Decided to venture outside the city a bit this weekend while visiting and found Rockaway Beach. Although I love all the big beaches in the city, Rockaway now has a special homey place in my heart. So many people with their pets there, jogging, running, enjoying nature. Love the windy trail to the top. It's a small beach but a pretty one. Free parking. Breathtaking views. Great trails. I can't ask for more! read more

Beautiful California beach! You can park right next to it and walk down which is convenient. Soft wonderful black sand which is pretty unique. Lots of California coast cliffs and rocks to enhance the view. Beautiful limestone rocks scattered along the beach. Peaceful and great! Spent a while just gazing and feeling so lucky that I live in California! read more

Cool. And not just because The Ramones sang about it. Chewin' at a rythym on my bubble gum The sun is out and I want some Its not hard, not far to reach, We can hitch a ride to Rockaway Beach Up on the roof, out on the street Down in the playground the hot concrete Bus ride is too slow They blast out the disco on the radio Rock Rock Rockaway Beach Rock Rock Rockaway Beach Rock Rock Rockaway Beach We can hitch a ride To Rockaway Beach I hiked around the perimeter with some friends and ran on the beach. It was 4th of July so a few people were blasting shit. read more

This is a great hidden gem! It's small and private. We just went this past Sunday on a really nice, sunny day, yet the beach was not crowded at all. Because it's in a little cove, sheltered by a spit of land on either side, it's not very windy - a departure from Sharp Park Beach a little closer to "downtown". There are a few restaurants and shops right next to the beach, so you can come here early and make a whole day of it. The winding path up to the top of the bluff overlooking the beach is good for getting your blood flowing if you've been baking in the sun or sitting on your ass for too long, but it is pretty short. This isn't a hike, but a fairly short walk. You can walk over the hill to Linda Mar Beach in probably 15 min. I would also recommend going off the trail to the end of the point for great views. The one star deduction is due to the fact that the sea can be pretty rough (although that's Pacifica for you), and the sand is fairly pebbly, and the beach drops off pretty close to the shoreline, so swimming and wading in the waves isn't as pleasant as it is at some other beaches. read more

The beach itself is kind of small but it's very nice to hike up the zig zag and the view is beautiful. If you park at Nick's, your windshield gets salt water dried up on it. They have showers and bathrooms at the parking lot at the start of the zig zag. The walk/hike leads over to Linda Mar. read more

This beach has everything you need for a day outing, if your wearing layers as Pacifica visitors should always wear when venturing outdoors. Although rather small, activities range from lounging on the beach, to walking your dog, or hiking up the zig zaged path up a small rocky hill that curves, it's actually a pretty good walk for your glutes too. The path is wide enough for dogs and their owners to hike up. I see plenty of off leash labs run around with their tonges hanging out and a big smile on their faces due to all the freedom and exercise available. I am pleased, so far, with how well the beach is kept clean. There are, ready for this....BATHROOMS, in the parking lot! THat is a big deal for me because I have visited countless beaches with no restrooms in sight. Also, restaurants are plenty right by the beach, so bringing a lunch is optional. The only reason I have this beach four stars is because it majorly lacks in parking space. read more

Really loved this quiet beach! It was clean and easy to access and the restrooms were fine. I felt so relaxed here just gazing at the waves crashing. I'll definitely be back to Rockaway beach. read more

Such a nice and small beach. Dog friendly and has little shops down the street that you can walk to. read more

Rockaway Beach - Nice and small beach. Dog friendly = ) - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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I haven't walked on the beach itself, but we hung out here last night for a georgous sunset (and taped it - you can see it in timelapse here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eym_zBe1Yic). Anyway, it was a great setting, and the waves crash right at your feet if you stop at the overlook at the end of the main street (mid beach). I liked the atmosphere - about 10 minutes before sunset, people started convening. There was a couple who were singing and with-guitar, another couple who were reading stuff to each other - others hanging out. It was a bit odd but now that I think of it, it was one of those unique atmospheres that is pretty neat. Will head back to walk on the beach for-proper, but with the rocks (scenery) around the beach, large waves, and fresh air it's a very nice beach for sure. read more

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It's such a beautiful area to just hang out and enjoy the scenery. You can watch the surfers or just hang out on the little patch of sand. Great place to go for a hike or walk as well. read more

