PRESERVING AND CELEBRATING PACIFICA'S PAST
ABOUT US
The Pacifica Historical Society
The Society preserves, enjoys and educates about Pacifica's past. In addition to historical research, we host regular events about local history, and run the Pacifica Coastside Museum. The museum and gift shop hours are Thursday and Saturday, 1-4 PM. We hope you will visit us!
Pacifica has a fascinating history. It was the site of an Ohlone village over a thousand years ago. It was the site where Europeans first saw the San Francisco Bay. It has been part of Spain, Mexico and the United States. During Prohibition, Pacifica was the home of rolicking speakeasies. Pacifica's incredible view of the Pacific Ocean brought military lookouts missle silos during the Cold War. Today Pacifica attracts visitors from around the world, drawn to our natural beauty, amazing hiking trails, legendary surfing, a castle, and the world's most beautiful Taco Bell (seriously!).
Current exhibits include a working model of the Ocean Shore Railroad, the Portola Expedition, Pacifica in WWII, the Ohlone People, and more!
MUSEUM OPEN TO VISITORS DURING THE WEEK
Currently, the Coastside Museum is open on Thursdays and Saturdays, from 1-4 pm. Docents will be on hand to answer questions and to interpret the exhibits.
MAY 9 & 10: MONTHLY RUMMAGE SALE, 9 am - 4 pm
We have received donations of some very nice clothing which will be offered for sale at bargain prices, along with books, household items, and more. Proceeds to benefit the restoration of Ocean Shore Railroad Car 1409 next to the museum.
MAY 18: AFTERNOON TEA WITH MR. AND MRS. TWINING, I PM
Enjoy an afternoon tea whilst being entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Twining of London of the 1820s. They will tell the story of the family's tea business and will demonstrate how to make a proper cup of tea. You will enjoy a luncheon of sandwiches, scones, desert, and of course a selection of teas. See Events page.
MAY 31: WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC SHARP PARK 12 NOON
This one-hour walk starts at our museum and continues through the historic area of Sharp Park with one of our historians, who will explain the history behind some of the houses and buildings of that historic district. You will also meet some of the owners of current small businesses along the way. Free. Donations welcome.
Explore Pacifica
OCEAN SHORE R.R. CAR RESTORATION PROJECT
OCEAN SHORE R.R. CAR RESTORATION PROJECT
OCEAN SHORE R.R. CAR RESTORATION PROJECT
Help Us Restore the only existing OSRR Passenger Car to its former glory. Over 100 years ago, the motto was: "It reaches the Beaches!" The car, when completed, will be open to visitors, and include interactive features. For more information, click on the button below.
SHARP PARK HISTORY WALK
OCEAN SHORE R.R. CAR RESTORATION PROJECT
OCEAN SHORE R.R. CAR RESTORATION PROJECT
Take the self-guided History Walk through Sharp Park, formerly known as Salada Beach. For more information, click on the button below.
FOOTPRINTS VIDEOS
FOOTPRINTS VIDEOS
FOOTPRINTS VIDEOS
Learn about Pacifica's places, people and history through the Historical Society's videos on YouTube! For more information, click on the button below.
PACIFICA HISTORY
FOOTPRINTS VIDEOS
FOOTPRINTS VIDEOS
We reveal the history of Pacifica before and after incorporation, from the first known natives to the present day - and more. Many of the materials here are recovered from our old Wiki site. For more information, click on the button below.