It was a dark and misty day… Greg and I just happened to have some time to do something new and different before our late flight out of Oakland, California.  We decided to take a drive to Half Moon Bay and beyond.  Heading  north out of Half Moon Bay and enjoying the views along Pacific Coast Highway, we came across the most surprising sight on the southern edge of downtown Pacifica: a lovely weathered, wooden beach house sporting a Taco Bell sign!

Oh yes, you bet we turned around (we do that a lot)!

Pacifica, California (Photo: Jody Diehl)

Location, location, location!

On the inside, we found a very typical Taco Bell (menu items, prices and all), but looking through the many huge windows and continuing onto the beach side deck, it was easy to wonder: Is it possible for a fast food joint to pass on and go to restaurant heaven?   The large outdoor wooden deck has a convenient service window for customers with wet and sandy feet because this back porch overlooks a surfing beach full of waves and wet-suited hopefuls. Nestled into Pacifica State Beach (known locally as Linda Mar Beach) and overlooking a lovely crescent shaped stretch of sandy shoreline,  it’s easy to forget you’re eating 1-star beans and rice while enjoying 5-star views of the Pacific Ocean!

What a view! Pacifica, California (Photo: Greg Diehl)

According to the City of Pacifica (which operates Pacifica State Beach), Linda Mar Beach is “the most well-loved and well-used beach in Pacifica!” Located off Highway 1, the ¾ mile beach “offers a recreation trail along the ocean, surfing and surf camps, restrooms and showers and is very popular with dogs (dogs must be on leash).”

Did you know that the original Taco Bell spokes-chihuahua was named Gidget Chipperton? I thought I spotted Moondoggie riding those waves!

Have a great day at the beach!