Partly Sunny
San Mateo County, CA · Pacific Ocean
Pacifica State Beach
5000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044
Crescent-shaped Linda Mar beach tucked into a coastal valley, one of the Bay Area's premier beginner surf spots. Backed by restaurants and surf-rental shops along Highway 1.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
NWS alert active · 55°F water · 64°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Partly sunny. High near 64, with temperatures falling to around 62 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
Tonight
Isolated rain showers between 4am and 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. West southwest wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Weather
- 64°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 55°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry
- 4.3ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — coastal flood advisory issued july 12 at 5:38am pdt until july 15 at 4:00am pdt by nws san francisco ca
Best for walking today
Observed water level is running higher than the astronomical tide prediction. Expect a narrower beach, faster-rising water, and stronger near-shore currents than the tide chart suggests.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued July 12 at 5:38AM PDT until July 15 at 4:00AM PDT by NWS San Francisco CA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...Up to 1.7 ft of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. * WHERE...Pacific Coast including Monterey Bay. * WHEN...Until 4 AM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Flooding of lots, parks, and roads with only isolated road closures expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...At the San Francisco tidal gauge, high tide is expected to be 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 9:11 PM 7/11, 1.7 ft above normal (7.5 ft MLLW) at 10:06 PM 7/12, 1.7 ft above normal (7.5 ft MLLW) at 11:01 PM 7/13, 1.6 ft above normal (7.4 ft MLLW) at 11:55 PM 7/14. These predictions include both astronomical tides and roughly 3-6 inches of additional water mainly from a combination of thermal expansion and accumulated sea level rise since the tidal datum was established (1983-2001). High tide varies up to 90 minutes earlier or later along the Pacific Coast and through the San Francisco Bay, respectively.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:27 AM | Low | -1.2 ft |
| 11:54 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 3:50 PM | Low | 3.2 ft |
| 10:06 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:18 AM | Low | -1.5 ft |
| 12:41 PM | High | 4.9 ft |
| 4:49 PM | Low | 3.1 ft |
| 11:01 PM | High | 7.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:06 AM | Low | -1.6 ft |
| 1:24 PM | High | 5.0 ft |
| 5:46 PM | Low | 2.9 ft |
| 11:55 PM | High | 7.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:52 AM | Low | -1.5 ft |
| 2:05 PM | High | 5.2 ft |
| 6:43 PM | Low | 2.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:48 AM | High | 6.8 ft |
| 7:36 AM | Low | -1.3 ft |
| 2:45 PM | High | 5.3 ft |
| 7:41 PM | Low | 2.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:41 AM | High | 6.2 ft |
| 8:19 AM | Low | -0.8 ft |
| 3:25 PM | High | 5.5 ft |
| 8:42 PM | Low | 2.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:35 AM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 9:00 AM | Low | -0.2 ft |
| 4:04 PM | High | 5.6 ft |
| 9:46 PM | Low | 1.9 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 9414290, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
Scattered Rain Showers then Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Mostly Cloudy
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 55°F — dangerously cold
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paid lots $7 (<4 hrs) or $9 (all day), 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Dogs
Leashed dogs allowed.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
5000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Pacifica State Beach today?
Pacifica State Beach shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Pacifica State Beach dog-friendly?
Leashed dogs allowed.
Is there an entry fee at Pacifica State Beach?
Entry to Pacifica State Beach is free.
Are there lifeguards at Pacifica State Beach?
No lifeguards are stationed at Pacifica State Beach. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Pacifica State Beach?
Amenities at Pacifica State Beach include restrooms, showers, bike path.
When is the water warmest at Pacifica State Beach?
The Pacific is cold. Southern California (San Diego to Santa Barbara) peaks in August at 65-72°F. Central and Northern California stay in the upper 50s to low 60s year-round. Oregon and Washington rarely exceed 60°F. Wetsuits are common.
Where is Pacifica State Beach located?
Pacifica State Beach is in San Mateo County, CA, at 5000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS