful views of the Linda Mar Beach. Telephone: 650-733-7343 Web: Puerto 27

Moonraker $$$$

Under the direction of Executive Chef Jason Yeafoli, the restaurant features classic seafood cuisine with a modern twist with a selection of local California wines, beers and Pacifica-inspired cocktails. The best clam chowder and a happy hour starting at 4:30 each afternoon. Telephone: 650-359-1245 Web: Moonraker

La Costanera $$$$

Perched on Montara Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean, La Costanera is a contemporary Peruvian restaurant serving coastal cuisine of Latin America. Experience the culinary richness of Peru at La Costanera, a modern Peruvian fusion restaurant. Telephone: 650-728-1600 Web: La Costanera

Original Joe’s Westlake $$ – $$$

Original Joe’s Westlake continues to prepare unpretentious, old-school Italian-American fare in an open kitchen for all to see. A few old-time favorites are showcased on the menu, including Steak ala Bruno, Calamari Steak Dore and house-made raviolis, now combined with Original Joe’s classics like Eggplant Parmigiana, Joe’s Italian Chopped Salad and Prime Rib French Dip. Telephone: 650-755-7400 Web: Original Joe’s Westlake

Best Pacifica Nightlife

A Grape in the Fog

A Grape in the Fog is a charming wine bar in Pacifica, California, where we celebrate the best of coastal living and lovely boutique wines from,around the world. Located one block from Rockaway Beach, they boast a constantly changing wine menu available by the glass, flight or bottle. Telephone: 650-484-5850 Web: A Grape in the Fog

Longboard Margarita Bar

They specialize in an array of delicious margaritas using fresh ingredients including fresh squeezed lime juice, agave nectar and our fresh fruit purees made in house. Along with our margaritas, we offer 11 beers on tap as well as a full bar to meet any taste. They provide live entertainment every weekend ranging from 70’s and 80’s rock and popular music to all of today’s favorite hits. Telephone: +1 650-738-5905 Web: Longboard Margarita Bar

Winters Tavern

Winters Tavern is all about the music. Featuring all types of original music from national and international touring bands to local Bay Area talent ranging from  bluegrass to metal, jazz to hardcore punk, surf to garage and beyond. They specialize in fresh, local and west coast real micro brews.  Telephone: 650-355-6162 Web: Winters Tavern

Vinyl Room

Stop in and sip a cool cocktail, mingle and groove with live weekend DJs, Wednesday Karaoke and Salsa dancing on Thursdays. Specializing in private parties and events, we offer dancing, cocktails and an all around good time. Telephone: 650-347-7656 Web: Vinyl Room

Bootie SF

Bootie was the first club night in the United States dedicated solely to the burgeoning artform of the bootleg mashup — and is now the biggest mashup event in the world, with monthly parties in 8 cities on 3 continents. Mixing and matching every conceivable musical genre, era, and style into one big dance party where everyone feels welcome. Web: Bootie SF

Best Pacifica Hotels