3 Fun Neighboring Pacifica Sites
Pacifica is often driven through but mostly overlooked as destination. But by grouping together locations like today’s three destinations, you’ll find you can make an adventure exploring Pacifica for the day. The three sites we visit today are located at the beginning, middle and end of Linda Mar Blvd. in Pacifica.
Pacifica State Beach
Located along coastal Hay 1 in Pacifica, you’ll find the popular Pacifica State Beach. Frequented by surfers, the large broad beach is located in a uniquely urban setting with colorful houses dotting the surrounding hillside. Beach parking is not cheap, and the parking lot can fill up on weekends and hot busy days.
Just south of the parking lot you’ll find one of the beast shorefront dinning deals in California… a Taco Bell fast food restaurant. The Taco Bell offers free parking, a Dollar menu, restrooms and indoor/outdoor seating with jaw dropping views. Even if you’re just traveling along the coast on Hwy 1, this pitstop offers an inexpensive way to enjoy this spectacular beach.
Sanchez Adobe County Park
Along Linda Mar Blvd., about a mile east of Pacifica State beach, you’ll find Sanchez Adobe County Park. This free park has limited operating hours and is operated by the San Mateo County Historical Society. The park’s centerpiece is the Sanchez Adobe, a rare remaining structure from when California was part of Mexico. Built as a farmhouse in 1842, the adobe was expanded and converted into a hotel before becoming a historical site in 1942. Although the structure and its exhibits are small, the surrounding farmland is full of picnic grounds, activities and history. This farmland was used by Native Americans before it was taken over by San Francisco’s Mission Dolores(since San Francisco’s climate proved unsuitable for agriculture). Currently, the farmland is utilized on busy days and with group visits to demonstrate farming activities to youth such as grinding corn.
San Pedro Valley County Park
San Pedro Valley County Park is located about a mile east of Sanchez Adobe County Park at the eastern end of Linda Mar Blvd. in Pacifica. Known primarily for its scenic hiking trails, it also feature popular picnic grounds and a large visitor center that’s open on weekends. The smallest trail is the short Plaskon Nature that leads from the rear of the visitor center onto bridges crossing San Pedro Creek.
By far the most popular hiking trail in the park is the Old Trout Farm Loop that can be completed in about a half an hour. This beginners trail climes through Redwood and Eucalyptus trees as it returns to the valley floor to cross a bridge over San Pedro Creek. The valley portion features towering trees and wildlife as it makes its way back towards the visitor center.
The park’s more advanced trails focus on wildlife and valley views(including a waterfall which only appears after large rains).
Conclusion
Combining these and other Pacifica locations make for a full day’s adventure along the Pacific Ocean. Learn about other Pacifica sites on our website and use our app to help you create your own easy fun adventure in Pacifica.
