Things to do in Pacifica California

Pacifica is a stunning coastal town in California’s San Mateo County. Pacifica rightfully means “peaceful” and it is one of the most serene places to visit in California. I have visited this town in all seasons and it never fails to amaze me and there’s always so many things to do in Pacifica. Spring is when this hidden coastal gem truly shines due to the colorful wildflower blooms and flowers around the city streets. Here are 10 fun things to do in Pacifica – hikes, art centers, gardens, eerie bunkers and more!

Pacifica is conveniently located along Highway 1 making it a great stop for your next California road trip. The town is just 15 mins south of San Francisco. On some days, Pacifica gets covered in fog but I would recommend that you embrace it because it adds to the beauty of this coastal town. Pacifica is enjoyable and gorgeous in all weather conditions including rain!

Here are 10 amazing things to do in Pacifica from someone who has been visiting this place often through its many seasons.

1. Wildflower Hike to Mori Point

Mori Point is one of the most beautiful places in Pacifica during Spring. In April and May, lots of colorful wildflowers such as California Goldfields, Tidy Tips, Lupines and many others are in full bloom making it one of the best hike in Bay Area.

Interestingly, Mori Point used to be a gravel and sand extraction during World War II. Lots of conservation efforts went into this place to make it a great recreational area for people.

Here are the hiking trail details:

• Mori Point Loop Trail
• Distance: 2.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 400 ft

This trail takes you up a set of stairs where you can see the large field of blooms. It gets windy up there so make sure to dress in layers.

2. Visit Sharp Park Beach

After hiking to Mori Point, spend some time at Sharp Park Beach. Most people are surprised when they hear that there is a Black Sand Beach in Pacifica just 15 minutes from San Francisco. Imagine getting a taste of Hawaii without having to fly all the way there. The rich black color comes from a high concentration of iron oxide magnetite. You are welcome to bring your dog to the beach as well on a leash.

Walk along the beach promenade to Pacifica Pier which is a favorite for folks into fishing and crabbing.

3. Visit a Local Cafe or Coffee Roastery

Pacifica has some amazing cafes which makes for a great start to the day. Two of my favorites are Soul Grind Coffee Roasters and Pacific Java. Soul Grind Coffee Roasters is a beachfront cafe in Pacifica making artisanal coffee. This is also the first coffee roastery in Pacifica.

Pacific Java Cafe is located near Rockaway Beach and offers a cozy ambiance for visitors to hang out or work out of. Don’t forget to check out the cute little shops and boutiques at the Rockway Beach Plaza next door. You can’t go wrong with trying any of the local cafes in the area.

4. Hike the Devil’s Slide Trail

Hiking the Devil’s Slide trail is one of the most unique things to do in Pacifica because it is a segment of Highway 1 that was closed off. The views of the ocean are stunningly beautiful and this is a great spot for bird-watching and whale-watching. Devil’s Slide is also great for cyclists, runners and parents looking for stroller-friendly hiking trails. Keep an eye out for the coolest rock formations with sedimentary layers of sand and darker mud.

You can park either on the North or South side of the trail and hike the length of it.

• Devil’s Slide Trail
• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 354 ft

5. Check out the Devil’s Slide Bunker

If you have driven by the Tom Lantos Tunnels on Highway 1 and thought you saw an eerie looking structure sitting on the edge of the cliff, you probably saw the Devil’s Slide Bunker. This used to be a military bunker in WWII. The bunker is now covered with graffiti but most of the structure is still intact making it a cool spot to explore.

You can park on the Southern Parking lot of the Devil’s Slide Trail head to visit the bunker.

6. Enjoy art at Sanchez Art Center

This is one of the coolest places in Pacifica that many people miss. It is a local hidden gem. The Sanchez Art Center is made up of amazing displays of art work and houses performing arts organizations and individual art studios for up to 30 Bay Area artists.

There is a Main Gallery with exhibits from emerging and established California artists. A West Wing Gallery which is the Art Guild of Pacifica exhibitions. And an East Wing Gallery that hosts multicultural exhibits by Bay Area organizations and children.

This beautiful center for art is free to visit and you can donate any amount as well during your visit.

7. Shelldance Orchid Gardens

Shelldance Orchid Gardens is one of the most beautiful gardens I have seen in the Bay Area. It is dedicated to growing Orchids, Bromeliads and Neotropical plants exclusively. It is open to public and free to visit. We bought a beautiful orchid plant here that has been bringing a lot of joy to us. The proximity to Pacific Ocean plays a big role in creating ideal growing conditions.

Don’t miss to take in the stunning views of Pacific Ocean and Highway 1 from the terrace area.

8. See Surfers in action at Rockaway Beach

On the South of Pacifica Pier is Rockaway Beach with crashing waves, stunning cliffs and lots of surfers in action. There are many hotels, restaurants and shops in the area to relax after a picnic at the beach. The hiking trail below will take you to a scenic viewpoint where you can see the Pacifica State Beach as well. In Spring, there are gorgeous wildflowers on the trail.

• Rockaway Point Trail
• Distance: 2.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 334 ft

9. Take a Stroll at Pacifica State Beach

Pacifica State Beach or Linda Mar Beach is a beautiful Crescent shaped beach with a stunning coastline and a favorite among surfers and locals. The milder waves make it an accessible beach for amateur surfers. December to January, you can spot many whales migrating closest to the shore and the migration continues through April. Pacifica State Beach is one of the best places to see this from. Don’t forget your binoculars. Other spots include Rockaway Beach Trail, Mori Point and Pacifica Pier.

10. Grab a meal at the famous Taco Bell

During your visit to Pacifica State Beach, make a stop at the most scenic Taco Bell in the US. This Taco Bell offers 180 degrees amazing views of the ocean for diners. Surfers can walk up to the window and place their orders from the beach.

This Taco Bell located in a quaint old building also made it to Conde Nast’s most scenic fast food establishments list in 1990s and since then has become a tourist favorite. Do you need more reasons to grab a quick lunch here?

Other Places to visit in Pacifica

• Sweeney Ridge
• San Pedro Valley
• Nearby town of Pescadero and Half Moon Bay
• Gray Whale Cove Beach

Hope you enjoyed this blog post on fun things to do in Pacifica California. Pacifica is the perfect haven for outdoorsy adventure seekers as well as those who want to get a taste of local spots and businesses. Subscribe to my Newsletter for more such travel updates and posts.