Rockaway
Beach could easily be called Rockabye Baby Beach. When you
stay at the ocean front hotels such as the Best Western
Lighthouse we tried, the sound of the waves just lulls you
to sleep.
Rockaway Beach at Quarry Cove in
Pacifica,
California is located south of the Pacifica Pier along Highway 1. San
Francisco bay area locals are aware of Rockaway Beach but those living
outside the region can easily pass it by without ever knowing it
exists.
Approximately 100
years ago, Rockaway Beach Resort attracted tourists from San Francisco
who traveled south along the deadly Devil's Slide mountain pass on the
newly built Ocean Shore Railroad. A safe and affordable mode of transportation allowed weekend warriors the opportunity to experience
a less developed coast where they could swim, fish, take hikes, have
picnics and enjoy the countryside in a nearby location.
Today, there
are hiking trails with vistas that afford views of Alcatraz,
restaurants with ocean views, shops, museums and many sports and
recreational activities to enjoy. Be sure to drop by the Promenade
with the sculpture and watch surfers navigate the waves that break
close to shore.
Offering
the only beachfront hotels between Pacifica and San Francisco, several
lovely properties enjoy incredible rooms and suites where the sound of
the sea with its crashing waves can be heard night and day. There are
hotels, restaurants, shops and Pacifica Visitor Information Center,
which provides maps, directions, brochures and sells postcards and
books--everything needed for an enjoyable stay. Pacifica is
located only 15 minutes from the San Francisco Airport and 15 minutes
from downtown San Francisco.
Pacifica Pier,
according to some fishermen, is the only location salmon can be caught
without boarding a boat. The pier is located in the Sharp Park State
Beach area of Pacifica, about 15 miles south of San Francisco. Rev.
Herschell Harkins Memorial Pier was built in 1973 and spans 1,140 feet.
The pier is open 24 hours and there is no fee for pier fishing. Call:
650-355-0690.
