Pacifica California: Things to Do

Pacifica California, is only 30-45 minutes from the heart of San Francisco but feels worlds away. Its rustic cliffs overlooking the beautiful ocean make it feel secluded from the buzzing city life. Nature abounds in the Pacific with walking trails running along the oceans and mountain ridges in town. Pacifica is where you can spend a few hours or days relaxing by the sea.

As a traveling healthcare professional, I had the pleasure of living in Pacifica for three months, and to this day, it’s one of my favorite places to live. The mixture of slow beach town life and gorgeous outdoor activities kept me active, and the vibrancy of being in the Bay Area was unmatched. 

I’m happy to share my favorite things to do in Pacifica, California. It’s a true gem of a town in the Bay Area.

What’s the Weather Like In Pacifica?

First up, let’s talk about the weather. The Bay Area is known for microclimates that change by location. Pacifica generally has a mild climate that doesn’t vary significantly by month. The average temperatures range from the 50s to the high 70s, with the colder months being between December and February. This is also their rainy season. 

Pacifica is known for experiencing fog more heavily than other areas of the Bay Area, especially in the morning and evening. Check the weather forecast before you go, and dress in layers. Consider bringing a light umbrella or rain jacket with you in case of rain in the rainy season. 

Pacifica Things to Do

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Pacifica, CA. Hope that you enjoy them as much as I did.

Grab a Coffee at Soul Grind

Starting your day with a cup of coffee is easy in Pacifica; there are a couple of locally-owned coffee shops and Starbucks. Soul Grind Coffee Roasters is one of the most popular places in Pacifica to have a cup of joe. Be prepared to wait, as a line almost always branches out the door. Not only does Soul Grind have fantastic coffee, but its pastries and meal options are some of the best in the town. This was my favorite coffee and breakfast shop. It’s also within walking distance of Linda Mar Beach if you want to get your order to go and enjoy it on the beach.

Walk from Rockaway Beach to Linda Mar Beach

Rockaway Beach and Linda Mar Beach are two of Pacifica’s many well-known, famous beaches. They sit about a mile apart, with jagged cliffs separating the sands from each other. A paved walking trail connects the beaches over the ridges. When walking this trail, you have gorgeous ocean views and can’t help but admire nature’s beauty. This is my favorite quick trail to get stunning Pacific views, and I did this trail a couple of times a week while living in Pacifica. It is dog-friendly for dogs on leashes as well.

Hike Devil’s Slide

Want to walk on the highway right next to the ocean? If walking down Route 1 is on your bucket list, you must hike the Devil’s Slide trail in Pacifica. Devil’s Slide is a 1.3-mile trail made from an old section of US Route 1 deemed no longer safe for cars. It has stunning views of the Pacific coastline and is easy to access, with multiple parking lots on both ends of the trail, bathrooms, and water fountains. It’s also dog-friendly for dogs on leash. 

Walk Around Rockaway Beach Stores

Rockaway Beach has a village of cute shops and restaurants that make you feel like you’re in a small beach town. The clothing stores have quirky beach charm and are worth a visit. There are also several spa locations where you can get a massage or get your nails done if you want some pampering.

Indulge in Seafood at Nick’s Rockaway

Walking into Nick’s Rockaway feels like returning to simpler times from decades past. The wooden panel walls and faux leather booths convey a sense of nostalgia for those times. With oceanfront views and fresh seafood, this is the place to enjoy delicious seafood in Pacifica. My suggestion is to get the crab sandwich on sourdough bread. Chef’s kiss!

Check the Views from Mori Point

Mori Point is the name of a 110-acre park in Pacifica, and the Mori Point bluff which stands next to the ocean. The Mori Point Loop Trail takes you on a 2.6-mile loop around the park up to the highest point, Mori Point, which is only about 400 feet above sea level. It’s not a particularly strenuous trail but offers incredible views. The trail is also dog-friendly for leashed dogs. 

Grab a Bite to Eat at Taco Bell Cantina 

The Taco Bell Cantina is the most infamous restaurant in Pacifica. Where else have you ever seen a beachfront Taco Bell that serves alcohol? You can enjoy your crunch wrap on an outdoor patio on the ocean. This Taco Bell is worth the trip. 

Take Your Dogs for a Romp at Esplanade Beach

One of my favorite parts about Pacifica is how dog-friendly the town is. Esplanade Beach was one of my favorite places to take my water-loving dog because it was an off-leash, dog-friendly beach. There was plenty of sand for the dogs to romp in and my pup couldn’t have been happier there!

Just be careful of the rip tides. I didn’t let my dog go out to swim in the water; he only walked close to the shoreline. There is also a steep staircase to get up and down to the beach which may be hard for humans.

Go for a Surf

Pacifica and surfing are synonymous, and there is a vibrant surfing community in town. While I don’t surf, I often watched the surfers catch waves while walking with my dog. If you’re a surfer, this is a place you want to be.

Watch The Sunset From The Pacifica Pier

The Pacifica Pier stands majestically over the water on the northern side of town over Sharp Beach. It’s a fantastic place to stroll, grab coffee, sit, and relax. Sorry, no dogs are allowed on the pier. I recommend ending your day in Pacifica by watching the sunset on the pier or next to the dock. It’s the best sunset viewing spot in town!