Day Trip to Pacifica With Kids

Pacifica is a gorgeous West Coast beach town that’s a pretty short drive from the Oakland area (unless there’s traffic, of course, in which case it’ll be an hour+). Pacifica is just 15 miles south of San Francisco on the coast, but it feels like a world away. People forget it’s there because it is often shrouded in fog. But those in-the-know know that Fall is its season to shine.

Beaches to visit in Pacifica with kids

• Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar) is the most popular beach in Pacifica and is very accessible. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try a surfing lesson. Grab lunch at the Taco Bell for excellent parking.
• Rockaway Beach is notably one of the cleanest beaches in California and has beautiful views, of course. It also has nearby restaurants.
• Pacifica Pier is an active fishing pier with tons of different kinds of fish and occasional pelican visits. It also has a small café with coffee, hot chocolate, sandwiches and bait.

• Walk down the beach from the Pier and you’ll reach Mori Point. Plenty of fun beachcombing to be had and splashing in the waves.
• Fitzgerald Tidepools aren’t necessarily a “beach” like the others, nor are they in Pacifica. But if you’re up for a quick 15-minute drive south, you’ll be rewarded with some amazing tide-pooling.

Hiking in Pacifica with little ones

• Not just a beach, Mori Point Nature Preserve is a short walk from the pier and offers a variety of trails to explore. The path is a bit rocky, but perfect for a jogging stroller or ‘Bjorned baby. The Bootlegger Steps are just that, a big staircase to the top of the point. This is a great place to see migrating whales. There are other paths exploring the wetlands and a gentle incline over the hill. It is possible to walk from the northernmost Sharp Park Beach to the southernmost Linda Mar Beach by these paths, which are shared by bicycles.
• Devil’s Slide Trail is not as scary as it sounds. It’s a 1.3-mile multi-use trail, converted from a former segment of Highway 1. Nicely paved, great for a stroller hike with kids.

Some more great hikes for little kids>

Where do we eat with kids in Pacifica

Some local kid-friendly eateries include:

• Breakers Breakfast Brunch Lunch -try a smoothie for the kids and a crab omelette for you. They’re right by the beach and have a dog-friendly patio.
• Cafe Pacifica – Pick up some fabulous blueberry scones and matcha, or pack up some of their bagel sandwiches for a picnic on the beach.
• Taqueria Pacifica – We love getting the super nachos to share

Fun things to do in and near Pacifica with little kids

• Frontierland is a fabulous park with wooden castle-like structures, open grassy areas, and even a fitness area so you can work on your glutes while the kiddos play.
• Lemos Farm is not far from Pacifica, but well worth a visit if you’re looking for some goat yoga and pumpkins. Open year-round!
• If you’re craving some fresh fruit, Blue House Farm down the road from Pacifica offers strawberry u-pick in the summer, as well as a farm stand.

Visit a real farm in Pescadero for your pumpkin and Christmas Tree adventures>

Let us know your favorite spots in Pacifica!