Mori Point

37.6187° N, 122.4924° W

Okay, okay! I agree that’s a pretty over the top headline for this blog post. But, Mori Point has breathtakingly beautiful views that really deserve such accolades! It’s amazing how you can live in a region and yet not know what surrounds you. Kevin and I are California kids — I was born and raised here and he moved here when just months old. Though well traveled, we’ve found that as we explore more of the Bay Area, there’s so much of it we have yet to discover. Mori Point is one such example.

Mori Point is a quick 30 minute drive from our East Bay home. And, if you’re visiting San Francisco —- you can make this area a quick day trip. Just as you begin to wind down the peak of the 280 freeway, the sight of San Mateo County’s beautiful coastline emerges. The town of Pacifica sits quaintly just 12 miles south of San Francisco — a charming hamlet with big waves and fog that feathers the coastline.

Views of Sharp Beach and the city of Pacifica.

Historicallly, Mori Point was farmland - 19 acres of this land was purchased by Stefano Mori in 1888 upon his arrival from Italy. Brussel Sprouts and Artichokes were grown here, next to a 21-Room Guest Inn + Bar. The Mori Point Inn, as it was known, had quite a reputation during Prohibition days and was operated by the Mori family until the 1940s. In 2000, with the help of the Pacifica Land Trust, the Coastal Conservancy, and concerned community members, the parcel was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and added to the Golden Gate National Parks.

Mori Point sits on 105 acres between Sharp Park and Rockaway Beach. There is neighborhood parking on Bradford Way where you’ll find a path behind neighborhood fences — it is well marked with signage. Listen for the croaking of the red-legged frogs and keep an eye out for the San Francisco garter snakes that inhabit this area.

At the foot of Mori Point, you’ll see Sharp Park Beach in front of you. It is a narrow sandy beach with Pacifica Municipal Fishing Pier in the distance. Fishing from the pier is reportedly excellent, especially in the summer months, and a fishing license is not required. It’s a nice walk out to the end of this concrete pier and you’ll also find a cafe at the entrance.

The Mori Point trail loop is a moderate 2.5 miles. Some areas can be quite steep and slippery so dress accordingly. If you are looking for a more strenuous hike follow the arrow towards Lishumsha which loops back down to Old Mori Rd.

Views all along the hike are breathtaking but, keep in mind it can get very foggy here so, check the weather prior to your hike — with fog, visibility will be poor. Finally, there is a wheelchair accessible restroom and trail located at the Old Mori Rd entrance that links to a raised boardwalk. Dogs on leash are permitted.

If you’ve worked up an appetite afterwards, head over to Pacifica for crusty Vietnamese Banh mi or BBQ sandwiches at Kitten and Pinky on Palmetto Avenue….. If packing a picnic is more your style, you’ll find the fixings for your basket at Oceana Market or Safeway —- both located on CA-1 Highway.

Let us know if you get the opportunity to visit Mori Point. Happy Travels!