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
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. Dogs are allowed on leash (except on the pier).
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, plus a handful of restaurants, shops and lodging options (Moonraker, Breakers, Lovely’s Tea Shoppe, Nick’s at the Sea Breeze Motel, Inn at Rockaway, Fairfield Inn & Suites).
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. 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.
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 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. 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.
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. 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.
