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Pacifica Beach Activities

San Mateo County




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


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.

Surfing Lessons

The City of Pacifica has approved the following surfing camps:


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, 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

Big Chill Out Longboard Surf Contest
October, Linda Mar Beach.
Longboard competition, women's and men's categories for all ages, plus Stand-up Paddleboard division.
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



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.

Rockaway Beach, Pacifica, CA

Looking north from Rockaway Beach


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

Mori Point map, Pacifica, CA

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


Nearby Activities 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

Fall Family Fog Fest

Postponed until Sept. 2022
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
Fun 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



Items of Local Interest



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

California's Best Beaches

Chicago Park Web Design

Every effort is made to provide accurate and up to date information, but we cannot be responsible for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that may have been made. Also, check with lifeguards that conditions at the beach are safe for your planned activities.

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