From San Anselmo, drive 45 minutes south (29 miles) on the 101 and you’ll wind up in Pacifica, the coastal city between Half Moon Bay and San Francisco in San Mateo County. Only two miles south of San Francisco, Pacifica is a beautiful stretch over six miles of hills and beaches where surfers love to visit. Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica Skateboard Park and the Shelldance Orchid Gardens are just a few of the many attractions Pacifica has to offer. Mori Point has fantastic hiking trails and Pacifica Pier is full of Salmon for fishing.
Mori Point is only a quarter mile walk south of Pacifica Municipal Pier, a popular pier for fishermen on Beach Boulevard, at the end of Santa Rosa Avenue. Mori Point has several beginner’s hiking and biking trails, picnicking areas and places to unwind while gazing out at the Pacific.
Linda Mar Beach (also known as Pacifica State Beach) is popular amongst families, couples and surfers. You’ll find restrooms, showers and surf camps as well as the Pacifica Skateboard Park here.
The Shelldance Orchid Gardens is a beautiful orchid nursery that opens to the public on weekends. The charming greenhouses allow jungle plants to flourish in Shelldance’s rain forest ecosystem. You’ll find Spanish moss, plum-colored Shamrocks and a cymbidium that has been alive for four generations of a local family. See all this and orchids, bromeliads, ferns and cacti.
Address: 2000 Hwy 1, Pacifica, CA 94044
Phone: (650) 355-4845
Wine lovers will adore the fun-loving wine bar on Old Country Road, called A Grape in the Fog. It has live music, delicious cheese plates, fantastic local wines and a Happy Hour menu on Mondays.
Address: 400 Old County Road, Pacifica, CA 94044
Phone: (650) 735-5854
Area Hotels
The 97-room, pet-friendly Best Western Plus Lighthouse Hotel is one of the top-rated hotels in Pacifica. The hotel features a business center, fitness center, nearby beach, swimming pool, free Internet and free parking. Ristorante Portofino’s is located inside; it’s an exceptionally delicious Italian restaurant. You can enjoy the peaceful, rolling waves of the beach with Fisherman’s Wharf set only 25 minutes away.
Address: 105 Rockaway Beach Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044
Phone: 1 (800) 568-8520
It only takes 10 minutes on the BART to get to San Francisco while staying at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Pacifica. The hotel offers free breakfast, free parking, free Internet, kitchenettes, a business center and fitness center. Situated on the beautiful Rockaway Beach, a stay here means strolls along the beach and watching surfers do what they do best.
Address: 519 Nick Gust Way, Pacifica, CA 94044
Phone: 1 (877) 859-5095
Colombo’s Delicatessen is extremely popular with locals and visitors. It’s noted as one of the best delis in Pacifica. Come in for lunch and try the hot steak sandwich with caramelized onions and skirt steak, provolone cheese and garlic spread on a homemade sourdough roll.
Address: 484 Manor Place, Pacifica, CA 94044-1839
Phone: (650) 355-5023
If you’re on the go, stop on in to Gorilla Barbeque to take food on the road. Its unique BBQ style is a cross between that from Texas and the Carolinas. You’ll find generous portions, smoky flavors and plenty of sauce served on the side. Try the ribs and brisket.
Address: 2145 Coast Highway, Pacifica, CA 94044
Phone: (650) 359-RIBS
For a sit-down, modern-American dining experience, try the Surf Spot. The stylish ambiance, welcoming patio and nearby bowling alley make this the perfect location for families. You’ll find burgers, pizza and cherry mojitos on the menu.
Address: 4627 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044
Phone: 1 (877) 625-2929
Explore the beauty of a coastal city right next to San Francisco without paying the cost of staying in the city. You’ll be pleased to learn that there are several taxis, shuttles and other San Anselmo transportation services available to make the trip more convenient. Less than an hour drive from San Anselmo, Pacifica is truly the perfect destination for a day trip.
