An Introduction To Pacifica Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 14, 2025
Just 15 miles south from downtown San Francisco, Pacifica surf is a place for those looking to escape city hustles and enjoy the Northern California coastline’s ruggedness. This city is a haven for consistent waves, dramatic cliffs, turns, and a welcoming surf community. It also boasts a variety of breaks that are easy to access without the need for a car.
Linda Mar Beach is considered the heart of the surfing community, it offers long, gentle waves perfect for beginners or intermediates. For surfers who crave something a little more, Rockaway Beach serves up faster, more powerful waves. While Sharp Park Beach would give reliable peaks and perhaps a bit added challenge for the more advanced riders.
Pacifica would be an excellent car-free adventure along the coast in its easy layout, bike friendly pathways, and varied surfing options. Beyond the breaks, scenic trails, ocean views, and mellow energy set the scene to relax and enjoy what’s left of the Northern California surf lifestyle.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Pacifica
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Peak Pacifica Surf Season | October to March
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Pacifica surf thrives from October through March, when northwest winter swells generate consistent 4 to 8-foot surf at spots like Linda Mar & Rockaway Cove. During this period, Pacifica surf offers fast, powerful beach breaks that test timing & paddling strength. The long-period swells carve clean faces, rewarding experienced surfers with steep drops & occasional barrels.
Pacifica surf in winter can feel raw & dynamic, drawing a dedicated crowd prepared for chilly water & strong currents. It’s the season for performance surfing, where every swell brings a fresh challenge & thrilling rides.
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Shoulder Pacifica Surf Season | April, May & September
Suited For All Skill Levels
In April, May, & September, Pacifica surf mellows out slightly, producing waves in the 2 to 5-foot range. The leftover winter swells pair with early fall groundswells to create fun, manageable conditions. Pacifica surf during these shoulder months is perfect for surfers looking to refine their technique, as the lineup is less intense & the waves offer forgiving walls.
Morning sessions deliver the cleanest faces before onshore sea breezes pick up. It’s an ideal time to enjoy Pacifica surf, balancing power with accessibility for those stepping up their skills.
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Low Pacifica Surf Season | June & August
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Pacifica surf quiets down in summer, with smaller waves generally ranging from 1 to 3 feet. During June to August, Pacifica surf offers soft, beachy rollers that are ideal for beginners & longboarders learning to catch & ride. The periods of wind swell create fun, playful conditions that allow newcomers to practice without the intimidation of large winter surf.
While advanced surfers may seek bigger breaks elsewhere, Pacifica surf in summer maintains a laid-back vibe perfect for relaxed sessions, smooth rides, & enjoying the scenic Northern California coastline.
Pacifica Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Pacifica Surf Temperature:
13–15°C (55–59°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm full wetsuit is advisable due to the cool Pacific waters & frequent fog.
Rainfall:
Summer is typically dry, with only about 0–1 rainy days per month.
Pacifica Surf Temperature:
14–16°C (57–61°F)
What To Wear:
Continue with a 4/3 mm wetsuit, conditions remain cool, especially in the mornings.
Rainfall:
Rainfall begins to increase, with about 2–6 rainy days per month by November.
Pacifica Surf Temperature:
12–14°C (54–57°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm or 5/4 mm wetsuit with booties is recommended for the colder winter months.
Rainfall:
Winter is the wettest season, averaging 7–10 rainy days per month.
Pacifica Surf Temperature:
13–15°C (55–59°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm wetsuit remains suitable; conditions gradually warm towards late spring.
