Day Trek: Pacifica, CA

The first light peeks over the cliff faces, casting misty beams onto the beach below, catching cresting waves in a golden glow. Surfers wiggle into wetsuits, tugging arms through sand dollar-sized holes. Coffee mugs sit on truck beds. Shaggy mutts pull towards the sand ahead. It's Saturday morning in Pacifica, and the promise of good surf, warm sun, soft trails, and a full weekend ahead lingers like light in the air.

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Just 30 minutes south of San Francisco, Pacifica is a peacefully sleepy little haven on the coast. A bit more quiet and quaint than its sister city across the bridge, it's a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Surfers flock to Pacifica for its beach break and tame sets (unlike the somewhat chaotic waves up north at Ocean Beach and the record-setting swells down south in Half Moon Bay). But Linda Mar Beach isn't the only draw—an extensive trail network laces around the surrounding bluffs, connecting over 100 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and trail running terrain. And that's what led me there.

From majestic coastline, to rugged chapparal-lined trails, to Eucalyptus canopies and mossy oak forests, the route winds through a wide variety of microecosystems and terrain. It's a perfect reflection of the coastal California biome, and an idyllic escape from city pavement.

Looking to get away from the city and spend a day on trail? Read on for my guide to a half day in Pacifica, trail run edition.

Courtesy of my new trail running pal, Maura, the route of choice winds through 18.5 miles of gorgeous Montara Headlands single track and fire roads. You can find our route on Strava.

Have any Bay Area trail running route recommendations? DM me on Strava.

What time to leave San Francisco: since it's only 30 minutes away, this is an easy journey! If you're planning to surf, I'd recommend checking the swell on Surfline and planning your timing around that. If you're going to trail run like we did, I recommend leaving the city around 7:30am/7:45am.

Where to park: snag a spot by all the surfers at the north end of the Soul Grind Coffee Roasters parking lot.

What to bring: proper nutrition, hydration, and gear! When you're going to be out on a 2-hour+ run, this is paramount.

• Running gear: my go-to's are:

  • Coros Pace 3 watch: the battery life on this watch is amazing. I rarely charge it and I know it will carry me through by long run days.

  • Salomon Skin Hydration Vest: I've been using my Salomon vest for about four years now and I love it. I have the 5 liter version, and that has more than enough space for all the Honeystingers, PB&Js, dried mangoes, LMNTs, and jerky you could ever need.

  • Patagonia Capilene Cool long sleeve: I love this long sleeve for runs that start out chilly, but warm up quickly. The quick-dry material easily transitions from cold weather-warmer to warm weather-cooler.

  • Saucony Peregrines: I started running in Saucony Peregrines at the suggestion of a Bozeman Running Company employee who emphatically claimed, "these are the most popular trail running shoes in Bozeman - full stop." I've been wearing them ever since and have never looked back.

  • Julbo Ultimate sunglasses: I've been wearing these Julbo performance sunglasses with their REACTIV lens, which has been so wonderful for trail running! I no longer feel like I go momentarily blind when moving between tree shadows and bright sun. However, I have been thinking about switching to Oakley Radar EV Path... if you've worn them, would love to hear your thoughts! Shoot me a message @summer_atwood.

• Trail snacks: load up on the carbs:

  • RXBARs

  • Spring Energy gels

  • Honeystinger gummies and waffles

  • Dates & dried mangoes

• Water & electrolytes: I swear by Liquid I.V. or LMNT for hydration boost

Time to budget: Strava says this route can take 2.5-4.5 hours (running). It took us a solid 3.5 hours.

Where to refuel: there are all kinds of cute little beach spots to grab a post-run bite. Pacifica is known for its beachfront Taco Bell, but I often go for a coffee back at Soul Grind or an acai bowl from The Acai Spot.

Just a 30-minute car ride away, Pacifica is an easy day (or even half-day!) trip from San Francisco when you're craving the melodic croon of crashing waves, the subtle scent of coastal sage, and the golden glare of an ocean sun. So grab your surfboard, your road bike, or your trail shoes, hop in the car, and head south.