Pacifica, Ca has held a warm spot in my heart for many years. It was always an escape destination for a day of beach fun when I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I never took a second thought to cross the bridge, drive past San Francisco, over the hill, and break through the fog to enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. There wasn’t a lot to enjoy, other than the beach and its view back in the days, some 35 years ago when I visited. Truthfully, I was slightly narrowly focused those days; if it wasn’t connected to the beach, it wasn’t of much interest, so I really missed out on some amazing things to do there. Dining was fast food; entertainment was a bar with music and sleeping was what you did on the couch at someone’s house.
Things have changed and for the better, as I can now appreciate many of the things I ignored back then.
12 reasons to visit Pacifica, Ca any time of the year!
Pacifica has been an escape for San Franciscans and other Bay Area residents for more than a hundred years. The locals take great pride in their city by the ocean, hugging both sides of Highway 1, just 15 miles south of San Francisco. With its Mediterranean style weather offering a stark contrast from Central California Valley’s stifling summer heat, you can find yourself enjoying fresh ocean breezes and temperatures 15 to 20 degrees cooler on most days. There are many festivals for locals and visitors to enjoy year round, restaurants with local flavor, shopping, and miles of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Spend the Night at the Surfs Edge
Less than a stone’s throw from the breaking surf of the Pacific Ocean in the Rockaway Beach District lies the newly remodeled Best Western Plus Lighthouse Hotel. With 97 rooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, meeting rooms, and business center, they have a lot to offer visitors to Pacifica. The Moonraker restaurant is the Lighthouse Hotels upscale dining option with spectacular views and delightful menu selections.
Lighthouse Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Rockaway Beach shopping district where you can find many options for food, drink, shopping, and recreation. The ocean views are hard to beat, and you can dig your toes into the sand in minutes!
105 Rockaway Beach Avenue, Pacifica, CA / (650) 355-6300
https://www.pacificalighthouse.com
Take a Hike
According to a Trails.com post:
“Pacifica has 143 trails in the vicinity, including 110 hiking trails, 72 for walking and 106 for other activities. These trails range from 0 to 56.5 miles in length. The longest trail in Pacifica is Circuito de Montagna Montara a well-known trail measuring 56.5 miles in total length. The most popular trails are San Pedro Mountain Trail, Pacifica: Sweeney Ridge Loop Trail and McNee Ranch State Park and Montara State Beach. Trails.com member Allison W. recently completed Rockaway Point Trail.”
That is a lot of trails in the area! I can personally recommend the beautiful Coastal Trail segment that takes you from Rockaway Beach up a switchback trail over to Pacifica State Beach. The views are amazing from the top, it offers an excellent opportunity to see the restoration work the Open Space and Parkland Advisory Committee has accomplished, stroll along the beach to get some sand in-between your toes, and it is short enough to complete in a couple of hours.
Pacifica Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centers interactive hiking map: http://visitpacifica.com/index.php?page=14
Eat a World Famous “Nick’s” Crab Sandwich
Lunch or dinner, there is no better reason to try a local favorite than a stop at Nick’s Restaurant. Located up against the surf in the Rockaway Beach District of Pacifica and established in 1927, Nick’s is a local favorite for ocean views, delicious food, friendly staff that has been there for years, a commanding selection of wine and beverages served, and dancing on the weekends.
“Nick’s” Famous Crab Sandwich is not one to pass up. Though the menu is extensive, “Nick’s” Famous Crab Sandwich is a massive Dungeness crab spread with tomato on Wedemeyer grilled sourdough bread with fries or IMHO, amazing pickle fries for $2 extra. I promise you will not walk away hungry after eating this Pacifica favorite!
100 Rockaway Beach, Pacifica, Ca 94044 / 650-359-3900
Enjoy a Glass of Wine
Or two!
Just a few blocks away from the Lighthouse Hotel you will find A Grape in the Fog wine bar. They are often packed with local wine aficionados and great boutique wines from around the world. They offer cheese or charcuterie plates from their small plate menu, live music every weekend, and during my visit, Tarot Card Readings!
With its warm and comfortable Tuscan seaside-inspired décor, knowledgable staff, and friendly crowds, you will find yourself making A Grape in the Fog a regular stop on your visits to Pacifica, Ca.
400 Old County Road, Pacifica, CA. 94044 / 650.735.5854
Visit a Brewery
Photo courtesy of Pedro Point Brewing – Pacifica Ca
With over a dozen beers on tap, Pedro Point Brewery is Pacifica’s first and only brewery. From light American lager to dark rich Stouts, Pedro Point Brewery brews on-site at their craft brewery on the north side of Pacifica.
They have a commanding selection of craft beers available: https://www.pedropointbrewing.com/our-beers-1
From great beers to local music, Owners Aaron (brewer) and Roberta, and their fantastic team will make you feel welcome and walk away satisfied from your visit to the Pedro Point Brewery.
