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Coastlines, crab sandwiches and locally produced crafts await for a quick weekend staycation.
From scenic hikes along Thornton State Beach in Daly City to the picturesque Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, there’s no shortage of ways to take in the ocean along the San Francisco Peninsula. Pacifica is no exception — although you may have overlooked the Rockaway Beach neighborhood on your drive down the coast. Located 15 miles from downtown San Francisco and Half Moon Bay, Rockaway Beach — or Rockaway for short — offers a combination of walkable corridors, locally owned shops and eateries, and nature abound. The neighborhood makes for an approachable beach escape, be it for a few hours or on an overnight trip. Here’s a snapshot of the sights and sounds Rockaway has to offer, plus some unexpected delights.
Nature
- Take in the views from Aramai Point, located to the left of the beachfront. In 2021, this highland was renamed after the Native American tribe that stewarded this land, which sits between Rockaway and Linda Mar beaches. Visitors can park in one of the many free lots in the area, take a short hike up Aramai Point and be greeted with clear views of the coastline and Rockaway neighborhood below.
- Explore the trails at Mori Point for a longer trek. Mori Point offers several walks ranging from easy strolls on paved paths to steep uphill hikes that lead down to the beach. Plan your hike using the Parks Conservancy website.
- A visit to the neighborhood wouldn’t be complete without watching the sunset from its namesake Rockaway Beach. Find a sandy path down to the coastline or watch from the Rockaway Beach Plaza walkways to hear the waves crash against the rocks.
Coffee and tea
- Coastal getaway with a side of crumpets, please! Located along Highway 1, Lovey’s Tea Shoppe is an unassuming corner spot selling vintage tea cups, loose-leaf teas and English-inspired gifts. They offer full tea service by reservation and walk-in takeaway service Thursday through Sunday. Grab an iced tea to go along with a scone, served with fresh raspberry jam and clotted cream. Or order a tray of sandwiches for a beachside picnic, with options like coronation chicken, pear and stilton, and salmon with caper cream cheese. For tea service reservations, visit their website.
- Tucked away in Rockaway Beach Plaza is Pacific Java Cafe, serving up espresso, drip coffee, Italian sodas, and more. Pair your drink with a “homespun” created by local baker SugarCinns, a cupcake- and muffin-like confection offered in a variety of flavors. Free WiFi is available for customers, who are welcome to enjoy board games or play on the cafe’s piano the owners recently brought in.
Eats and libations
- Start your day of exploring with a hearty meal from Breaker’s, opened by a father-son duo in 2014. Open every day for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant doles out hearty staples like biscuits and gravy, scrambles and pancakes to fuel your day. Other offerings include cooked-to-order savory crepes, veggie burgers, and lighter fare like fruit smoothies and garden salads.
- Need a more substantial bite? Look no further than Nick’s Seafood Restaurant, located in the heart of Rockaway. Enjoy a drink with an oceanfront view from their horseshoe bar and cocktail lounge, which hosts live music on Friday and Saturday. On the menu are classics like oysters Rockefeller, lobster ravioli, fish and chips, and their famous grilled crab sandwich served on Wedemeyer sourdough (try it with avocado and a touch of tabasco).
- For happy hour after high tide, A Grape in the Fog wine bar at Rockaway Beach Plaza awaits. They feature live music every month, weekday happy hour, light bites and a variety of bubbles, red, and white wines to choose from, including tasting flights. Go for the wines but stay for a slice of the chocolate cake, baked by a local Pacifican especially for the wine bar.
Around the corner
Consider Rockaway your starting point for this stretch of Pacifica. If you drive a few minutes north or south of Rockaway proper, you’ll find plenty more dining options. Here’s a sampling of what’s nearby:
- All aboard! Vallemar Station is a family-owned and operated restaurant that will transport you back to the days when Pacifica was a stop along the Ocean Shore Railroad. Built in 1905, the restaurant is housed in the former Vallemar train station, making it one of three remaining historical stations from the Ocean Shore route. While no longer a transportation hub, Vallemar Station offers nightly dinner specials like pot roast and chicken fried steak – sure to fill up anyone on the go. Other menu highlights include prime rib, weekend brunch and fresh seafood.
- Local favorite Gorilla BBQ almost needs no introduction. It can be spotted from miles away thanks to its location in a bright orange boxcar along Highway 1. The inside of the restaurant is compact and small, but the food is quite the opposite. Visitors line up for hefty takeout boxes of their ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket and whole chicken – don’t forget a side of cornbread. Open every weekend from noon till 5:00 p.m., Gorilla BBQ often sells out before closing.
- Pacifica Brewery is the town’s first brewpub and offers locals and visitors alike a variety of brews on tap and chef-driven, globally inspired fare. Located opposite the much-loved and recently closed Sea Bowl bowling alley, the brewpub features a 10 barrel brewhouse producing seasonal beer to pair with its locally sourced menu. Visitors can enjoy beer or whiskey flights as well. Dine on Hawaiian tuna poke, dry rub chicken wings or watermelon salad to start before digging into woodfired margherita pesto pizza or pan-seared halibut. On weekends, come for the huevos rancheros benedict, croque-madame, beignets and mimosa service.
Shopping
- From April to December, the Coastside Farmers Market is open for the season at Rockaway. Linking Coastside residents with local farmers, ranchers, fishermen and culinarians, the market aims to foster and strengthen relationships between the community and those that produce food in the region. Open rain or shine, shop local from fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, nuts, and scratch-made baked goods and savories. Stop by Wednesdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm; check their website for location updates and vendor schedules.
- With a selection of locally produced vintage items, whimsical goodies, retro clothing and handcrafted jewelry available for purchase, Successories is the ideal store to peruse while exploring the corners of Rockaway Beach Plaza. Open daily with an online shop available as well.
- For souvenirs with a beach vibe, Pedro Point Sirens has got you covered every day of the week. The store sells ocean-inspired items for the home, such as aqua-colored plates, ceramic mugs and fun signage. In addition, shoppers can find hats, hoodies, and T-shirts adorned with Pedro Point Sirens’ very own designs.
Stay
Turn your day trip to a staycation, with four lodgings to choose from right at Rockaway Beach:
- Pacifica Lighthouse Hotel — Home to the Moonraker Restaurant.
- Inn at Rockaway — A boutique option with modern rooms.
- Sea Breeze — Stay steps from the ocean at this family-run motel.
- Fairfield Inn and Suites — Opened in 2022, enjoy complimentary hot breakfast and a fitness center at Rockaway’s newest hotel.
