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Located just minutes from busy San Francisco, Pacifica, California is a peaceful surfing community that’s like a breath of fresh air. The quiet beach town has all of the essentials for a fun surf trip, whether it’s for a weekend or just for the day. Just South of San Francisco, in Pacifica you’ll find a perfect balance of waves, natural beauty, and cozy local spots.
Keep reading to learn about surfing in Pacifica, including the waves, what wetsuit to wear for the water temperature, and what the vibe is. Discover local surf shops, restaurants and more.
Small, Friendly Beginner-Intermediate Waves
Pacifica is a great place for beginner surfers, with slow, soft waves perfect for perfecting your pop up and locking in your surfing mechanics. Intermediate surfers can enjoy a mellow surfing day with a friendly line-up of surfers. The best surfboards for Linda Mar are longboards, fun shapes, and stand-up paddleboards. The paddle out is short, but can be choppy!
The Surf Breaks: Linda Mar and Linda Mar North
Linda Mar and Linda Mar North are two surf breaks right out front of the parking lot and Taco Bell in Pacifica. These are beach break waves, so there’s a sand bottom and you can sit wherever the waves are breaking. Be mindful that there are some large rocks and boulders, especially on the south end, so watch your footing coming in and out of the water.
Tip: Booties will keep your feet warm and protect your toes from getting stubbed on a rock
Water Temperature and What Wetsuit to Wear
If you want to surf with the sun out, locals suggest visiting in the autumn or winter months instead of the summer, when the beach is usually foggy and cold. The water temperature in Pacifica is between 52- 63°F. The best wetsuit to wear here is a full suit, either a 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm wetsuit. If you’re worried about staying warm, wearing booties and a hood can help!
The Best Time of Year to Surf Pacifica
The best time of year to surf Pacifica is between September and May, when the wave size and quality is at its best. This is also when the skies tend to clear up and the sun comes out. The spring and summer months are more likely to be windy, foggy, and small surf.
Catch a Quick Lunch at Taco Bell Cantina
In Pacifica there’s a premium Taco Bell Cantina right on the beach, with a patio right on the beach, the same pricing you’d expect, and a full bar. It’s an easy spot to take a break from surfing and refuel while keeping an eye on the waves. You’ll see the Taco Bell from the parking lot. Taco Bell also hosts the Surfline Linda Mar camera so you can check the surf!
Stop by Traveler Surf Club
Located within walking distance of the waves, Traveler Surf Club has surfboard rentals, surfing lessons, and full memberships that includes surfboard lockers, hot showers, and a garden lounge area. The women-owned business has multiple locations around Northern California and Malibu. Their retail shop has wetsuits, clothes, and beach blankets, and amazing finds including coffee table books, art and jewelry.
Get Dinner and Drafts at Humble Sea Brewing Co
Also conveniently located within walking distance of the surf is Humble Sea Brewing Co. The bar and restaurant has a fun surfing art vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu has sizable portions to fill you up after a cold surf, everything from fresh salads to sandwiches, burgers, and tacos. They also make their own beer, with a fun menu of surfing inspired names to choose from.
Pacifica is a great place for beginner and intermediate surfers to catch fun waves in a friendly surfing community. Have you surfed Pacifica before? Let us know how it went in the comments!
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