Pacifica Beaches Activities

San Mateo County

Pacifica State Beach, San Mateo County, California
Pacifica State Beach, San Mateo County, California

Pacifica Beaches Activities

San Mateo County


Surfing Pacifica Waves

Surfing is popular at all of Pacifica's beaches. While Linda Mar (Pacifica) Beach draws surfers of all abilities, Rockaway and Sharp Park are best attempted by experienced surfers. Big waves are common in the winter and treacherous rip currents can be challenging.

Caution: Check with rangers or lifeguards that conditions are safe for your planned activities.



Surfing Lessons

The City of Pacifica has approved the following surfing camps:

  • Adventure Out, 3-hour lessons every day, 2-day clinics, at Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar Beach).
  • University of Surfing, Group and private lessons, year-round, at Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar Beach). Basic through advanced instruction.
  • Surf Camp Pacifica, 3-hour Surf Camps for children 6-18, adult 2½-hour Surf Camps, at Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar Beach).
surfers at Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica, CA

Linda Mar (Pacifica) Beach


Surfing Competitions

Pacifica Beaches have been the hosts to a number of surfing competitions in recent years.

Marine Mammal Surf Festival
July or August, Linda Mar Beach
Sponsored by Nor Cal Surf Shop. The goal of the festival is to raise awareness about the slaughtering of dolphins and whales. The event will feature both shortboard and longboard competitions.
Nor Cal Surf Shop

Kahuna Kupuna
July TBA, 2024 Linda Mar Beach.
Kahuna Kupuna is Hawaiian Big Chief Grandparent. 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by an evening reception with live music, dinner, and awards. Age group categories beginning at age 40 and extending all the way up to age 79 and older. Stand-up Paddleboard division, team surfing divisions (which include participants under age 40).
Kahuna Kupuna

Grom Fest
June TBA, 2024, Linda Mar Beach.
Sponsored by the Pedro Point Surf Club

Uncle Dick's Surf Fest
November or December, Rockaway Beach.
Two-day event, longboard division, junior and senior divisions
Sponsored by the
Nor Cal Surf Shop

Mori Point

The land at Mori Point was acquired by the National Park Service in 2004. Since then, they have been working to preserve the natural habitat and develop hiking trails for public use. Among the improvements on Mori Ridge are

  • A system of trails that replace a spider web of previous informal foot paths
  • Protection and restoration of 33 acres of wetlands and other ecosystems
  • Installation of a raised wooden deck along Mori Road to permit wildlife to pass underneath.
  • Establish connections to the Coastal Trail, routing it through Mori Point
Mori Point map, Pacifica, CA

Coastal Trail

A 7-mile waterfront trail connects Pacifica's waterfront from Sharp Park Beach to Linda Mar Beach. The trail passes through Mori Point, along the Calera Creek valley, on to Rockaway Beach and down to Linda Mar Beach.

Pacifica Coastal Trail  map, Pacifica, CA

Rockaway Beach seagull, California

Rockaway Beach



Snowy Plovers

Pacifica City Council is supporting plans to provide protection for Western snowy plovers on Linda Mar Beach. Snowy plovers are listed as an endangered species and their nesting grounds are protected on beaches all along the California coast. Pacifica will be placing signs to educate the public about snowy plovers and tighten enforcement of regulations such as leash laws.

A buffer zone will be set up to keep beach activities away from their nesting areas. Activities such as fireworks, kite flying, and ball sports can be disruptive to the birds.



Nearby Activities, Attractions, and Events

Pacifica Beach Coalition

Dedicated to preserving the ocean, coastal habitat and wildlife, and ending litter.
Members work to collect litter, reduce water pollution, protect beaches, and restore habitat.
Annual Earth Day celebration in April and Coastal Clean-up Day in September.
Pacifica Beach Coalition

Pacifica Skatepark

540 Crespi Drive in Pacifica, behind the Pacifica Community Center. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to sunset. On Sundays, hours are 10:30 AM to sunset. Helmet, knee pads and elbow pads are required at all times.

Fall Family Fog Fest

Septrmber TBA, 2024
IBL Middle School
1427 Palmetto Ave.
Pacifica, CA
Free play festival promoting cooperative and non-competitive group interaction
Games, group parachute, giant bubbles, bumper bellies, face painting, cardboard city, and more
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pacifica Fog Fest

Whale Watching Tours

Oceanic Society
Depart from Pillar Point Yacht Harbor, Half Moon Bay, CA
Daily 3 - 3½ hour tours aboard the 56-foot Salty Lady. Open observation deck, indoor salon.
Oceanic Society Whale Watching Tours

Segway Tours

Pacifica, Oceanside Beaches & Bluffs - spectacular ocean views. Begin at Rockaway Beach, ride through rock quarry and wildlife areas, climb Strawberry Hill. 2 hours.
Pacifica, Rockaway and Quarry - Follow paved trail and explore abandoned quarry, venture off-road. 1 hour.
Silicon Segway in Pacifica

Pacifica Gardens

30,000 square foot urban agricultural project at Linda Mar School. Educational workshops, elementary school field trips, and youth community service programs.
Pacifica Gardens


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety