When to Go
Beach and parking lot hours are from 5am to 10:30pm from March to November and 5am to 7pm during fall and winter. The western snowy plover overwinters in Pacifica, arriving in mid-August and departing around mid-April. Seasonal fencing is installed to protect these federally endangered birds, but the winter roosting population at Pacifica State Beach has significantly declined due to human disturbance—if you don’t see them foraging for insects and small invertebrates, they may be settled into the dunes.
Know Before You Go
- A parking receipt or pass is required to park at Pacifica State Beach from 8am to 8pm.
- Dogs are allowed on leash.
- No smoking is allowed on the beach, in parking lots, or in restrooms. No alcohol, glass containers, fires, or barbecue grills are allowed.
Pacifica State Beach
This dog-friendly beach makes an ideal stop on California’s northern coastline.
The day-use Pacifica State Beach, also known as Linda Mar Beach, is considered the gateway to the Pacific Coast Highway south of San Francisco. Conveniently set at the edge of downtown Pacifica, this city-operated beach is frequented by locals and those just passing through. Sink your toes into the sand while you watch surfers brave the chilly waters, or sign up for a surf camp and learn to catch a wave. An oceanside recreation trail along the crescent-shaped beach lets you stretch your legs between road trips, and it’s a popular spot for dog walking too. No overnight camping is allowed.
The day-use Pacifica State Beach, also known as Linda Mar Beach, is considered the gateway to the Pacific Coast Highway south of San Francisco. Conveniently set at the edge of downtown Pacifica, this city-operated beach is frequented by locals and those just passing through. Sink your toes into the sand while you watch surfers brave the chilly waters, or sign up for a surf camp and learn to catch a wave. An oceanside recreation trail along the crescent-shaped beach lets you stretch your legs between road trips, and it’s a popular spot for dog walking too. No overnight camping is allowed.
When to Go
Beach and parking lot hours are from 5am to 10:30pm from March to November and 5am to 7pm during fall and winter. The western snowy plover overwinters in Pacifica, arriving in mid-August and departing around mid-April. Seasonal fencing is installed to protect these federally endangered birds, but the winter roosting population at Pacifica State Beach has significantly
Read more...When to Go
Beach and parking lot hours are from 5am to 10:30pm from March to November and 5am to 7pm during fall and winter. The western snowy plover overwinters in Pacifica, arriving in mid-August and departing around mid-April. Seasonal fencing is installed to protect these federally endangered birds, but the winter roosting population at Pacifica State Beach has significantly declined due to human disturbance—if you don’t see them foraging for insects and small invertebrates, they may be settled into the dunes.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —