Pacifica is a foggy, laid-back surf town on the Pacific coast just south of San Francisco. Its music scene revolves around one beloved bar and venue that hosts a weekly open mic, a no-cover blues jam with pro players and national reggae and rock acts. Half Moon Bay and San Francisco's huge scene are a short drive away. This guide covers Pacifica's history, its music scene and venues, and where to find open mics and open jams.
A Brief History of Pacifica
The coastal valleys of Pacifica were home to the Ramaytush Ohlone people, whose village of Pruristac stood in today's Linda Mar area. In 1769, the Spanish expedition led by Gaspar de Portolá camped nearby, and scouts climbing Sweeney Ridge became the first Europeans to see San Francisco Bay. The Sanchez Adobe, built in the 1840s on the site of a mission outpost, is now a county historic park.
In the early 1900s, the Ocean Shore Railroad briefly connected San Francisco to the coast, and small communities like Edgemar, Sharp Park, Rockaway Beach and Pedro Point grew up along the shore. After World War II, these neighborhoods filled with homes for Bay Area families, and in 1957 they incorporated together as the City of Pacifica.
Today Pacifica is known for its surf breaks at Linda Mar, its fishing pier, hiking at Mori Point and Pedro Point Headlands, and its iconic beachfront Taco Bell. Its fog and dramatic coastline give it a character all its own.
The Pacifica Music Scene
Pacifica's music life centers on the Longboard Bar & Venue, a neighborhood bar in Eureka Square that books everything from local rock and blues to national reggae acts like Pato Banton. It's also the home of the town's weekly open mic and a long-running blues jam featuring pro players.
The coastside has a strong community spirit, with live music at the annual Pacifica Fog Fest, local festivals and bars in Half Moon Bay. San Francisco, 20 minutes north, offers one of the most storied music scenes in the world, from the Fillmore and the psychedelic era to today's jazz, folk, punk and indie rooms.
Popular Live Music Venues In and Near Pacifica
- Longboard Bar & Venue (180 Eureka Square) – Pacifica's main music bar, with an open mic, a blues jam and touring acts.
- Cameron's Pub (1410 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay) – A British-style pub with live music, karaoke and open mic nights, about 25 minutes south.
- Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society (Half Moon Bay) – A legendary beachfront jazz club and concert series.
- San Francisco venues – The Fillmore, the Chapel, the Independent, Bottom of the Hill and SFJAZZ, about 20–30 minutes north.
Open Mics and Open Jams In and Near Pacifica
Pacifica's open stages are concentrated at the Longboard, with more options down the coast and up in San Francisco. Below are the best options, followed by a schedule.
Before you go: Open mics and jams change hosts, nights and venues often. Always check the venue's or host's website or social media before heading out with your gear.
In Pacifica
- Open Mic Night at the Longboard (180 Eureka Square) – Wednesdays, 8:00–11:00 p.m. Pacifica's weekly open stage.
- Thursday Blues Jam at the Longboard (180 Eureka Square) – Second, third and fourth Thursdays, 7:00–11:00 p.m. A no-cover blues jam with featured pro players (recently guitarist Mike Tyler and vocalist Paige Bishop) backing guests who sit in.
Nearby on the Coast
- Cameron's Pub Open Mic Night (1410 S. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay) – Thursday evenings, 6:00–9:00 p.m. Confirm the current schedule.
- San Francisco jams – The city offers jazz, blues, bluegrass and Irish sessions nearly every night; SF Funcheap and local listings are the best way to find them.
Pacifica-Area Open Jam & Open Mic Schedule at a Glance
| Day | Event | Venue | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Open Mic Night (8 p.m.) | Longboard Bar & Venue | All Styles |
| Thursday (2nd, 3rd & 4th) | Blues Jam (7 p.m.) | Longboard Bar & Venue | Blues |
| Thursday (confirm) | Open Mic Night (6 p.m.) | Cameron's Pub, Half Moon Bay | All Styles |
Tips for Playing Pacifica's Open Mics and Jams
- Know your blues forms. The Longboard jam features pro players; be ready with a shuffle or slow blues in a common key.
- Protect your gear from fog and salt air. Keep instruments in their cases and wipe down strings after playing.
- Plan for Highway 1. Traffic and occasional closures can slow travel along the coast.
Helpful Local Resources
- Coastside Buzz (coastsidebuzz.com) – Weekly music listings for Pacifica and Half Moon Bay.
- SF Funcheap (sf.funcheap.com) – Free and low-cost Bay Area events, including Pacifica shows.
- Longboard Bar & Venue – Follow its social media for open mic and jam updates.
