Esplanade Beach
Pacifica, CA
Esplanade Beach sits below a steep path and stairs in Pacifica, a smaller, more residential stretch of sand than the beaches further south near the pier. It's an easy stop if you're already staying in this part of town, though the steep access keeps it from being a quick in-and-out visit.
A genuinely convenient stop for the neighborhood around it, though the steep stairs and lack of a standout feature keep it a local spot more than a destination.
How we score beachesTake the stairs slowly on the way back up, they're steeper than they look from the top and it's a real climb after a day at the beach.
Free parking is available near the stairs.
A steep path and stairs lead down to the beach.
Esplanade Beach is Pacifica's only leash-free beach, where dogs under voice control can run off leash.
Fog is common most mornings year round, with water staying cold regardless of season.
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