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
Basic hours of operation are from sunrise to sunset.

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 will 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.