Such a beautiful place to watch the sunset, get some fresh air, and enjoy the sound of the ocean. :) read more

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How the heck did I not know the Pacifica Pier?! Where on earth have I been?! definitely not on this side of Pacifica.... I your are into fishing or crabbing this is the spot for you. I didn't know the Pacifica Pier was known for crabbing and fishing. We came here for a "brisk walk" on an exceptionally warm Spring day. It was in the high 80's to low 90's in most of the Bay Area. Out in Pacifica it was a perfect day! NO FOG, nice cool breeze and a pleasant 70° I didn't even attempt to look for parking around the pier. I drove through downtown and found a spot in the neighborhood, about 5 minute walk from the Pier. There were a good amount of people out an about. Soooo many folks on the pier; crabbing and fishing. For good reason: "Pacifica is home to one of the best fishing piers in the state. Because of the number and quality of the fish caught off Pacifica's shores, the pier has earned a number one ranking among anglers in the Bay Area. Although fishing can be good year round, many consider the summer months to be the best when salmon and striped bass can be caught. No admission is charged and no fishing license is required at the Pacifica Municipal Pier." - https://www.cityofpacifica.org/departments/public-works/field-services/pacifica-pier "The L-shaped, 1,140 feet long pier is officially named the Reverend Herschell Harkins Memorial Pacifica Pier, after the much-admired Reverend from the Little Brown Church. Located at Sharp Park Beach, Pacifica Municipal Pier was opened in November 1973. It was built as a cooperative development of the City of Pacifica, the Wildlife Conservation Board and the California Department of Fish & Game. Famous for its salmon runs and winter Dungeness crabbing, the pier attracts anglers from around the globe. Other species caught at the pier are Jack Smelt, White Croaker and Striped Bass. The pier, a designated site by The Whale Trail, is one of the best places to watch humpbacks and gray whales lunge feeding, tail slapping and if you're lucky breaching." - https://www.visitpacifica.com/things-to-do/pacifica-municipal-pier read more

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Always lovely to walk on the pier. Breath of fresh air. See people fishing. I like walking here from time to time and catch the sound of the waves. read more

OMG Saw whales from the beach!!!!! Also was there when someone caught a huge halibut! So nice to walk along the beach -- which is both paved and dirt sections. Parking can be a challenge, however not impossible and free. Caught it on a rare sunny day. My new fav place. read more

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Came here on the weekend and had a great time. The pier was full of friendly folks all out fishing and enjoying the fresh air. Everyone seemed united by the same goal of landing that big catch. I saw quite a few people reel in some massive striped bass which made the whole atmosphere even more exciting. The view is beautiful and the vibe is calm and peaceful despite the weekend crowd. There are convenient fish cleaning stations along the pier and a nice little cafe right at the entrance for snacks or a warm drink. Parking was easy with a nearby lot that made getting in and out simple. There is a bathroom located behind the cafe which is convenient but it was dirty and clearly not well-maintained. The far end of the pier was fenced off due to damage which definitely needs attention. Still, this is a place worth coming back to. The community feel, the ocean energy, and the chance to witness a real catch make it one of those spots that sticks with you. Whether you're casting a line or just soaking in the view, the pier delivers. read more

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Gorgeous views of the ocean, with a free hiking trail. When it's rainy and cold, it gets muddy, so we come when the weather is warmer. It's so beautiful and relaxing here. Wear layers! It can get windy, and the Bay Area weather can be unpredictable. It's also very fun to watch the birds here. The crows and ravens have a lot of personality and are so fun to watch. They enjoy chilling on rocks, watching the views, and floating in the windy air with their outstretched wings. read more

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Pacifica Pier is such a cool spot if you're into fishing or crabbing. It can get a little busy, especially on nice days, but everyone I've met out there has been pretty friendly. The very end of the pier is closed off now and it's basically turned into a massive bird meetup. One of the best parts, though, is when you get lucky and catch whales surfacing and spouting water into the air. read more

Pacifica Pier - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

We love to stop here before we get to Half Moon Bay. Parking can be hard to find but, it's worth it.

