South Bay Beaches Breakdown: In and Around Pacifica

Picture of Lotus Abrams

Lotus Abrams

Bay Area native Lotus is lucky enough to call San Mateo in the South Bay home, affording her access to all that the region has to offer, from unspoiled beaches to award-winning eateries.

There’s something for every beachgoer in Pacifica. Whether you want to surf, hike, fish, bike along the shoreline, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery, there’s a beach for you in this coastal community located just south of San Francisco on the San Mateo County Peninsula. When you need a break from the beach, there are plenty of restaurants, breweries, shops and even a few hotels in the vicinity, too. Here are the best beaches in and around Pacifica.

Featured Photo: Lotus Abrams

A beach at sunset, with the waves crashing on shore and the road stretching along the edge.
Photo by Romain Guy, via Wikimedia Commons.

Backed by the Sharp Park Golf Course, Sharp Park Beach features a large picnic area and a promenade that connects to Mori Point in the south, a bluff-top park with scenic hiking trails, and the Pacifica Pier in the north, known for to be an excellent spot for fishing and crabbing. The black sand — relatively rare for a California beach — is due to the high concentration of iron oxide magnetite. 

Parking

Free and plentiful

Amenities

Restrooms, picnic tables

Picnicking

Picnic tables

Dogs

Permitted on leash, except for on the pier

TIPS

The promenade along the beach eventually connects with Pacifica Pier, which is known as one of the best fishing and crabbing spots in the Bay Area. 

A wide shot of a beach with dark sand, rocky bluffs and buildings along the edge.
Photo by Allie_Caulfield, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

At the end of Rockaway Beach Avenue, crescent-shaped, brown-sand Rockaway Beach provides access to Mori Point’s many trails and a paved bike trail.

Parking

Free lots on either end of the beach

Amenities

Restrooms, showers

Picnicking

No designated area, but have your picnic on the beach (no glass or alcohol)

Dogs

Permitted on leash

TIPS

Nearby, there a handful of restaurants, shops and lodging options, such as Moonraker, Breakers, Lovely’s Tea Shoppe, Nick’s at the Sea Breeze Motel, Inn at Rockaway and Fairfield Inn & Suites.

Pacifica State Beach
Photo: by Lotus Abrams

Also known as Linda Mar Beach, this long, wide, crescent-shaped beach in downtown Pacifica may be best known for its “fancy” waterfront Taco Bell Cantina, which even serves up alcoholic beverages, but it’s also a popular destination for surfers. 

Parking

Lot parking with a small fee

Amenities

Restrooms, showers, trails, drinking water wheelchair accessibility

Picnicking

No designated area, but have your picnic on the beach (no glass or alcohol)

Dogs

Permitted on leash

TIPS

There’s a paved bike and walking trail too that connects to Rockaway Beach, and plenty of other eateries nearby, including Puerto 27 for upscale Peruvian and Humble Sea Brewing for craft beers and bites.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Photo: Courtesy of California State Parks

Just south of Pacifica, this gorgeous beach sheltered by craggy cliffs with a small picnic area, also known as Devil’s Slide Beach, is accessed via a steep trail and stairway. It’s common to see migrating whales close to shore here during the winter months (hence the beach’s name). The parking lot on the east side of Highway 1 provides access to the Gray Whale Cove Trail, which offers scenic views of the Pacific and connects to McNee Ranch and Montara Mountain trails.

Parking

Lot parking

Amenities

Pit toilets, trash cans (in parking lot), trails

Picnicking

No designated area, but have your picnic on the beach (no glass or alcohol)

Dogs

No

TIPS

The remains of a World War II-era bunker are visible atop a bluff at the north end of the cove but be aware that nude sunbathers frequent the northern portion of this beach.

Montara State Beach
Photo: Courtesy of California State Parks

Montara Mountain looms behind the lovely, wide, mile-long Montara State Beach, located a few miles south of Pacifica. There is parking at the north and south ends of the beach and your leashed furry friends are welcome to join you. 

Parking

Lot parking

Amenities

Vault toilets, picnic tables, trails

Picnicking

Picnic tables

Dogs

Permitted on leash

TIPS

A few small eateries are located nearby, including Gherkin’s Sandwich Shop and Sage Bakeshop, which specializes in savory New Zealand-style hand pies. For a unique overnight stay, the historic Point Montara Lighthouse is just down the road.

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