The Mori Point Trail, Pacifica

I grew up in the San Franciso Bay Area, and even lived in San Francisco for a few years, but somehow never made it to Pacifica! Maybe it was just too close to home? And oh my, were we ever missing out on stunning Northern California coastline, and sandy beaches just 25 minutes or so from San Francisco and only 15 minutes from the airport! Pacifica is highly under rated, and I would surely visit again to spend more time exploring the trails and just simply walking on the beach. While it was late July, there was not a sunbather to be found, because the coastline here is cold and often foggy, and even surfers wear wet suits. The Mori Point trail, just a five minute walk from our rental was truly a delight, including a stunning cliff top view that varied depending on the day and the ever present fog! Come along, lets explore Mori Point!  (We started to trail next to the parking lot on Beach Blvd. where Beach Blvd. meets Clarendon. Beach Blvd is one way so you have to go around to get to the parking lot.)

Mori Point is located in Pacifica just west of High–way 1, and directly south of Sharp Park Golf Course. Trailheads are found at the south end of Bradford Way and at the southwest corner of Sharp Park, near the south end of the levee protecting Sharp Park Golf Course. There are a few trails and ways to access the point, I generally walked down the flat gravel road starting at the North end of the golf course, and at the end of the road, just beyond the community memory garden is a flight of wooden steps, called bootlegger’s steps that will take you to the top, worth the workout and a great way to get to the top quickly!

The stunning golf course to the left of the gravel road.
Wow, those trees!

Since the early 1900s, real estate developers have been promoting coast-side homes within an easy commute to San Francisco. After the Mori Point Restaurant was destroyed, developers had many visions for Mori: a seven story conference center, a golf course, a sixt y-home housing development and a card gambling club. In the 1970s, highway planners proposed an extension to Interstate 380 through Mori Point. For nearly twenty years, Pacificans wrestled over protection of Mori Point. They wrote letters, and formed Pacificans for Mori Point, Friends of Pacifica, and the Pacifica Land Trust. Finally, in September 2000, Congress enacted legislation to purchase and add Mori Point to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Wow, imagine what could have been, and so grateful it was saved for all to enjoy!
The beach and Mori point, we’ll go up there, ready?
Take the bootlegger’s steps up to the top, run if you are in good enough shape!
A stunning foggy view from the top of the steps.
At the end of the cliff’s end trail…...
The inaccessible rocks are home to many birds.
Looking south towards the other side of Pacifica, stunning!
A wonderful spot to take a deep breath, give thanks for all this beautiful nature, and simply enjoy!