My 10 year old son started fishing and I brought him to this pier. He loved it so much and now wants to go everyday. The people are so helpful to one another especially if someone catches something. We met a man who spent an hour with us, giving us tips and sharing his bait. You can tell everyone who fishes here are so happy and have a great time. I highly recommend this place even if it's to just watch people fish. It can get cold and foggy. Make sure to bring a hoodie or coat. read more

I love fishing here at Pacifica Pier! We always encounter interesting catches from other fisherfolks and they're all very helpful and friendly. We usually do Sabiki fishing to catch extra bait and then use another pole to do regular fishing for bass or halibut! It's a longer drive for me since I live in the other side of the bay so make sure to come early because parking spaces are quite limited. On the weekdays it's more forgiving but quickly gets full still, despite it being a weekday. If you're looking for a good view / walk this is a cute place as well (as you might catch a someone catching a fish or a stingray). Always exciting and never boring! :) read more

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Came here on a Saturday morning around 5am and was not surprised that the place was already full. They did block off halfway out of the pier due to reconstruction. Best to arrive earlier than 5am in my opinion to get a better spot. Didn't catch much but my brother had 5 good size dungeness crabs which slipped away from his snare. Be aware, there will be those who will try to sell you a snare trap for a not so reasonable price. If you need one, then its a good way to buy it on the spot otherwise there is a bait shop really close by that sells literally everything and opens up around 7am or 8am. Its nice that they have restrooms available but also be aware that the pier smells more of urine and beer than anything. read more

One of my favorite piers to visit or to stop and fish at if I'm in the area. The views are stunning, the atmosphere is peaceful, and it's the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or fishing. Well-maintained, and there's something magical about being here whether at sunrise or sunset! read more

Pacifica Pier - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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I love to see the ocean on the pier. Pacifica Pier is one of the piers that go all the way to the middle of the sea, far away from the coast. I love the view when I'm standing on the tip of the pier. So beautiful! The Pacifica Pier is also very active, with hundreds of people fishing there. They were taking even inches of the pier from the beginning to the end. I like to watch the happy face of the men, women, and kids who catch the fish. read more

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Be warned - it's smelly. My husband accidentally caught a crab here the last time we went. He threw it back since it wasn't crab season then. It gets crowded, but the people are usually friendly. The bait shop was convenient. I think my husband would have had a better time with his brother for a guy's fishing trip. My son and I were hungry and cold, so we didn't stay very long. read more

Pacifica Pier - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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Came to the pier to do some last-minute crabbing since the crabbing season is almost over and it was so much fun! Tons of people out there crabbing or fishing. Everyone was very friendly. The vibes were great! The bathrooms never had any soap or towels. When passing by the men's restrooms, they smelled really bad all the way outside. read more

Great place to watch the sunset We almost couldn't find parking along the pier but after circling the area twice we got lucky and found a spot on the adjacent street. "Oh, look at all the birds lined up on the pier..." My hubby looks at me and said those are people fishing and crabbing LoL! "Oh" As we got closer to the pier my eyes fixated on the angry waves and the tide. We were there to watch the sunset but along the pier were rows of people on both sides of the pier with their fishing poles set up waiting patiently for a nice catch. Saw some folks placing raw chicken inside their mesh netting crab trap and casting into the ocean but most of them were anglers. There are some rules to abide by and the signs are all posted on the pier. No overhead casting. The waves! It was a beautiful day in November to watch the sunset. It wasn't too windy (dress in layers), it was nice and clear, no coastal fog but the punishing waves were a sight to see. I've watched waves from the shore but to be right on top of it walking on the pier was a different experience. The waves were beating against the pier. And the birds! Yikes, so many of them. Watch out for droppings as they fly over you. The pier has benches, lights, trash bins, restrooms (front of the entrance) and fish cleaning stations. Review #2446 read more

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Pacifica offers a stunning sunset view from its best pier, where the glowing sun dips below the horizon in a breathtaking display of colors, casting a warm and serene glow over the Pacific Ocean. read more

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Amazing ppl fishing with an occasional whale sighting. Beautiful friendly place with an amazing view

Beautiful ocean views no question asked. Too crowded, pier has about 40-50 "permanent" residents. No matter what day or time it is, they are there 15/7. They have their own carts, tables, chairs, cooking stove, boom box and you name it.... taking good spots for fishing on the pier and not giving a chance to recreational fishermen. Basically, every day same thing same faces. read more

Pacifica Pier is adjacent to the Pacifica library. I went here with a friend to watch sunset. It was awesome. We saw wild seals in the ocean. Some fishermen and fisher(wo)men were bumping 90s hip hop so I danced for a hot minute. I am a longtime vegan aka strict vegetarian yet spent time up north in the Yukon aka Whitehorse and Alaska in the Summer doing a yoga course. Up north met folks who were either vegetarian or hunted or fished to kill what they ate. I have a respect for fisherman my Italian surname Scaglione aka Ska-yo-knee means of the fishing village. Serious fishermen and fisher(wo)men here with beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean with forested hills of Pacifica. Five stars is not enough. 'nuff said read more

