Pacific Municipal Pier

I took this photograph of the Pacific Municipal Pier alongside Beach Blvd, slightly off the right side of the pier. There’s a lot of street parking nearby, even a small parking lot around the location. From the street walk west and head out towards the pier. You'll see a small cafe called 'Chit Chat Cafe' and you'll know you're there.

You can catch amazing sunsets here year-round, so there really isn't a bad month to visit.

Because it is on the west coast and blocked by several mountains, sometimes the light in the morning can be a bit underwhelming. During sunset you can shoot from below the pier and catch the sun beaming in, or alternatively the view from on the pier is just as great.

I would recommend a wide-angle lens (29mm) for this shot so you can incorporate as much of the pier and ocean as possible.

You can also use a telephoto lens to punch in on the waves for some very dramatic photos during sunset.

Be patient and wait for the right waves to enter your frame.

I feel like Pacifica is the gateway to the best the California coast has to offer, so just heading anywhere south you'll find other incredible views - Mori Point is one of my favorites close by. In the Pacifica area there are several great restaurants to eat at as well.