Pacifica: Take a scenic hike on Highway 1, Devil's Slide Coastal Trail; things to do

1 South

Take a scenic hike on Highway 1

sign at north end of Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

Devil's Slide Coastal Trail  

Off Hwy. 1, between Pacifica and Montara, (650) 355-8289.  Free.  Dogs on leash ok.  Two small parking lots (10-15 cars each) available at north and south ends; from 8am, closing time varies; free; note that the south lot is accessible from both north- and southbound lanes of Hwy. 1; the north lot is accessible only from the southbound lane.

signs at north end of Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

The Devil’s Slide Trail was converted from a former segment of Highway 1 that was prone to slides and breaking pavement.  In 2014, this infamous section was bypassed by the new Tom Lantos Tunnels and became a 1.3-mile paved segment of the California Coastal Trail.  Situated high above the Pacific Ocean, it provides spectacular views for hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians.  Overlooks with benches and a few observation scopes provide the opportunity to rest while enjoying the view and soaking up the sound of waves crashing on the rocks far below.  Interpretive signs along the way describe the area’s history, geography, and wildlife.  Restrooms, drinking fountains, bike racks, and pet waste stations are available at both ends of the trail.

observation scope on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

interpretive sign on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

Beginning from the south, the trail is mostly flat. About 2/3 of the way north it features steeper up and down grades.  For quickest access to ocean views, begin your walk at the south end of the trail, where views are encountered immediately and the grade is most gradual.

scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

A recommendation for those with mobility problems:  Plan to park in the south lot.  You can easily walk about 2/3 of the trail, then turn around and go back.  The steepest part is the north 1/3 of the trail.  My group was split in abilities.  Two who were able and liked the challenge of steeper grades continued on and turned around later to rejoin us. 

undulating scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

You might also meet some memorable characters along the trail.  We encountered an 82-year-old docent.  Before he moved ahead of us at a good clip, he described himself as “retired but not expired,” and he definitely “inspired” me!

scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail in Pacifica, California

On the day I visited the wind was blowing fiercely.  I did wonder a few times if it could blow me right into the sea.  It is a good idea to pack along a hat with ties, or do as I did and use a neck scarf to tie down your hat.  A hoodie also works to restrain hats.  And you might want to pack along water.

neck scarf holds on lady's hat on scenic stretch on Devil's Slide Trail
in Pacifica, California

The perfect lunch to tie in with a morning hike here is down the coast in Half Moon Bay at Sam's Chowder House.


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images c2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Pacifica: Take a scenic hike at Mori Point; things to do

1 South

Take a scenic hike at Mori Point

Mori Point  

Free parking lot on the west side of Hwy. 1, across from Sun Valley Market; trailhead at Beach/Clarendon; part of Golden Gate National Park system.  

Map. 

Mori Point trail in Pacifica, California

The easy Mori Point hike leading to this exposed, and sometimes very windy, promontory features stunning ocean views.  Whale watching is good from mid-December through April, when you will see the California gray whale.  And in recent summers some humpback and blue whales have been spotted.

Mori Point trail in Pacifica, California

Mori Point trail in Pacifica, California

Mori Point on Mori Point trail in Pacifica, California

A cove off a short trail to the south from the point was the setting for the final scene of the 1970s cult film “Harold and Maude,” in which Harold drives his car over a cliff here.

trail to cove on Mori Point trail in Pacifica, California

On the way to the cove, you’ll see bunkers decorated with colorful murals, and in spring and summer wildflowers--including the Indian paintbrush--add color to the fields.

bunker on trail to cove on Mori Point trail in Pacifica, California

An effort is in progress to restore the area to its original landscape, as it was when the Mori dairy farm was here back in time.  (The dairy is credited with originating Monterey Jack cheese, which they referred to back then as a white Italian farm cheese.  The recipe for it was stolen from the farm by a relative named Jack, who went to . . . Monterey, and the rest is history.)  Endangered wildlife here includes the red-legged frog as well as the rare San Francisco garter snake (also dubbed the Grateful Dead snake because of its colorful skin).  The snakes like to eat the frogs and so sometimes violate the Endangered Species Act of 1973.  When returning from the Point, you can optionally take the Coastal Trail down to the pond and back to the parking lot or you can continue on into the Sharp Park area, where the town pier is.  

view of Sharp Park and pier from Mori Point trail in Pacifica, California

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images c2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Pacifica: Introduction to Rockaway Beach; hotel reviews + restaurant reviews + things to do

1 South

Introduction to Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

This self-contained section of Pacifica provides a village-like, walkable getaway.  Visitors can check in to a lodging or park their cars, and then walk everywhere from their room or parking space--to browse unique shops, dine at an assortment of restaurants (think fresh Dungeness crab and other local seafood), ride a Segway, take a hike along the Coastal Trail, watch surfers, or just relax on the sand at the small, scenic beach featuring plenty of waves and surfers and sometimes even sharks and whales. 