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One of my favorite pastimes is crabbing! I used to go crabbing for blue crabs when I lived on the east coast. I was a teen and I learned from locals how to crab. Since the Pandemic, there hasn't been much that a person can do, but if you practice social distancing and wear the PPE, you can crab here at the pier! We parked a few blocks away and walked in with our gear. It was an easy walk and although the pier was closed over a week, there was a good amount of fishermen. I had so much fun crabbing here, I can't wait to come back! There's nothing more rewarding than being outdoors and being in nature. With so much negativity in 2020, this is one place that will make you forget the minuses! read more

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The bounty of Pacifica Pier just keeps on giving. Long before the pandemic, people have been fishing here for years. I'm not much of a fisherman, but you'll see plenty of P. Sherman's over here. That was an inside joke from 'Finding Nemo' inserted by Filipino animation artists from Pixar. P. Sherman...get it? I'm not lying even since you'll find plenty of Filipino manongs and OG's whose been fishing on this pier for years and even decades. I don't consider myself on OG yet since I'm not even on their level when it comes to fishing as I am just an amateur. However, crabbing is my thing. So you might call me a crabber. Wait, that doesn't have a nice ring to it so never mind. With crabbing season opening up, plenty of locals and OG's headed here to catch some Dungeness crabs. Some where luckier than most and the clear winners were the seals stealing baits from our nets. Make sure you secure your baits with a cage or get a caged crab net to keep 'em out altogether. They have new signs and guidelines for the pandemic and the majority of the people were all wearing masks. Let me rephrase that, the people fishing and crabbing were all wearing masks while some of the gawkers and passerby's weren't. These people need to be slapped with some common sense upside their heads. The pier is open from 4AM until 10PM so that's plenty of time to and a huge window for some fishing and crabbing. Since it's a California public pier, you won't need a fishing license either. Just gotta make sure you stay on the pier if you don't have a license; otherwise, that's $1,000 fine and additional $1,000 each fish caught without a fishing license so it's not worth it. Don't say I didn't warn you. But if you're not here to fish or catch some crabs, kindly respect the rules; especially the "No Smoking" part if you don't want to swallow your butt. You can enjoy the view, especially the beautiful sunsets with the rest of the professional and amateur photographers who seem to be here on a daily basis. And if you want to see some big waves, come here during a storm and enjoy Mother Nature's free show. I've been drenched a couple of times, even while I was driving in my car. It may not be the most beautiful pier, but just like Candlestick, it's our PIER and we grew up appreciating it. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 53 read more

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I like Pacifica Pier!! There is a whole lot of fishing going on here, so just watch out for when they're casting out their fishing line, lol!! You can tell it's an old Pier, reminds me of the Berkeley Pier when it was open. It has an L shape, and it's a nice walk out and back. The Pier leads to Sharp Park Beach, there's restrooms at the beginning of the pier, along with a cafe. Parking really depends on how crowded it is, but we found a spot on Palmetto Ave, if you don't mind parking on the street, which is only a 1 block walk to the beach. I really enjoyed myself here!! read more

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Came here for my first crabbing experience back in mid-November. I am new to the area and have never been, but checked it out with a couple pre-seasoned crabbers (pun intended-ish). We got there pretty late in the day (~11am on a Saturday) and it was PACKED. Fishers everywhere. I wish I had been more prepared because people had some sweet camping set ups (chairs, music, grills, beers... you name it). It was fairly easy to scope out a spot to set up our nets. Just be warned that unless you set up by a bench, you'll likely stand the whole time or sit on the ground (not recommend... fishy stuff everywhere). There is a nice cafe at the start of the pier if you do get cold. They have nice coffees and drinks if in case you need a break. The other end of the pier is definitely much more crowded and rowdy if you like to be in the hustle and bustle. Definitely come check this out for the views and the pretty beach! We didn't end up catching crabs that met the standards, but it was a fun experience going to the pier and driving down. Don't tell anyone we went to the grocery store after to pick up crab. read more

