Free Things to do in Pacifica CA
Lots of Excitement, Little Cost
Finding free things to do in Pacifica CA and surrounding areas is easy. The area around our hotel is packed with outdoor activities, and San Francisco attractions are among the most enticing in the nation. Use our guide to what to do in San Francisco and the region surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area to find adventure without breaking the bank.
Golden Gate Bridge (15.6 miles) – The Golden Gate Bridge is the preeminent attraction of the San Francisco Bay Area. The famous bridge boasts the second-longest main span of any suspension bridge in the U.S., and is considered one of the modern Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The Pacifica Visitor Center will provide easy driving directions over the bridge and into Marin County, where you can find the best views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco and Alcatraz.
Linda Mar Beach (0.8 miles) – Linda Mar Beach is a surfer’s paradise, featuring perfect Pacific waves, endless ocean views and plenty of onshore dining options. Taco Bell is on the beach, while La Playa Taqueria and Nona’s Kitchen sit just a short distance south of the sand. Linda Mar Beach is also known officially as Pacifica State Beach.
McNee Ranch State Park (5.9 miles) – Some of the most impressive panoramas in the region are available at Montara Mountain in McNee Ranch State Park. From the park’s peaks, you can see as far as San Francisco or the Farallon Islands, located 25 miles away in the Pacific Ocean.
Muir Woods National Monument (26.9 miles) – This must-see national monument features more than 550 acres of old growth Redwood forests, one of the last areas of its kind in the San Francisco Bay Area. Spend a day viewing the giant trees and searching for rare wildlife at Muir Woods.
San Francisco (15 miles) – You don’t need to spend big bucks to enjoy one of America’s most vibrant cities. San Francisco’s eclectic neighborhoods, colorful architecture and uneven topography provide plenty of adventure on a day-long walk or biking trip.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (7.4 miles) – The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve offers an easy way to observe rare sea life in a pristine environment. Tucked just a few miles south of our hotel, the reserve hosts sea urchins, sea stars, harbor seals, mollusks, and red octopi, allowing visitors to see a variety of marine life.
Pacifica Pier (2.5 miles) – You don’t necessarily need to venture to the big city to get the Northern California pier experience. Pacifica Pier, just north of our hotel, offers beautiful panoramic views of the ocean and the shore, along with a café and several nearby dining options.
California State Route 1 (0.2 miles) – The Pacific Coast Highway stretches up the coast of California, providing sweeping views of the ocean in countless spots. Spend a part of the day driving Highway 1, one of America’s most scenic routes.
