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Every journey has its share of surprises, and our trip to Pacifica didn’t disappoint in that department. This little coastal gem has been our refuge during life’s whirlwinds.
On this particular trip, we sought family bonding and got just that, along with an unexpected twist…My family spent our last vacation day in the emergency room when our youngest developed a nasty cough (they’re ok now!), cutting our getaway a little short. Still, we embraced the moments we had and cherished every bit of the Pacifica magic. Here’s our story of connecting, exploring, and going with the flow.
The city of Pacifica is on the unceded lands of of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples.
Trip Purpose & Details
To bond as a family, explore nature and Pacifica’s history, and relax
DESTINATION: Pacifica, California
WHEN WE VISITED: October
LENGTH OF OUR STAY: 3 days
AGE OF OUR KIDS: 1 and 4 years
Getting There
Pacifica is a coastal town just south of the city of San Francisco.
It is about a 30-minute drive from Oakland/Alameda and a 15-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport.
It’s not the most accessible via public transportation, as it would take you about four times as long than to drive, but if you’re committed, you can make it!
What We Packed
- A Pacifica activity book I created for my littles 🙂
- Standard weekend bag essentials
- Cozy clothing layers for varying coastal temperatures
- Portable snacks for the kids, given the activities
- Bassinet
- Sound Machine
- Baby Carrier
Recommended Activities for Family Fun in Pacifica
Frontierland Park
Great for a few hours of play and fresh air
free; 2+ hours
Perhaps with the problematic name aside, this beautiful spot in east Pacifica is great for both playful kids and adults. We were instantly smitten with the grassy area perfect for running, and even more so with the designed castle-like play structure and swings. Our visit was made all the more special by the sightings of deer and the occasional squirrel. There is no entry fee, making it a perfect, budget-friendly spot for families.
Pacifica Pier
Great for casual walks, especially at sunset
free; 1+ hours
Family walks along the Pacifica Pier were undeniably the highlights of our trip. There’s something beautifully unscripted about our casual strolls along the beach. The pier, with its café and the fishermen, added things to watch along our walks. We were impressed by the few audacious surfers taking on the waves.
Devil's Slide Trail
Great for a paved, coastal hike on an former highway
free; 2+ hours
Don’t let the name fool you; while some of the steady inclines might be a bit devilish, the out-and-back trail that spans 1.3 miles is nicely paved and is great for a stroller hike with kids. Devil’s Slide Trail—which comprises a portion of the California Coastal Trail—was once part of Highway 1 but prone to frequent landslides and accidents. With voter support, a multi-use trail was created and opened in 2014. BBA co-founder Angelica and her partner hiked the trail with their then-three-year-old kid, enjoying the coastal views despite the windy conditions.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach
Chill hang
~2+ hours
Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a wide expanse of sandy coastline set against tall bluffs. Park in the lot on the east side of Highway 1, and take care as you walk across the highway to get to the steep stairway that leads down to the beach.
Angelica’s family managed to get down with a three-year-old, and they loved hanging out on the sand after their hike on Devil’s Slide Trail.
Be on the lookout for gray whales, who migrate along this stretch of coastline from December to January and March to May.
Half Moon Bay
Great for farm visits and a cute downtown
~3+ hours
If you’re willing to venture a little further, Half Moon Bay is another family-friendly destination that is about 15 miles away from Pacifica.
During this trip we decided to tack on a visit to The Farmer’s Daughter for their seasonal pumpkin patch. Being a farmer’s daughter myself, the name struck a chord, drawing me to this quaint spot over the others along Cabrillo Highway.
Nestled between mountains and just a 10-minute drive from the beach, the setting was nothing short of magical. While the pumpkin patch isn’t expansive, and lacks the usual rides or events, its charm lies in its simplicity. Without entrance fees or distracting attractions, it offers a genuine, undiluted pumpkin-picking experience that we found absolutely endearing.
Where We Ate in Pacifica
These were all places I’d recommend enjoying with your family.
- Uoyakutei: Authentic Japanese cuisine. We loved the sake yakimeshi.
- Shampa’s Pie: Delightful baked goods and pies, perfect for breakfast. Don’t miss the sweet potato pie.
- Cafe Pacifica: Wonderful, no-frills breakfast spot. The Pacifica Fog was one of the best earl grey lattes I’ve had.
- Ju Fu restaurant: Really tasty and affordable Chinese food. They offer take-out only.
Wishlist for Our Next Visit
Milagra Ridge: A gentle hike with panoramic views. Wear comfy shoes.
Our Pacifica escape, though short, was filled with laughter, adventure, and pie. As a mixed family, we found Pacifica to be inviting. We really saw the town’s diversity, around the pier where I heard at least three different languages being spoken.
Krista L
I’m Krista, a mixed-race (Mexican & White) mother of one toddler and am a expecting another. Traveling locally and internationally has always been a passion of mine fueled by what the local cuisine of the area is. Feeling like a more experienced parent has led me to exploring different areas with my family and learning where my children fit into a life of adventure. I will always stop at roadside fruit stands and eat riceballs.
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