 

     Where To Stay and Eat

Best Western Lighthouse Hotel  

105 Rockaway Beach Ave., (800) 832-4777, (650) 355-6300.  97 rooms; $$-$$$.  Heated pool (open year round); hot tub; sauna; fitness room.  Room service; restaurant. 

Eight rooms here at the Best Western Lighthouse Hotel have a full-on ocean view, while the rest have a range of partial views.  Beach-front junior suites have a sliding door that opens to the sight and sound of the roaring ocean—no wimpy waves here.  It’s a thrill watching surfers while relaxing to nature’s stereo performance.  Time a visit well and luck might permit viewing passing whales, or maybe dolphins riding the waves like surfers, or even the great white shark that passes through twice a year.  Several trails lead by the hotel:  The Coastal Trail goes a mile north into the foothills, and the Linda Mar State Beach trail leads south to a popular surfing spot.

exterior of Best Western Lighthouse Hotel at Rockaway Beach
in Pacifica, California

        Moonraker

Operating on the second floor of the hotel, (650) 557-7025.  B-D daily, L Tu-Sat, SunBr.

The elegant and romantic Moonraker is back with a surf-and-turf menu.  Stressing fresh seafood, menu highlights include oysters, cracked Dungeness crab, and a delicate filet of Petrale sole, but you might also find a delicious butternut squash soup, roasted Brussels sprouts from Half Moon Bay, and steak-frites.  Most tables have impressive oceanfront views, and sometimes you can even hear the surf.  Many comfortable half-moon booths are available.

  

bar at Moonraker in Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

cracked Dungeness crab at Moonraker in Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

Petrale sole at Moonraker at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

Brussels sprouts and butternut squash soup at Moonraker at Rockaway Beach
in Pacifica, California

steak frites at Moonraker at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

blood orange sorbet at Moonraker at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

Holiday Inn  

519 Nick Gust Way, (650) 355-5000.  Buffet breakfast; afternoon cookies. 

Some rooms at the Holiday Inn have an ocean view, but others, like the one I stayed in, have a view of the busy highway or parking lot.  The best rooms here are ocean-views on an upper floor.  Guest rooms are comfortable, contemporary, and quiet.  Each has a Kuireg coffeemaker.  The complimentary buffet breakfast served in a room with an ocean view is expansive, with pancakes, muffins, eggs, toast, cereal, yogurt, and really good biscuits.  Hot drinks and juices are always available to guests.  A few big fish are kept in a small salt-water tank in the lobby. 

view from breakfast room at Holiday Inn Express at Rockaway Beach
in Pacifica, California

Seabreeze Motel  

100 Rockaway Beach Ave., (650) 359-3903.  20 rooms; $.  Continental breakfast; restaurant.  No pets. 

This is the place for a quick, inexpensive escape.  Rooms at the Seabreeze Motel are simple, but the beach and roaring sea are just a few steps away.

exterior of Seabreeze Motel at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

        Nicks Sea Shore Dining 

(650) 359-3900.  B-L-D daily; $$-$$$.  Reservations advised.

The Seabreeze Motel offers ’50s retro style with comfy booths and an ocean view in its Nicks Sea Shore Dining restaurant.  Under the same ownership as the motel, this merry steak and seafood house began as a burger stand selling bait to fishermen.  Don’t miss the garlic bread or crab cakes.  Additional popular items include Oysters Rockefeller, marinated cracked crab made from grandma’s recipe, and Nick’s Famous Crab Sandwich on grilled sourdough.  For dessert, the sorbet bomb is da bomb--a delicious ball of passion fruit, mango, and raspberry sorbets encased in white chocolate.  An adjacent bar with dance floor books live music on weekends and serves up tasty cocktails at its immense horseshoe bar.

dining room at Nicks Sea Shore Dining at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

Oysters Rockefeller at Nicks Sea Shore Dining at Rockaway Beach
in Pacifica, California

cracked crab at Nicks Sea Shore Dining at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

sorbet bomb at Nicks Sea Shore Dining at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

A Grape in the Fog  

400 Old County Rd., (650) 735-5854.  Age 21+.  M-Thur 4-10, F 4-11, Sat 2-11. 

Located at the quiet end of an already quiet back road, this small wine bar offers an impressive selection plus some tasty small bites--cheeses and charcuterie, hummus, and stuffed empanadas.  Seating at A Grape in the Fog is at high tables and a bar, and live music is scheduled on a small stage on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m.  My group tried four tasty vintages:  an oaky, buttery, approachable Corkscrew Chardonnay; a fruity, smoky Stubbs Vineyard Pinot Noir; another good Kastania Pinot Noir with a sweet owl on the label; and the bold Mr. Beast Zin from Barber Cellar.  Several featured wine flights remove the decision making and let you relax. 