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Lately, I've been really missing Pacifica. I miss the hiking, the beaches, the cool air, and the pier. I've been doing my part and staying in my territory, but that doesn't mean that I can't dream a little bit... right?! I really adore this pier. It casts a beautiful view of Sharp Park Beach and beyond, and it can be a really peaceful place to visit depending on when you visit. There's a small parking lot and a recreation area with picnic tables nearby. If you're in need of a snack, there's a cute little cafe right near the entrance. They also have restroom available but they're probably closed right now due to the Coronavirus. This pier is popular for fishing and you'll see many people fishing here. If you're into walking/hiking, there's a short path that will lead you to Mori Point and beyond. This is an excellent starting point to embark on a hike as there are so many connecting trails. The pier will also give you direct access to Sharp Park and Sharp Park Beach. Sharp Park Beach isn't really swimmable, but it's a nice place to get your feet wet during the summer. I'm sure this place has been packed since the shelter in place order, but when I've visited during the week, it usually isn't too busy. Ironically, isn't doesn't get as cold on this pier and it does in the city. I would still bring a jacket of course, but it seems to stay a lot warmer on this side. The views of the beach waves are so calming here. I'm looking forward to returning here once the virus subsides. read more

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Municipal pier is L shaped section and l Shape is closed but the pier has nice view but is full of folks catching crab or fish and is not clean and can be used for a quick visit and parking is available near streets close by and we can easily find one and there is a bait shop at the start of the pier where we can buy things needed to catch fish.crab and is wheelchair friendly and MOST important thing is this is easily accessible to mori point road as parking there can be tough and we can park here and visit the pier and take the promenade to mori point road which connects to trail to mori point via bootlegger steps and certainly recommend that walk for sure read more

Pacifica Pier - Several individuals fish and observe the ocean from a concrete pier with street lamps, benches, and trash bins, on a cloudy day. - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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My wife and one of my sons came with me to the Pacifica Pier for a little walk after dinner. It's a normal cool, foggy day this Memorial Day weekend. There is a small parking lot less than 1/4 mile from the pier, but can fill up fast, so you may have to park on one of the side streets. It's the last weekend of public crabbing, so most of the people fishing off the pier are fishing for crabs vs fish. There are some people using crab traps, but most people are using crab snares. This particular evening, the pier was not full of people, but some days there are quite a bit of people fishing. Pacifica pier is a public pier, so you can fish off of it without a fishing license. There is a public bathroom at the beginning of the pier. There are various washing stations along the pier for the fishermen. This pier is a nice place for a nice stroll or do some fishing. If you are just going for a stroll, you can walk down the paved path along the water to the Mori point trail and walk up to Mori Point. read more

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Came here for a hike and immediately was greeted by fishermen heading onto the pier to see what they could catch for the day. The food stand was closed but the bathrooms are open. We hiked up the stairs, towards the lookout point, to the very top of the mountains and back down towards the beach. There's a bike trail that goes adjacent the golf course. Amazing views on a non foggy day but you can still enjoy the scenery if the skies are grey. read more

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Come early for street parking. Here on Labor Day holiday. Pros: Bathrooms on site and "Chit Chat Cafe" nearby for coffee, tea, snacks, and bait. Cons: none really, aside from the fish not biting today. Good family fun, a day of fishing. Bring your patience! read more

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Great public pier to fish and crab from! When it's dungeons crab season it's one of the only piers you can catch them from in the Bay Area ! I will say it can get incredibly crowded but don't let that intimidate you like it once did me. Just find yourself a spot in between folks and get to work ! read more

Pacifica Pier - Sunset on Pacifica Pier - A sunset over the Pacific Ocean seen from Pacifica Pier, with a mostly clear sky and calm water. - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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My first sunburn of the season! Great hikes, stellar view, cool houses, and the cutest dogs! We saw at least 20 adorable dogs on Sunday afternoon. No cotton candy or rides on this pier, just some good trails and a beautiful view. Also, I don't fish, but we did have such a nice walk. Others were fishing. I guess this is a hotspot for that. PSA (Parking Service Announcement): You'll have to find some parking on the nearby streets. It isn't that bad. read more

Pacifica Pier - Picture perfect. - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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I recommend the Pacifica pier for Dungeness catch. I had a very good catch. Crab is delicious. read more

Pacifica Pier - Dungeness catch - Four crabs are positioned on a concrete surface, seen from above, with their shells and legs clearly visible. - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

