Major city · United States
Pacifica
Spend a half‑day at the beach and a short hike; add an evening meal. One day is enough unless you plan a surf or festival stay.
Pacifica is a small coastal town on the San Francisco Peninsula. Its main attractions are the beaches (Linda Mar, Sharp Park, Gray Whale Cove) and short coastal hikes like Mori Point. Transit is limited, so a day‑trip from San Francisco or a night‑stay at a local hotel covers the highlights.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Sep–Nov, Apr–Jun (mild temps, low rain)
- avoid Dec–Feb (cool, fog) – check for holiday traffic
- Airport
- SFO
- Nights
- 1 (optional)
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Pacifica911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pacifica, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; watch surf conditions and drive carefully on coastal roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSFO San Francisco International Airport (SamTrans 110 from Daly City BART to Pacifica (~30 min); rideshare also available).
- Getting aroundSamTrans routes 110 (Daly City), 112/118 (Colma) to Linda Mar Park‑and‑Ride; then walk or rideshare.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–$5
- Street or quick mealTaco Bell (beach location)$8–$12
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personUS$40
- Mid-range bedStandard double room, a night, per roomUS$170
- High-end bedStandard double room, a night, per roomUS$250
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$180
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SFO San Francisco International Airport (SamTrans 110 from Daly City BART to Pacifica (~30 min); rideshare also available)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
58°C (136°F)136°F (58°C)
Feb
Avoid
60°C (140°F)140°F (60°C)
Mar
not flagged
61°C (142°F)142°F (61°C)
Apr
Best
64°C (147°F)147°F (64°C)
May
Best
66°C (151°F)151°F (66°C)
Jun
Best
68°C (154°F)154°F (68°C)
Jul
not flagged
69°C (156°F)156°F (69°C)
Aug
not flagged
71°C (160°F)160°F (71°C)
Sep
Best
70°C (158°F)158°F (70°C)
Oct
Best
66°C (151°F)151°F (66°C)
Nov
Best
60°C (140°F)140°F (60°C)
Dec
Avoid
58°C (136°F)136°F (58°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (71°C (160°F)160°F (71°C)), coolest Jan (45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Jun (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pacifica: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
58°C (136°F)136°F (58°C)
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
6 rd
Feb
60°C (140°F)140°F (60°C)
46°C (115°F)115°F (46°C)
5 rd
Mar
61°C (142°F)142°F (61°C)
46°C (115°F)115°F (46°C)
5 rd
Apr
64°C (147°F)147°F (64°C)
48°C (118°F)118°F (48°C)
4 rd
May
66°C (151°F)151°F (66°C)
50°C (122°F)122°F (50°C)
3 rd
Jun
68°C (154°F)154°F (68°C)
52°C (126°F)126°F (52°C)
2 rd
Jul
69°C (156°F)156°F (69°C)
53°C (127°F)127°F (53°C)
2 rd
Aug
71°C (160°F)160°F (71°C)
53°C (127°F)127°F (53°C)
2 rd
Sep
70°C (158°F)158°F (70°C)
53°C (127°F)127°F (53°C)
3 rd
Oct
66°C (151°F)151°F (66°C)
51°C (124°F)124°F (51°C)
5 rd
Nov
60°C (140°F)140°F (60°C)
48°C (118°F)118°F (48°C)
6 rd
Dec
58°C (136°F)136°F (58°C)
45°C (113°F)113°F (45°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
SamTrans routes 110 (Daly City), 112/118 (Colma) to Linda Mar Park‑and‑Ride; then walk or rideshare. Parking available for self‑drive.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: ≈30 min round trip
Drive south on Highway 1, about 15 km (9.3 mi)Drive south on Highway 1, about 9.3 mi (15 km)
Beach town with additional trails and seafood
Door to door: ≈45 min
Drive north on Highway 1 or take SamTrans 110 to Daly City then BART
City attractions if you have extra time
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lighthouse Hotel
Beach‑side, walk to Linda Mar; good for a night‑stay
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Pacifica
Near Old County Rd, easy car access
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–$150 excl. bed
- High
- $150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Standard double room1 × 1 night × US$170 | US$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| SamTrans bus fare (one way)2 × US$3 · check | US$6 |
| Ride‑share (5 mi)2 × US$12 · check | US$24 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$44 |
| Trip total≈ US$242 per person per day, bed included | US$484 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–$5 |
| Taco Bell (beach location) | $8–$12 |
| Surfboard rental (2 h) | $30–$45 |
| Parking (hourly) | $2–$3 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Strong undertow at some beaches; swim near lifeguard stations
- Steep cliffs near Devil's Slide; drive cautiously
- Fireworks are legal town‑wide; expect occasional night‑time noise
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
PacificaPacifica
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulate in San Francisco (check address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SamTrans 110 (Daly City → Pacifica): ≈ $3 one‑way (check)
- Ride‑share 5 mi: ≈ $12 (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑kul‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑to kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (don‑de es‑ta el ba‑nyo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pacifica. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Sep–Nov, Apr–Jun (mild temps, low rain) · avoid Dec–Feb (cool, fog) – check for holiday traffic · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a car rental for flexible beach hopping
- Combine Pacifica night‑stay with a San Francisco base
Sources
Ask about Pacifica
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