A Simple Guide to Pacifica Hikes

Pacifica is a quaint little surf town on the west side of the San Francisco peninsula that is known for its incredible hiking trails. On summer weekends, visitors flock to Pacifica for a reprieve from inland heat and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean! And during the winter months, Pacifica is at its finest. Clear, mild weather means enjoyable hikes and incredible views.

We lived and worked in Pacifica for 3 months while Rebecca completed her fourth travel contract as a medical Speech-Language Pathologist (more about us here). We found that Pacifica offers a unique blend of small-town ambiance and vibrant surf culture, making it one of the Bay Area’s top hidden gems!

Pacifica also features miles of incredible hiking trails, which was perfect for us and our three dogs. Here are the top Pacifica hikes to check out:

Mori Point Loop Trail

One of the most iconic Pacifica hikes is to the Mori Point promontory, known for it’s spectacular ocean view! The trial is an excellent spot for admiring wildflowers, a colorful sunset, or whales migrating in the Pacific. Try to find the hidden labyrinth on along Mori Point and check out the nearby black sand beaches of Sharp Park! We recommend going clockwise from the parking lot so you are ascending the steep areas and have incredible ocean views immediately. Mori Point is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).

• Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

For an alternative, the “Mori Point Trail” which starts as a paved walking trail near the Pacifica Pier and Sharp Park Beach. Walk the paved trail to the base of the Mori Point bluff then follow the gravel hiking trail to Mori Point promontory (and beyond if you’d like!) for a ~2.0 mile alternative to the loop trail.

Milagra Ridge Trail

Milagra Ridge Trail is Rebecca’s favorite Pacifica hike. It’s a little more quiet, covered in wildflowers, and it was super close to our house! Milagra Ride has been restored from deserted land to this thriving 250-acre park, also a part of the GGNRA. There are multiple hikes in this area as well that ultimately lead to the same point or are short out-and-backs off the main trail. Keep an eye out for the extremely rare Mission Blue Butterfly that call this place home.

• Distance: About 1.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

You may also consider “Milagra Overlook Trail” (Connemara Drive trailhead) or “Milagra Spur Trail” (Sharp Park Road trailhead) as alternatives.

Pedro Point Headlands Loop

Arroyo, Middle Ridge, Bluff, and South Ridge Loop

Pedro Point should be at the TOP of your list, it is hands down the best Pacifica hike. The Pedro Point Headlands is home to 246 acres of wildlands between Pacifica and Devil’s Slide. This hike features breathtaking coastal prairies, steep bluffs, and close up views of San Pedro Rock. Be sure to look for the hidden bench in one of the Pine trees hanging low on the bluff for a perfect meditation spot. Pedro Point Headlands would be an fantastic spot for a picnic date!

• Distance: Roughly 2.3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate

We do not recommend “Pedro Point via Devil’s Slide Trail” on AllTrails. It is perilous and unforgiving. It’s definitely not a maintained trail (more of a water run-off situation) and should especially never be done in Birkenstocks, ahem Rebecca. Take the short access trail from Devil’s Slide parking lot to the South Ridge Trail to start.

Pro-tip: Go the Shelter Cove Beach at low tide and walk over to San Pedro Rock to find the hidden rock caves!

Sweeney Ridge via Notch Trail

Sweeney Ridge is also a part of the GGNRA and is known for it’s unique coastal ridge that rests at 1,200 feet of elevation. In the heart of Pacifica, Sweeney Ridge is know for it’s incredible views stretching as far as Farallon Islands, Mount Tamalpais, & Mount Diablo on clear days. There are a variety of trails ascending the ridge that connects to the 6.7 mile Sweeney Ridge Trail at the summit. This area is also popular for mountain biking, so be mindful of your surroundings.

• Distance: 2.1 miles (plus any exploration of Sweeney Ridge)
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

For an alternatives to reach Sweeney Ridge, consider Sneath Lane Trail is a 1.8 mile paved gradual course for bikers and hikers offering great views of the San Andreas Reservoir.

Devil’s Slide Trail

Experience the most accessible hike in Pacifica with some of the best coastal views on the Devil’s Slide Trail. This multi-use trail was transformed from a former portion of the famous Highway 1 and is now used for walking, biking, and hiking. Be sure to bring binoculars! From the top of this rugged coastal bluff, you can see expansive views of the Pacific Ocean making this spot very popular for whale watching. Devil’s Slide is a must-visit spot and one of the most popular Pacifica hikes.

• Distance: About 1.3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

Gray Whale Cove

So Gray Whale Cove is technically right outside of Pacifica, but it’s definitely worth including because of it’s incredible vistas and dreamy, hidden beach just on the other side of Highway 1! The Gray Whale Cove Trail is short and winds along the side of a coastal bluff. For those seeking a challenge, there are various steep trails that branch off towards Old Pedro Mountain Road and Montara Mountain, which we did for a more serene experience (highly recommend if you are able)! We both agree that the Gray Whale Cove Trail gave off serious Big Sur vibes so be sure to check it out and tell us if you agree! Gray Whale Cove is popular among locals, so we had to include it on this round up of best Pacifica hikes.

• Distance: 2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

San Pedro Valley Park Trails

San Pedro Valley Park is a county park that surrounds the San Pedro Creek with a lush forest of pine and eucalyptus trees. If not to hike, you should visit the park just for the fresh woody SMELL. The park offers hiking trails ranging in distance from .1-5.0 miles. The scenery is largely forested, which is a pleasant change up from the many exposed coastal Pacifica hikes. This park is also home to Brooks Falls, a waterfall during rainy season that cascades 175 feet over three tiers. Check out their website for a complete list of hikes, but we’ll mention two of the most popular here:

Brooks Creek Trail

• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Description: Brooks Creek Trail begins in the Eucalyptus forest and leads to an expansive clearing with views of Montara Mountain and a seasonal waterfall. The trail continues around the canyon slope, ending at Montara Mountain Trail with an oceanic view.

Montara Mountain Trail

• Distance: 4.5-5 miles
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Description: Montara Mountain Trail begins in the Blue Gum Eucalyptus forest, offering views of Pacifica and the ocean. The trail climbs to a section of challenging switchbacks. At this point, you’ll see panoramic vistas of the park and the coast. You can choose to descend at Brooks Creek Trail or continue upwards to an elevation of around 1,600 feet. There are more hiking options leading to McNee Ranch State Park and Montara State Beach from there.

Hiking in Pacifica is an adventure you won’t want to miss. The town’s blend of nature and small-town charm creates a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Trails of various levels wind through coastal landscapes, offering stunning ocean views and a chance to reconnect with nature. So, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, exploring Pacifica’s trails promises fun, beauty, and a chance to experience the allure of the outdoors.