55A Bill Drake Way Pacifica, Ca / 650-735-5813
https://www.pedropointbrewing.com
Tour a Castle
Photo credit Robert Azzaro
Yes, Pacifica has a castle, and it is as impressive as you can imagine! From its stunning woodwork to its exquisitely decorated furnishings and colorful history, you will be awestruck when you take in one of the monthly docent-guided tours.
Built-in 1908 by San Francisco attorney Henry McCloskey and owned by Sam Mazza since 1959, the Mazza Castle (also known as Sam’s Castle) has a very colorful past which included life as a restaurant and a speak-easy named Chateau LaFayette, an underground abortion clinic, and a Coast Guard communication post.
Their 1.5 hour guided room-by-room historical tour requires reservations and fills up fast!
900 Mirador Terrace, Pacifica, CA 94044
http://www.sammazzafoundation.org/the-castle/overview/
Visit a Little Brown Church
Pacifica Coastside Museum, located in the Historic Little Brown Church on Francisco Blvd that runs alongside Highway 1, originally built in 1910 by the Presbyterian Church and home to the Pacifica Police Department for 18 years, now serves as Pacifica’s local museum. Constructed of local rough sawn fir and redwood and now lovingly restored by the Pacifica Historical Society.
The Little Brown Church houses an informative display of Ohlone Indian culture which thrived in Pacifica and throughout the San Franciso Bay Area for over 1,000 years. For railroad fans, they have photos and historical insights to the Ocean Shore Railroad, which ran from 1905-1920.
Along all of this, you will find a fascinating exhibit of Pacificas surfing mecca years and the people who made the area famous.
Open: 1-4pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
1850 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica CA 94044
https://pacificahistory.org/museum
Visit a Distillery
Photo courtesy of Tripp Distillery
Crafted spirits have arrived in Pacifica! Micro Distillery on the beach in Pacifica to be more precise. With Pacifica’s cool coastal air, temperature and humidity, owner and distiller Jason Tripp finds these profiles are comparable to Scotland, allowing Tripp Distillery spirits to mature gracefully.
Jason uses the finest organic ingredients in his hand-made, 220 gallon still and the results speak for themselves. You will find some of the finest distilled Vodkas, Rums, Whiskey, Gin and Specialty Liquors at Tripp Distillery. Their “Double Gold” Pacifica Vodka was the “Best In Class” winner of the 2018 California Craft Spirits Competition.
Need more reasons to visit? On any given weekend you will find Food Trucks or the popular free make your own Jumbo Dog bar or perhaps free Rum shots to anyone who brings a dog would be more to your liking!
For events and hours visit Tripp Distillery on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trippdistillery/
1121 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica CA
http://www.trippdistillery.com
Enjoy Sunday Brunch Buffet with a View of the Pacific Ocean
Sunday Brunch has always been very high on my list of weekend activities while traveling. Sunday Brunch Buffet with a View of the Pacific Ocean is just icing on the cake for me. Not much can top the enjoyment of a delicious breakfast buffet with majestic views of the ocean, IMHO.
Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar offers a winning combination with their amazing beach-side location and traditional American breakfast items along with some delectable Peruvian dishes as well.
Make sure to stop back later in the evening to appreciate the full ceviche bar along with a variety of homemade desserts!
525 Crespi Dr., Pacifica, Ca / (650) 733-7343
http://puerto27.com/
Enjoy Lunch and a Massive Craft Beers Selection
With their focus on West Coast Craft Beer, Devil’s Slide Taproom & Grill has a wonderful list of 31 beers on tap. For my non-beer loving friends, I can highly recommend the Devil’s Canyon Craft Root Beer.
Though most of you will not be going for just a drink when you discover the creative menu the head chef creates! With over 30 years of experience as a chef, the menu is diverse and delicious as you will ever experience in a taproom.
5560 Coast Highway, Pacifica, CA / (650) 898-8855
http://www.devilsslidetaproom.com
Take an Old World Delicatessen Lunch to the Beach
It’s just like walking into a hometown deli with a huge wall mounted menu, cafe tables, fresh, and a full-length deli display packed with tasty morsels from around the globe. You will find an amicable staff willing to offer services that cater to your specific needs. Want a homemade salad; they have those too! Wine, yep! Pasta, sauces, delicacies and new discoveries await you on every shelf.
Columbo’s Delicatessen has served its customer since 1986 as a family run business. Adding to Pacifica’s charm by serving to-go meals that are perfect for your next beach trip or hike. You can build your sandwich, selecting from a myriad of delicacies or order a ready-made specialty that they prepare right in front of you. I can recommend the “GODMOTHER” with house garlic rosemary turkey and the “49er” with house cooked roast beef.
Now go get some sand between your toes!
484 Manor Plaza, Pacifica, Ca / Phone orders: 650-355-5023
https://www.colombosdeli.net
Locally Owned Shops
There is always time to shop (and explore) in Pacifica, but one of the surprisingly fun places to stop, shop and experience Pacifica is in the Rockaway Beach community where you can find several interesting locally owned shops to explore, unique bites to eat, personal services and a few hidden paths to adventure along. As a bonus, you can rent a Segway for a few hours and zoom your way around town!
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