Pacifica State Beach
Rate this placeNearby: Oddstad Park White Field
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Pacifica State Beach is a picturesque beach located in the state of California, just south of San Francisco.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are several reasons to visit this beach, including its scenic beauty, excellent surfing opportunities, and its proximity to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
One of the main points of interest at Pacifica State Beach is the fishing pier, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Other notable attractions include the Pacifica Municipal Pier, which is the longest pier in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Pacifica Skatepark, which is a popular destination for skateboarders and BMX riders.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a popular spot for rumrunners during Prohibition, as well as its status as one of the few places in California where you can find the rare Snowy Plover bird species.
The best time of year to visit Pacifica State Beach is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and the waves are ideal for surfing. However, the beach can be visited year-round, and visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, birdwatching, and fishing during the cooler months.
Overall, Pacifica State Beach is a beautiful destination with plenty to see and do, making it a great choice for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of California's coast.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Dispersed Camping
|
||
Sweetwood Group Camp
|
||
Half Moon Bay State Beach
|
||
Candlestick RV Park
|
Oddstad Park
White Field
Fassler Park
Mori Point
Frontierland Park