While Pacifica is well known for its famous surfing beaches, the lesser known Mori Point is a destination that stands on its own. With trails that wind along bluffs and beaches, the 32-acre wetland park is an easy 30+minute drive from Berkeley (or a not-as-easy hour+ drive with traffic) and can make for a lovely half-, or full-day trip.
The trails at Mori Point are super family friendly with “choose your own level of difficulty” hiking.
There are three trailheads off Mori Point Road by the parking lot. We usually choose the easiest trail, Old Mori Trail, reaching the beach in a flat half mile. As you enter the tree covered trail, the trees will eventually start clearing to make way for the beach. You’ll hear the waves before you see them. This trail is seriously beautiful. It’s so short, yet constantly changing— a ton of beauty in a very short distance. Closer to the beach are the wetlands. Keep an eye out for lizards! We saw several darting in and out of wildflowers. The area also has an extensive Native American history, with many plaques we like to stop and read along the way.
All trails eventually lead to a bluff, then down to the beach
We scrambled our way down a bluff to get to the beach. You can also carry on down the Coastal Trail to an actual staircase that goes to the beach. But we like getting on the beach straight away. We brought along some beach toys and a football, though I wish we’d brought some kites and our shade contraption.
Where to fly kites in the East Bay>
All my kids enjoy beachcombing for seashells, feathers, seaglass and other beach goods. Mori Point beach has a treasure trove of iridescent mussel shells, many with both sides intact. Crab seems to be on the menu for local birds as well, with plenty of the crustacean claws and bodies littering the beach.
On our hike back to the car, we usually take the Lishumsha Trail for a short loop, with different scenery.
Other considerations:
- The parking lot is tiny, so you’ll need to jockey for street parking. Not bad during the week; rough on the weekends.
- Ocean breeze: smells so good, but it can be windy off the coast, so dress in layers.
- The waves can get big, so watch your little ones
- Parts of the trail are exposed, so also bring sunscreen/hats.
- There are several port-o-potties available in the parking lot, but they’re kinda yucky
- Dogs are welcome, though only on-leash
We look forward to our next trip to Mori Point, with kites and shade in hand!
