Pacifica Pier, fishing pier
Pacifica Pier is an L-shaped structure made of wood and metal that extends over the ocean at Sharp Park Beach. The platform provides ample space for fishing various species including surfperch, Dungeness crab, and occasionally larger fish, while offering clear sight lines along the entire coastline.
The pier opened in 1973 and was named after Reverend Herschell Harkins, a local minister. It was developed as a community project to provide a safe place where residents could fish and observe wildlife along the coast.
The pier serves as a gathering place where local fishermen share their catches and stories from the water. Over decades, it has become woven into the community's identity, drawing both experienced anglers and visitors who seek a genuine connection to the ocean and coastal life.
The pier is easily accessible with nearby parking and a visitor center that provides information about whale watching and prime fishing spots. Early morning visits work best when fish are more active and the weather tends to be more stable.
The location is part of the Whale Trail, a network of viewing points along the coast where visitors regularly spot humpback and gray whales that sometimes lift their flukes or breach above the water. This natural spectacle adds an unexpected dimension to what is primarily known as a fishing destination.
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