Pacifica, CA Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Park/facility hours
- No loitering 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Beach parking hours
- No loitering 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Linda Mar/Rockaway Beach
- Closed 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (standard time)
- Daylight saving hours
- Closed 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
- Governing section
- Pacifica Municipal Code § 4-10.120
- Default penalty
- Infraction under Section 4-10.123(a)
Summary
In the City of Pacifica, loitering in a City park, mini-park, or recreation facility is barred between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and beach-adjacent parking areas close to loiterers from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Linda Mar Beach and Rockaway Beach carry their own tighter overnight closure under Section 4-10.120 of the Municipal Code, tied to standard and daylight saving time.
Excepting beaches, no person shall enter, remain, stay or loiter in any park, mini-park or park or mini-park adjacent parking areas or at any recreation facility between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day or in any beach adjacent parking areas between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day. ... Notwithstanding the above, no person shall enter, remain, stay or loiter on Linda Mar Beach or Rockaway Beach during the following hours: during standard time, as defined in California Government Code Section 6807-2, from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.; and during daylight saving time, as defined in California Government Code Section 6807-3, from 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
m. during daylight saving time, both hours defined by cross-reference to the California Government Code. 118), all enforced by the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Department and its Park Rangers. m. 123(a), which classifies them as infractions under the Code's general penalty section, while a short list of more serious park violations, such as unpermitted events or firearm discharge, can be charged as misdemeanors.
Violations & Fines
Loitering in a City park, mini-park, or their adjacent parking areas after hours, or on Linda Mar Beach or Rockaway Beach outside their posted hours, is punishable under Section 4-10.123(a) as an infraction citable under Section 1-2.01. Fines run $100 for a first infraction, $200 for a second, and $500 for a third within a year, unless the City Attorney elevates repeat conduct to a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay on Rockaway Beach after dark in Pacifica?
What are the loitering hours for Pacifica's parks?
Is the Pacifica Pier covered by the same loitering rule?
What's the penalty for loitering in a Pacifica park after hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
California rules heatmap·Compare Pacifica to another location·View the California public conduct overview
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