Pacifica Municipal Pier

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Current Status: CLOSED due to inclement weather and waves

Latest Updates:

Press Release- Continued Pacifica Municipal Pier Closure- June 28, 2024

Pier Assessments:

Past Press Releases:

Press Release Issued 01-25-2024: Pier Closure Continuation

For the Record:

The City has provided some clarifying information on "For the Record."

Background and Hours:

Pacifica is home to one of the best fishing piers in the state. Because of the number and quality of the fish caught off Pacifica's shores, the pier has earned a number one ranking among anglers in the Bay Area. Although fishing can be good year round, many consider the summer months to be the best when salmon and striped bass can be caught. No admission is charged and no fishing license is required at the Pacifica Municipal Pier.

HOURS:

The pier is open daily from 4 A.M. to 10 P.M., unless closed due to inclement weather, high surf, repairs, etc.

The Following Are Not Allowed on the Pier:

Alcohol
Smoking on the pier
Biking on the pier
Overhead casting
Dogs on the pier, except Service dogs
Glass containers

New Fishing Line Recycling Station Flyer

Climate:

The pier is 1,140 feet long and fronts directly on Sharp Park Beach, an area that can see strong winds and punishing waves which can cause closure of the pier with little or no notice.

Facilities:

The pier has lights, fish cleaning stations, benches, restrooms and a coffee house/snack bar directly in front of the entrance. Free parking is located on adjacent streets and in a nearby lot. Handicapped parking is also available, with pier accessibility via a ramp leading to the south side of the pier.

Directions:

Travel Highway 1 to Pacifica, take the Paloma Avenue/Francisco Boulevard exit, take Paloma west to Beach Boulevard, turn left and travel south to the pier.

History:

The Rev. Herschell Harkins Memorial Pier (a.k.a. the Pacifica Municipal Pier) was built in 1973 and designed in part to serve as the support structure for the city’s now-obsolete sewer outfall line. The 1,140 feet long “L” shape pier has been closed for repairs and re-opened several times over the last decade or so. It is currently considered in good shape, though it shows the result of its age and the heavy use it receives.

Crab Season Information:

Crab season on the pier usually starts the first Saturday of November. The actual opening date varies from year to year. You do not need a fishing license for crabbing from the pier. Please check with the local bait shops for additional rules and regulations.

Please visit this link for current crab season information and frequently asked questions: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Invertebrates/Crabs

For CDFW Marine Region related questions, please visit: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regions/Marin