Creativecommons.org/rayb777
One of the most panoramic coastal towns in the San Francisco Bay Area, Pacifica is famous for its beautiful coastline, breathtaking vistas and bohemian ambiance.
The town’s ethereal beauty is further enhanced by its Mediterranean-style weather. Temperatures range from 15to 20 degrees cooler than they do on the central coast, drawing visitors to Pacifica’s shoreline to cool off during the hot summer months.
Just 15 minutes from San Francisco, it is the perfect place to soak-up picturesque views of the rolling hills and crashing waves Californian coastline. The area boasts some of the finest hiking trails in the Bay region, including the new Devil’s Slide Coastal Trail, which opened just last month.
Devil’s Slide Coast is a 3,600-hectare network of publicly accessible lands between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay explores dramatic landscapes and crucial ocean habitats.
This is prime hiking and biking terrain. Here are some of the highlights and activities you’ll discover in the Pacifica stretch of the trail...
Creativecommons.org/Miles Gehm
1. Surfing
Pacifica’s surfing history began at Pedro Point in the 1930s. The area is home to some of northern California’ best surfing beaches, including Linda Mar State Beach, Rockaway Beach and Sharp Park Beach. From the relatively friendly waters of Pacifica State Beach to the giants of Mavericks, and several spots in between, this section of coast is a paradise for wave-riders.
2. Fishing
Some of the best fishing in the United States can be found in the inshore waters off Pacifica. In addition to salmon, striped bass often frequent the surf, along with kingfish, sharks and perch. You might catch one of a myriad of surfperch species, a leopard shark or smelt.
Creativecommons.org/Dawn Ellner
3. Crabbing
Pacifica Pier is the only place in the Bay Area where the public can crab for free. During the winter, Dungeness crab, which are not available elsewhere in the Bay Area, are abundant off the pier. In the spring, catch perch at Linda Mar Bay, and in the fall go rock fishing off Pedro Point.
4. Scuba Diving
Linda Mar Beach is an intermediate-to-advanced beach entry scuba-dive site with a diverse aquatic life, including seals, fish and rays. In May and June, halibut come into Linda Mar Bay, which attracts many spear-fishing divers. At Pedro Point, there are two wrecks to discover.
5. Golf
Sharp Park Golf Course is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway at the intersection of Sharp Park Road and Francisco Boulevard. The famous golf architect Alister Mackenzie designed the 18-hole course. The historic clubhouse, which was built back in 1932, houses a starter golf area, large dining room and private dining room.
6. Archery
San Francisco Archers is a non-profit organization that promotes archery at all levels of ability and age. The club is open to the public every day.
Creativecommons.org/Chris Makarsky
7. Segway Tours
The many well-maintained and level trails along Pacifica’s beautiful beaches lend themselves to Segway rides. Begin your ride at Rockaway Beach and the trail winds through a rock quarry to climb up 12 scenic switchbacks over Pacifica’s Strawberry Hill to Linda Mar Beach and beyond. Along the way, see spectacular view, beautiful wildflowers and historic sites. During certain times of year you can even watch the whale migration from a Segway.
8. Beaches
Pacifica features 11 kilometres of spectacular Pacific Ocean beaches that are perfect for a whole range of recreation, including Linda Mar Beach, Rockaway Beach, Sharp Park Beach and Mussel Rock Beach.