  

exterior of A Grape in the Fog at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

bar at A Grape in the Fog at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

small bites at A Grape in the Fog at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

Uoyakutei Japanese Restaurant  

4408 Coast Hwy., (650) 898-8183.  L-D daily.  

This road house is an easy pull-off on Highway 1.  Uoyakutei Japanese Restaurant has an extensive menu that includes crispy tempura, all types of sushi and sashimi, and more.  

sushi bar at Uoyakutei Japanese Restaurant at Rockaway Beach
in Pacifica, California

tempura at Uoyakutei Japanese Restaurant at Rockaway Beach
in Pacifica, California

    and

Resurrected Boutique  

450 Dondee Way #2, in Rockaway Beach Plaza, (650) 735-5503.  

This cozy little spot purveys the work of local artisans as well as repurposed antiques, collectibles, and vintage items.  

merchandise at Resurrected Boutique at Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California

More things to do in Pacifica.

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images c2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Pacifica: Pacifica Coastside Museum in Little Brown Church; things to do

1 South

Pacifica Coastside Museum  

In Little Brown Church, 1850 Francisco Blvd./Salada Ave.  Tu, Thur, Sat 1-4pm.  Free.  Rummage sale:  2nd week of month; F 9am-4pm, Sat 1-4pm; free.  

Constructed in 1910 as a community church, this sweet little structure is the second oldest building in town (the Sanchez Adobe is the oldest).  

Little Brown Church in Pacifica, California

It later housed the Pacifica Police Department, then was converted into the small Pacifica Coastside Museum.  Off the entry area you can peruse a tiny gift shop (do pick up a brick of the locally-made Pacifica Jack cheese that is made especially for the museum and which they sell here).  

gift shop in Little Brown Church in Pacifica, California

On display just outside the shop is a 1/10-size replica tribute to the 80-foot-tall Pacifica Statue displayed at the Pan-Pacific Exhibition in 1915.  

Pacifica Statue in Little Brown Church in Pacifica, California

In the small museum that is up some stairs in the back, I learned that Jack London went to kindergarten in Pacifica, and I saw delightful vintage photos--one depicted an open car of The Ocean Shore Railroad as it traveled along Devil’s Slide.  My favorite story is about the parachuting Santa who in 1964 was blown off course across Sweeney Ridge into the surf and was fished out and saved by some savvy surfers.  A video room shows a collection of historical film.  The monthly rummage sale is an especially good time to visit.  

Kathleen Manning explains display in Pacifica Coastside Museum
in Pacifica, California

Paul Slavin explains display in Pacifica Coastside Museum in Pacifica, California

 
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images c2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Pacifica: Pacifica Beach Hotel + Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar; hotel review + restaurant review

1 South

Pacifica Beach Hotel  

525 Crespi Dr., (650) 355-9999.  52 rooms.  Some fireplaces.  Indoor heated pool.  Continental breakfast.  No pets. 

Featuring contemporary Victorian-style architecture with colorful red-roofed cupolas, the Pacifica Beach Hotel offers stunning ocean views of Linda Mar Beach--across the street--and Pedro Point.  All guest rooms have an ocean view, a balcony, and a Jacuzzi tub in the bedroom, and everyone gets a rose-petal welcome.

exterior of the Pacifica Beach Hotel in Pacifica, California

guest room at the Pacifica Beach Hotel in Pacifica, California

Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar  

(650) 733-7343.  L M-F, D daily, Sat-SunBr; $$$. 

The hotel's restaurant serves a Peruvian menu and features a 20-foot high ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Linda Mar Beach and the ocean, which is usually filled with surfers.

interior of Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

view from Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

Menu items at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar are meant to be shared family-style and include fried rice with sea urchin sauce, pork belly with Andean-style potato stew, paella, and anticuchos (Peruvian skewers), as well as a variety of ceviches.  Lunch includes charcoal-fragrant Lomo Saltado--sirloin steak pieces sautéed with onion, tomato, and cliantro and served on top of fries;

Lomo Saltado at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

Pollo a la Brasa--half of a delicious rotisseried Mary’s organic chicken;

rotisseried chicken at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

and Locro de Quinoa--a tasty and colorful vegetarian Kabocha squash stew with potatoes, green beans, and quinoa topped with a sunny-side-up egg.

Locro de Quinoa at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

At brunch, several Benedicts, a variety of egg dishes, and some sandwiches compose the menu.  The unusual and scrumptious starter known as Causa Masaki is a don’t-miss.  A sushi-esque dish composed of crispy shrimp and Dungeness crab rolled up in a mashed yellow-potato wrap, it was developed by Japanese immigrants to Peru who didn’t have access to their usual ingredients.

Causa Masaki at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

For dessert, housemade Alfajore cookies are just right, 

Alfajores at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

but the dramatic Tres Leches Cake decorated with orchids is also a treat.

Tres Leches Cake at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

Several kinds of pisco cocktails are available, but it’s hard to beat the classic version.

pisco cocktail at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

Non-alcoholic mocktails include a spectacular Apasionado made with passion fruit, mint, and ginger ale.

Apasionado mocktail at Puerto 27 Peruvian Kitchen in Pacifica, California

Tables circle the central bar featuring a Caesarstone counter top and chocolate-colored leather high stools.  The hard surfaces of a glass wall of windows and polished concrete floors combine for a noisy interior.




More things to do in Pacifica.

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hotel images courtesy of venue

restaurant images c2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers