Pacifica Beach

Address: Pacifica, CA

Web Site: http://www.cityofpacifica.org/about/visitors/default.asp

With a small-village atmosphere that spreads along 6 miles of the San Mateo coastline, Pacifica Beach hosts a low-key appeal and offers some high-reward pleasures. There’s an Alistar McKenzie golf course in Sharp Park, the first-rate public Pacifica Skate Park, the Pacifica Pier, one of the best fishing destinations in San Mateo County, and Mori Point, a 105-acre preserve that is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

amed for the ocean it abuts (and for peace), this small, tranquil town tucked just under San Francisco is underdeveloped as a tourist destination, which means it has lots of open coastal space and a real neighborhood feel. It was “discovered” by Gaspar de Portola in 1769 and now this San Mateo County land along California’s fabled Highway 1 encompasses surfing havens, a fishing pier and three national recreation areas that are excellent for romantic hikes. AGE APPROPRIATE Though there aren’t any attractions aimed specifically at little ones (save the occasional...

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