Rainfall:
Rainfall decreases, with about 3–6 rainy days per month.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Pacifica
| Pacifica Surf Spots | Distance from Pacifica | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar) |
In town centre |
2-6 foot |
Gentle beach break, great for beginners |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Rockaway Beach |
Approx. 2km (1.2mi) north |
4-8 foot |
Stronger waves, beach & reef mix |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Sharp Park |
Approx. 5km (3.6mi) north |
4-8 foot |
Powerful reef break, short rides |
Advanced (Sharp reef) |
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Gray Whale Cove |
Approx. 5km (3.6mi) south |
4-8 foot |
Powerful, peaky beach break |
Advanced |
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Surf Spots Within the Area |
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Mussel Rock |
Approx. 9km (6mi) north |
3-7 foot |
Beach break with strong currents |
Intermediate to advanced |
Further Information To Pacifica Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Pacifica State Beach, also known as Linda Mar, is one of the Bay Area’s most reliable beginner to intermediate surf spots. It favors west-northwest swells & light southeast winds for clean, user-friendly waves breaking over a sandy bottom. Mid to high tide improves wave shape, providing soft peaks that are approachable & longboard-friendly.
The beach can get very crowded, especially on weekends, with several peaks stretching along the long beach. While the waves can lack punch during small swells, it’s a dependable location for learning & mellow sessions. The inside sections can be ideal for surf schools, while more advanced surfers seek the outer sandbars.
Rating: 3/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Southwest
- Swell Direction: Northwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Rockaway Beach is a smaller, steeper beach break offering heavier waves than its neighbor Linda Mar. Best on northwest swells & light southeast winds, it favors mid tide when the waves are most manageable yet punchy. The spot is known for its hollow, fast-breaking waves that can provide short but intense rides over a shifting sand bottom.
Crowds are typically moderate, though the narrow beach & limited take-off areas can create competition during good swells. This spot is suited for more experienced surfers due to its power & occasional closeouts, especially during larger swell events.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Gray Whale Cove is a scenic, remote beach break offering powerful waves on west-northwest swells. The spot works best at mid tide with light east winds, providing clean, punchy waves that can be hollow & challenging. The steep sandbars produce fast, heavy peaks with the potential for barrels, but the beach is exposed & prone to strong currents & closeouts.
Given its remote location & tricky conditions, it sees minimal crowds, attracting mainly advanced surfers familiar with the area. The beauty & isolation come at the cost of inconsistency, as the beach requires solid swell to show its best face.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: East
- Swell Direction: West or northwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Mussel Rock is an exposed, rugged beach break in Daly City near Pacifica, known for its unpredictable waves & heavy localism. The spot works best on solid west-northwest swells & light east winds at mid to high tide. The waves here can be powerful & hollow but are often inconsistent & subject to strong rips & closeouts.
Due to its challenging nature & intimidating local scene, Mussel Rock is recommended for advanced surfers only. It remains uncrowded most of the time due to its reputation & difficulty of access. Surfers should approach this spot with caution & respect.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To Pacifica Surf Spots
| Pacifica Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar) |
5-10 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Rockaway Beach |
Approx. 20 min. |
10 min. |
5 min. (Taxi)
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Sharp Park |
Approx. 60 min. |
Approx. 25 min. |
5-10 min. (Taxi)
20 min. (Local Bus)
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Gray Whale Cove |
Approx. 60 min. |
Approx. 25 min. |
5-10 min. (Taxi)
20 min. (Local Bus)
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Mussel Rock |
Not advised |
Approx. 50 min. |
Approx. 10 min. (Taxi)
Approx. 40 min. (Local Bus)
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Accommodation In Pacifica
Trip.com offers a quick and easy way to book your USA surf trip accommodation. Their platform offers a diverse selection of options by the beach. From hotels and resorts to hostels that will cater for every single budget. Early reservation means more time for surfing rather than planning.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€90 to €200 |
$100 to $220 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€275 to €600+ |
$300 to $650+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Pacifica Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Pacifica surf schools offer a laid-back, beginner-friendly setting just outside San Francisco. Surf Camp Pacifica stands out for its engaging programs catering to surfers of all levels, while Adventure Out provides specialized lessons for both teens and kids, ensuring a safe and exciting learning environment.
