Where is Pacifica, California Located in the United States? - Pacifica is a city located in the San Mateo County in California, United States. Pacifica lies between 37.6138 Degrees North latitudes and -122.4869 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Pacifica, San Mateo, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Pacifica in San Mateo County, in the U.S. state of California.
Pacifica Map, California, USA
About Pacifica Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Pacifica, San Mateo County, California
Pacifica is located in San Mateo County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific Ocean on the San Francisco Peninsula. The city was incorporated in 1957 and its name was chosen to reflect its coastal location along the Pacific shoreline, and it developed from several small coastal communities into a residential city within the San Francisco Bay Area.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Pacifica is 38,640 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,100 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Pacifica covers a total area of approximately 12.7 square miles (about 32.9 square kilometers), including about 12.7 square miles (32.9 square kilometers) of land and a minimal amount of water area.
Location and Surroundings
Pacifica is situated south of Daly City and north of Half Moon Bay, positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal hills of the San Francisco Peninsula. The city features beaches, cliffs, and residential neighborhoods along scenic coastal terrain. State Route 1 runs through the area, providing a major transportation route connecting Pacifica to San Francisco and other communities along the California coast.
Top Attractions
Pacifica offers beaches, parks, and coastal recreation areas that support tourism and outdoor activities. Popular destinations include Pacifica State Beach, Mori Point, and the scenic trails of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The city is known for surfing, hiking, and oceanfront recreation along the Pacific coastline.
Transportation
Pacifica is served by State Route 1 and nearby Interstate 280, offering convenient highway access throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and Northern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to surrounding communities and transit hubs. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport, located approximately 10 miles to the east.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Pacifica City Website.
Most Viewed US Maps
| USA Sttae Map | USA Region Map | USA Road Map |
| USA County Map | Where is USA in World Map? | US ZIP Code Map |
| USA Time Zones Map | US State and Capitals Map | USA Physical Map |
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information
Pacifica, California Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Pacifica |
| County | San Mateo County |
| State | California |
| State Capital | Sacramento |
| US Region | Western United States (Pacific Region) |
| Latitude | 37.6138° N |
| Longitude | 122.4869° W |
| Elevation | 82 ft (25 m) |
| Land Area | 12.58 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.00 sq mi |
| Total Area | 12.58 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 38,640 |
| Population Density | 3,070.8 people per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 94044 |
| Area Code | 650 |
| Time Zone Standard | Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC−8) |
| Time Zone Daylight | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC−7) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 06-54806 |
| Congressional District | California's 15th Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in Pacifica, California
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Francisco International Airport |
| IATA Code | SFO |
| Port | No commercial port |
| Major Highways | California State Route 1, California State Route 35 (nearby), Interstate 280 (nearby) |
| Train/Amtrak Service | No direct Amtrak service; nearest BART stations are Daly City and Colma |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | SamTrans |
- California State Route 1 (SR 1) – Runs north–south through Pacifica along the Pacific Coast, connecting San Francisco with Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.
- California State Route 35 (Skyline Boulevard) – Passes east of the city, providing scenic access along the Santa Cruz Mountains.
- Interstate 280 – Located a few miles east, linking Pacifica with San Francisco, Daly City, San Mateo, and Silicon Valley.
Top Places to Visit in Pacifica, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Pacifica Municipal Pier | Pier |
| Rockaway Beach | Beach |
| Linda Mar Beach | Beach |
| Mori Point | Nature Preserve |
| Sweeney Ridge | Historic Site |
| Pacifica State Beach | State Beach |
| San Pedro Valley Park | Park |
| Devil's Slide Trail | Scenic Trail |
| Milagra Ridge | Open Space Preserve |
| Shelldance Orchid Gardens | Botanical Garden |
Driving Distances from Pacifica, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daly City | California | 6 | 15 minutes |
| South San Francisco | California | 9 | 20 minutes |
| San Francisco | California | 15 | 25 minutes |
| Millbrae | California | 10 | 20 minutes |
| Burlingame | California | 13 | 25 minutes |
| San Bruno | California | 9 | 20 minutes |
| Half Moon Bay | California | 15 | 25 minutes |
| San Mateo | California | 20 | 35 minutes |
| Redwood City | California | 27 | 40 minutes |
| Palo Alto | California | 34 | 50 minutes |
Colleges and Universities in Pacifica, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline College | Public | Community College | Transfer and career education |
| College of San Mateo | Public | Community College | Academic transfer programs |
| San Francisco State University | Public | University | Comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | Public | University | Health sciences and medical research |
| Pacifica School District | Public | K–12 District | Elementary and middle school education |
Waterbodies in Pacifica, California
Pacific Ocean, San Pedro Creek, Calera Creek, Pilarcitos Creek, Milagra Creek, Sanchez Creek, Linda Mar Creek, Lake Merced, Pillar Point Harbor, Laguna Salada
Stadiums in Pacifica
Terra Nova High School Football Stadium, Oceana High School Athletic Field, Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School Athletic Field, Pacifica Municipal Sports Complex, Sharp Park Golf Course, Olympic Club (nearby), Lake Merced Golf Club, San Francisco Golf Club
Pacifica, California — Key Historical Facts
- Pacifica was officially incorporated as a city in 1957 through the merger of several coastal communities, including Sharp Park, Linda Mar, and Rockaway Beach.
- The city is located near the route explored by the Portolá Expedition in 1769, one of the earliest European land expeditions through California.
- Sweeney Ridge, overlooking Pacifica, is recognized as the location where Spanish explorers first viewed San Francisco Bay from land.
- Pacifica has long been known for its coastal recreation, surfing culture, and scenic beaches that attract visitors throughout the year.