I was able to stay at a beach house here for a weekend and it was located right off the pier. Beautiful walk way and it's nice to bundle up if it's cold and windy because you could get a little wet. There's not too much parking but it looked like lots of people parked within the town and walked. As of February 2021, the pier is still closed to access so you can not go fishing or crabbing here. It's not too crowded compared to the area where the surfers go. But a great place to go on a nice walk anytime during the day. read more

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We came here just to watch the sunset. We found a spot looking out onto the sunset. And pier. We got a great shot of the sunset over the pier. The parking is tight, we lucked out. I did not see a lot, so it's just street parking. The street between us and the ocean is a main drag, so if you are looking for peaceful, this isn't the spot. For us it was perfect. We had a beautiful view and we got to stay in our warm car. I would love to go back and to explore the Pier and the beach next to it. read more

Pacifica Pier - Amazing sunset - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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If you're looking to spend a day at the Pacific Ocean while escaping the mass chaos of crowds in nearby San Francisco, this just might be what you're looking for. Which takes me to the small coastal town of Pacifica, roughly 8 miles south of San Francisco. This is where you can get a picturesque view of the ocean at "Pacifica Pier". I had not been here since my father took me here back in the mid-80's so it was several decades way too long. What makes this pier unique is that it is very friendly to the novice or expert fisherman. Since the pier is open to the public from 4am-10pm, you will see several people setting up their fishing poles way before the sun rises. Do keep in mind that this place doesn't have anything kid-friendly; no cotton candy stands, no arcades, and no hot dog stands. There is one small coffee shop, "Chit Chat Cafe" (that is located right by the pier) but that is the extent of your food and beverages. As far as parking, it was fairly easy for my lady and I to find. There is one small dedicated lot but with this area being peaceful and quiet, you can park around the neighborhood where there are no parking meters to worry about. As for the pier itself, on the day that my lady and I came here, there must have been at 50+ people casting for sea creatures. I myself don't fish at all so I came here just for the scenery and million-dollar views. But for people that do fish (aside from the standard fishing rod, reel, and bait), I highly recommend bringing warm clothes (it can get very cold out here), sunblock, a portable chair, and snacks (due to lack of any real food places nearby). Do keep in mind that they do not allow alcohol, smoking, glass containers, dogs (unless they are service dogs), and overhead casting. And as many Yelpers have mentioned, this is a great spot for catching striped bass, salmon, and crabs. Best of all, you do NOT need a fishing license when you're fishing from this pier. Overall, this is a decent place and a nice escape from the big city north of here. My rating for "Pacifica Pier", a solid four stars. read more

Pacifica Pier - At the end of the pier - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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Review #018 - 2020 There's just something about a nice pier that makes me want to walk around. I don't know what it is, but I guess it's a fetish of some sort. We showed up at around 1 PM on Friday, January 31st and much to my surprise, the place was pretty packed. We got lucky and found a free parking spot right across the street. There were a lot of people out fishing or crabbing on the pier. Lots of family walking around with their kids/grandkids. It was cold & windy so the tide was really high so we didn't stay very long since we couldn't go down to walk and take pictures under the pier. I'm sure I could still manage, but I didn't feel very safe going down with my 3-year old. We'll definitely come back during the spring or summer because it's such an awesome spot for photos and a nice stroll. read more

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If you want to see a beautiful sunset, I highly recommend this pier. I think it's a hidden gem & you have a beautiful walk way. Parking is easy to find and it's safe. read more

Pacifica Pier - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

Literally the best pier in the entire Bay Area. If you get here early in the morning (I'm saying early like 4am) for the crabbing season that starts every year on November 1 (some years it's November 2), you'll get an insanely good catch. Best gear is a crabbing fishing pole, otherwise would recommend the cage (bought all the supplies we needed for $70 on Amazon- that's cage, rope with clips, zip ties for the chicken cage, and chicken cage). Make sure you crab responsibly! There are regulations online that if you violate will cost you $1000 per crab! If you're going to try to catch crabs, there are some things you should educate yourself on. It's important that you go only during the pier's crabbing season (that's important for the biological preservation of the species)! Rock crab is much more flexible in the timing for the total number of months in a year than Dungeness crab, which has more stringent and restricted months. read more

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Great place to come crab fishing .... the swells are huge and the waves crash along the rockaway path.... mixture of locals , bums and not so many tourists. Dress layered and beware of flocks of seagulls and crows ... wish it felt safer and had more security. read more

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Great Pier, Great People, Great City. Ya that about wraps it up. But I need 85 characters. On a sunny day this place is too amazing. Don't go on a sunny day. You shouldn't spoil yourself that much. read more