Rockaway Beach - A beautiful day! - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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A best kept secret! What an incredible view with the relaxing sounds of waves crashing. The restaurants here are wonderful! This is a family tradition where we come to unwind on a regular basis. If you want to be well liked, then suggest a weekend at rockaway beach at one Of the nearby hotels. read more

Small beach but super easy free parking, a bit of a incline on the north side to go down to the beach thru some rocks but overall decent. Was not crowded at all and everyone seemed friendly. Dogs are allowed. Next time we will try the southern side so we can get a closer look at the surfers giving the waves a shot! read more

I see this at least twice a day to and from anywhere. It is a great place to do many things. surf, walk, sit and look. There is a parking lot and it is not busy. read more

Rockaway Beach - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

I was on my way to find Half Moon Bay and just decided to stop off at Rockaway Beach. It's a quaint area with shops, restaurants and hotels. The views of the Pacific are amazing and well worth the stop. I would have walked the path up to a higher vantage point but I didn't have the right shoes... Maybe next time. If you get to go here, I recommend eating a Nick's. The food is really good... I'll get more into that in another review. I did remove a star because the bathrooms are not well kept. There was a sign not to bother nearby stores and that the bathrooms are cleaned in the morning. Sucks for you if you gotta go and there's no TP left :/ read more

Rockaway Beach - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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A little secluded pies of Pacifica goodness. If you are looking for a place to stays and play in Pacifica then the area around Rockaway will satisfy. Nice views. Good surf at times. trails north and south, Plus all of the little homey feel Pacifica can show you with a beach view to boot. read more

In a nutshell, nice place to stop by for a hike or relax on a sunny day. However, let's be honest - it's an average NorCal beach.

An okay beach with free parking. The sand is a bit dirty but there is a shower stall to wash off. Or you can go walk into the Holiday Inn Express to use the clean bathrooms. Watch for high tide and the wind. read more

Excellent view, awesome dogs friendly beach... a must see

Just 30 minutes away from the city, its a lovely getaway! Great views of the beach and has a few nice shops and restaurants in the area that's worth the drive out! read more

Rockaway Beach - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

The waves usually break too close to shore here, but sometimes it can get really nice, and is usually less crowded than linda mar.

This beach was different from other beaches the sand color was chocolate brown unlike your golden sand colored beaches and there are rocks you can explore. I brung my dog and we explored the rocky area we found a bunch of mussels on the rocks that was pretty neat also I seen divers and surfers . read more

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Finally I got to come see this place and it happens to be on a nice warm day in mid December. I ended here after having lunch at Bunny and wanted to take a stroll along the beach. With a decent amount of parking it is a nice place to enjoy the day. read more

Great location, very scenic, strange break that I am sure changes with tides and season. Was not able to surf due to storm conditions today. This is not a beginner surf spot. Will be back for sure. Will be transiting PCH (Highway 1) after business meetings in SF once a month. There is also a convenient gas station right across the highway. Excellent photos from other Yelpers. Will add more at later date when it is not storming. Thank you Nature and California beaches. read more

Beautiful view and clean area! Everyone there seemed to be having a blast. Talked to a few folks that seemed to be locals and was glad to share this amazing beach point with the 20+ dogs. read more

Rockaway Beach - Beaches Near Me - Pacifica, California

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Great hiking to the top of the hill. There is a nice path for those who want to take it easy or some alternative smaller paths for those who want more of a challenge. Lots of area at the top to sit and look out. read more

This is a great beach people...But sorry to burst your bubble as i am a very old rocker and fan or The Ramones...BUT this is not THE Rockaway beach in the song...That Rockaway beach is located in NewYork.... read more

Great beach on the Ocean. Small but charming and worth a visit. The beach is beautiful and it is also fun to walk the headlands.