Sonlight Surfshop delivers personalized coaching tailored to individual needs, and Aqua Surf Shop offers lessons alongside rental services, making it a convenient choice for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Whether it’s your first surf lesson or you’re brushing up your skills, Pacifica surf schools make it easy and fun. The mellow waves and welcoming community vibe make it an ideal spot to learn close to the city.
Pacifica Surf Camp
Pacifica surf camps offer a relaxed and immersive way to improve your surfing while soaking up the cool, coastal vibes just outside San Francisco.
Surf Camp Pacifica offers immersive experiences for surf enthusiasts, focusing on building skills and fostering a love for the sport in a supportive environment.
Adventure Out specializes in surf camps for teens and kids, blending professional instruction with fun, interactive activities that teach water safety and surfing fundamentals.
If you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an intermediate surfer wanting to refine your skills, Pacifica surf camp experiences offer a balanced mix of coaching, wave time, and outdoor adventure.
Pacifica Surfboard Hire
Pacifica surfboard hire is straightforward and convenient. Aqua Surf Shop is a trusted choice in Pacifica, offering a selection of well-maintained boards suitable for all levels of surfers.
With easy rental options and quality gear, Pacifica surfboard hire keeps things simple. You can rent by the day or week and hit the water whenever the waves are calling.
Pacifica Surf Report & Surf Cam
The most important things to do on USA surf trips are to be well informed. Surf-Forecast gives detailed swell, tide, and wind information, whereas Surfline subscriptions let you view live cams from those important USA surf breaks in real time.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM activates itself digitally the minute you enter and doesn’t use any local SIM cards. So enjoy surf reports, real-time vision, and uploads of your USA and Pacifica surf clips anytime, anywhere.
How To Get To Pacifica Surf
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) To Pacifica
Distance: 15km (9mi)
To reach Pacifica surf, the most convenient route is to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and then take a local bus to your destination.
Below is a quick guide with various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Pacifica based on your preference.
Public Transport
Approx. 1-2 hrs.
Details:
From SFO’s International or Domestic terminals, take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) on the Antioch-SFO/Millbrae line to Daly City Station (about 20 minutes). At Daly City, transfer to SamTrans Route 110 northbound toward Pacifica.
This coastal bus travels along Highway 1, offering sea views before dropping you at Linda Mar Beach or downtown Pacifica. Buses run every 30–60 minutes, & the total trip involves one rail-to-bus transfer. It’s an affordable but slower option, with potential delays during rush hour.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 1-1.5 hrs.
Details:
Several shuttle companies, such as HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups, offer direct rides from SFO to Pacifica. Shared shuttles depart on a set schedule & stop at popular spots like Rockaway Beach & Pacifica State Beach.
Vans feature secure board racks, air conditioning, & minimal stops. Private shuttle charters can be arranged for a customized schedule. Advance reservations are advised, especially on weekends & during surf competitions.
USA Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
Planning a surf trip across the United States? You’re in for quality waves and easy travel, but preparation helps. U.S. Dollars are used everywhere, and most places accept contactless cards. English is the primary language.
Check our USA surf page for all 7 essentials, from visa policies to health and safety tips, so you’re ready for anything while chasing waves.
Travel Insurance For Your Pacifica Surf Trip
A sprained wrist, a lost bag, or even a nasty bout of flu can be the undoing of an otherwise well planned surf trip. If USA is the destination, then make sure that you go well prepared. Travel insurance is there to help you take that surprise and get back on your feet in no time. Whether you need help rebooking or paying for treatment, support is key.
VisitorsCoverage makes it easy to find the right policy for you, so you won’t waste time stressing over it. Your USA surf plans deserve more than just luck, they deserve real protection.
Discover Pacifica: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the surf isn’t on in Pacifica, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Below are 4 recommendations to make the most of your time.
Or check out more of the beautiful San Francisco, with GetYourGuide and Viator, each offering unique and wonderful experiences to make the most of your time in the Bay Area.