- Today, Pacifica balances residential neighborhoods with protected coastal open spaces, making it one of the San Francisco Peninsula's most distinctive seaside communities.
References
California Related Links
- Where is Adelanto
- Where is Alameda
- Where is Alhambra
- Where is Aliso Viejo
- Where is Antioch
- Where is Apple Valley
- Where is Arcadia
- Where is Atascadero
- Where is Atwater
- Where is Azusa
- Where is Baldwin Park
- Where is Banning
- Where is Barstow
- Where is Beaumont
- Where is Bell Gardens
- Where is Bell
- Where is Bellflower
- Where is Belmont
- Where is Benicia
- Where is Beverly Hills
- Where is Brawley
- Where is Brea
- Where is Brentwood
- Where is Buena Park
- Where is Burbank
- Where is Burlingame
- Where is Calexico
- Where is Camarillo
- Where is Campbell
- Where is Carlsbad
- Where is Carson
- Where is Cathedral City
- Where is Ceres
- Where is Cerritos
- Where is Chico
- Where is Chino Hills
- Where is Chino
- Where is Citrus Heights
- Where is Claremont
- Where is Coachella
- Where is Colton
- Where is Compton
- Where is Concord
- Where is Costa Mesa
- Where is Covina
- Where is Culver City
- Where is Cupertino
- Where is Cypress
- Where is Daly City
- Where is Dana Point
- Where is Danville
- Where is Davis
- Where is Delano
- Where is Desert Hot Springs
- Where is Diamond Bar
- Where is Downey
- Where is Dublin
- Where is East Palo Alto
- Where is Eastvale
- Where is El Cajon
- Where is El Centro
- Where is El Cerrito
- Where is El Monte
- Where is Encinitas
- Where is Eureka
- Where is Fairfield
- Where is Folsom
- Where is Foster City
- Where is Fountain Valley
- Where is Galt
- Where is Gardena
- Where is Gilroy
- Where is Glendora
- Where is Goleta
- Where is Hanford
- Where is Hawthorne
- Where is Hemet
- Where is Hercules
- Where is Hesperia
- Where is Highland
- Where is Hollister
- Where is Huntington Park
- Where is Imperial Beach
- Where is Indio
- Where is Inglewood
- Where is Jurupa Valley
- Where is La Habra
- Where is La Mesa
- Where is La Mirada
- Where is La Puente
- Where is La Quinta
- Where is La Verne
- Where is Lafayette
- Where is Laguna Hills
- Where is Laguna Niguel
- Where is Lake Elsinore
- Where is Lake Forest
- Where is Lakewood
- Where is Lathrop
- Where is Lawndale
- Where is Lemon Grove
- Where is Lemoore
- Where is Lincoln
- Where is Livermore
- Where is Lodi
- Where is Lompoc
- Where is Los Altos
- Where is Los Banos
- Where is Los Gatos
- Where is Lynwood
- Where is Madera
- Where is Manhattan Beach
- Where is Manteca
- Where is Martinez
- Where is Maywood
- Where is Menifee
- Where is Menlo Park
- Where is Merced
- Where is Milpitas
- Where is Mission Viejo
- Where is Monrovia
- Where is Montclair
- Where is Montebello
- Where is Monterey
- Where is Monterey Park
- Where is Moorpark
- Where is Morgan Hill
- Where is Mountain View
- Where is Murrieta
- Where is Napa
- Where is National City
- Where is Newark
- Where is Newport Beach
- Where is Norco
- Where is Norwalk
- Where is Novato
- Where is Oakley
- Where is Pacifica
- Where is Palm Desert
- Where is Palm Springs
- Where is Palo Alto
- Where is Paramount
- Where is Paso Robles
- Where is Perris
- Where is Petaluma
- Where is Pico Rivera
- Where is Pittsburg
- Where is Placentia
- Where is Pleasant Hill
- Where is Pleasanton
- Where is Porterville
- Where is Poway
- Where is Rancho Cordova
- Where is Rancho Palos Verdes
- Where is Rancho Santa Margarita
- Where is Redding
- Where is Redlands
- Where is Redondo Beach
- Where is Redwood City
- Where is Reedley
- Where is Rialto
- Where is Richmond
- Where is Ridgecrest
- Where is Rocklin
- Where is Rohnert Park
- Where is Rosemead
- Where is San Bruno
- Where is San Carlos
- Where is San Clemente
- Where is San Dimas
- Where is San Gabriel
- Where is San Jacinto
- Where is San Juan Capistrano
- Where is San Leandro
- Where is San Luis Obispo
- Where is San Marcos
- Where is San Mateo
- Where is San Pablo
- Where is San Rafael
- Where is San Ramon
- Where is Sanger
- Where is Santa Barbara
- Where is Santa Cruz
- Where is Santa Maria
- Where is Santa Monica
- Where is Santa Paula
- Where is Santee
- Where is Saratoga
- Where is Seal Beach
- Where is Seaside
- Where is Simi Valley
- Where is South Gate
- Where is South Pasadena
- Where is South San Francisco
- Where is Stanton
- Where is Suisun City
- Where is Temecula
- Where is Temple City
- Where is Tracy
- Where is Tulare
- Where is Turlock
- Where is Tustin
- Where is Twentynine Palms
- Where is Union City
- Where is Upland
- Where is Vacaville
- Where is Ventura
- Where is Vista
- Where is Walnut Creek
- Where is Walnut
- Where is Wasco
- Where is Watsonville
- Where is West Covina
- Where is West Hollywood
- Where is West Sacramento
- Where is Westminster
- Where is Whittier
- Where is Wildomar
- Where is Windsor
- Where is Woodland
- Where is Yorba Linda
- Where is Yuba City
- Where is Yucaipa