I'm ashamed to say that having lived in the bay area for such a long time, I've only been here a few times. Used to drive by it often on way to HMB. Lately, I decided to drive over there to explore the trails and do some walking, needing a chg of scenery. I love it. Free parking. That in itself is worth it! The views! Listening to the crashing of the roaring waves! i love the walk from Rockaway to Linda Mar. And so many places to grab a bit before/after your walks/rides/runs. Truly blessed to live so close by. read more

I love it here. It is pretty, and a tiny cove town in Pacifica. The sand is a cool black color, and my friend and the dogs got chased by rogue waves and got soaking wet and had the best time ever. Above the beach are hiking trails and there is a little river that has a water fall into the ocean. Groove and Grey got to play in there a bit before they went to the beach. I saw folks fishing. It is pretty dog friendly and there are some restaurants like Nicks, which I hear is famous for their crab sandwich, but we did not eat there. There is also a burger/ milk shake place too, and some little shops. Plenty of parking, and everyone seems friendly that we ran into. It was a nice day to be there! read more

I lived up the hill from this beach for 4 years. Love this little hidden gem of a place. Many people miss it because it's not as big as Pacifica State beach a mile from here. I love it because it's not as crowded, especially on weekends when the weather is nice. read more

Small intimate beach perfect for the kids. Frequented by surfers and sun lovers galore, this is a lovely spot to hang out and enjoy the frigid icy cold waves. read more

This beach is okay, but I can't say it's bound to be one of my favorites. There is no fee to park, and the parking lot is fairly big. There are two ends to the beach, and dogs are permitted. The beach itself is not particularly huge, and it's not that crowded. I think it's a good beach on which to work on your tan. Hot black sand, lots of rocks and a rock formation that reminded me of some out in Big Sur. read more

Nice beach to go to, fairly clean, dogs galore. GET THERE EARLY...small parking lot and cars start stacking up as people wait for others to leave. read more

This place is close by the house, so we went for a picnic dinner and to watch the sunset. It's a very scenic and relaxing spot. My daughter enjoyed running around and getting her feet wet in the water. It gets a little chilly, so bring a sweater for after the sun goes down. Can't wait to go back! read more

While Linda Mar Beach is for every level of surfer, Rockaway Beach is for the more seasoned surfer because of the stronger currents. If you haven't, check out the Rockaway Beach Beach Tree Lighting Festival on Sun. Dec. 6, 2015, it's magical and has had gorgeous sunsets the last 2 years. There will be free cable car rides, Santa arrives on a fire truck at 5pm and a tree lighting ceremony at 6pm along with live music and performances and much more. The beach is not only frequented by the seasoned surfer but fishermen who come from all over to fish on. As for the restaurants, Nick's Restaurant is the longest standing establishment there and family owned and where people from all around the Bay Area and beyond come to have their famous crab sandwich. Hurry and visit Lovey's Tea Shoppe before she closes, she has found a calling to travel and one establishment not to miss. Remember the little beach side wine bar at the A Grape in the Fog where there is some kind of entertainment every night and done up right. From the beach you can easily hike south to Linda Mar Beach or walk north via the old Rock Quarry or take the more challenging way, cross the creek up the steep hillside. past the quarry and into historical Mori Point and to go further will get you views from the levy with Sharp Park Golf Course on your right and the ocean on your left, then on into the Beach Promenade and Pacifica Pier where there is no need for a fishing license on the pier. Head back o Rockaway for that crab sandwich! read more

Fantastic views! Nice paved hiking trail and unpaved shortcuts to go up if you're brave! Ideal for bbq by the beach!!

Stopped by Rockaway Beach to eat lunch today and it was gorgeous! There's a bunch of surfers you can watch and it's so serene! There's a lot of wave activity there so once you step out of the car, you can feel yourself surrounded by the mist of the waves crashing onto the rocks. The parking lot is primarily overlooking these big rocks that the waves hit. There is two little patches of sand on either side of the beach. This is probably not safe for kids because there is no barriers and just big boulders to the ocean. But a great place to sit and relax! There is a motel there which looked old and strange, some restaurants and little shops around the area. It was pretty cute. Fun people watching! read more

After discharge from the Army in 1971 I fell in love with Rockaway and rented an apartment just yards from the Ocean, my room had a window perfectly situated to hear the roar and crash of the waves...such a little beach town with a nice appointment of restaurants from Chinese, Italian, Mexican and Seafood at Greek Nick's whose family came to Rockaway early in the last century...Back then there was a sign posted counting the number of drowned, Rockaway could be cruel too... read more

Wintertime sunrise sessions, get small kine barrels.

I have come here on business now twice and it is awesome...next time I will get here a little earlier and take some time to go running and take in a little more of the scenery. I like staying here a little more opposed to the city just because of the views. I have found the people here to be very friendly. read more