Edgemar-Pacific Manor Pacifica, CA

From Spanish explorers to the multitude of immigrant farmers who came to work the fertile land, the cultural heritage of this beachfront neighborhood is rich and multifaceted. The region became one of the first surf destinations in the country in the 1930s. In the 50s, the Edgemar and Pacific Manor areas were joined with surrounding beach communities to form the city of Pacifica.

Sanchez Art Center, inside the Pacifica Center for the Arts on Linda Mar Boulevard draws visitors for its rotation of exhibits featuring local artists. Classes and labs let you immerse yourself in the local art scene.

Residents celebrate the culture of coastal life each year with Fog Fest, a weekend long event with races, games, live music, food — plus lots of arts and crafts made by talented locals. Admission is free, and many vendors donate part of their proceeds to community groups and local programs.

Visitors find Pacifica to be densely packed with places to shop and eat. Chain restaurants and well-known fast food joints are plentiful, and you can also find some fantastic local places. The entire area has become well known for its eclectic ethnic fare and exquisitely fresh seafood.

If you ask any local meat-lover where to eat, you’ll undoubtedly hear about Gorilla Barbeque. Inside a bright orange boxcar parked off Highway One, a line forms outside daily. From the time they roll open the doors until they close them back up, locals pack in for smoky-sweet barbeque. Order a meat combo, and be sure to include the succulent pulled pork.

For a satisfying and less-than-common meal, El Toro Loco on Francisco Blvd serves Peruvian and Mexican cuisine that makes loyal patrons out of anyone who comes in. Order some of their fresh ceviche bursting with all the flavors of the coast. Try some authentic Peruvian specialties like lomo saltado and jalea while taking in the shoreside views. Keep in mind that the place is small and fills up fast during peak times.

Longboard Margarita Bar sits almost hidden inside a shopping center. Stop in for some drinks but don’t worry about dressing up or acting a certain way at Longboard. Hospitable owners, helpful staff and a fun-loving mood puts newcomers at ease. So pull up a chair and order a fresh margarita made with all real ingredients — no flavored syrups here. Enjoy a local band or strike up a tune on karaoke night.

If you crave a more dynamic nightlife, you can always head into downtown San Francisco where you’ll find everything from low-key basement pubs to swanky rooftop bars.

SamTrans runs bus routes throughout Edgemar-Pacific Manor and all surrounding areas, enabling you to get anywhere in the Bay Area quite easily. Always check current schedules before you ride. Since each Pacifica neighborhood acts essentially its own little city within a city, you can easily get around on foot. Once you start traveling around a wider area, you might want to consider other means. Though mountain bike trails exist in abundance within recreational areas, roadside bike lanes are minimal. Plans to improve bike-ability continue.

While it's not unheard of to flag down a cab from the roadside, you’d have better luck calling for one from a local service. You can also download the Uber app for instant access to local drivers.

Surrounded by so many stunning natural features, you may forget that you’re just 5 miles from the San Francisco International Airport.

Parking is free along the majority of roads and in most public lots. Some shopping centers and other attractions charge for parking, which can often be offset by getting a validation stamp. Another of Pacifica’s desirable traits: several of its beaches offer free parking.

Conservation has been a running theme in this part of the state, and more than half of Pacifica consists of protected open space. The beaches beckon to all who visit and trails run along the ridged hillsides following the coastline.

Rockaway Beach occupies another spectacular section of coastline off of Highway One. Hike around and explore the cliffs or surf Rockaway’s notoriously excellent waves. You can bring your dog, just make sure to be courteous and clean up any messes.

Mussel Rock Park, technically part of Daly City, sits just north of the Edgemar-Pacific Manor neighborhood. Ignore the instinct to turn around when you first pull up and notice that a city dump facility resides next door. Don’t worry, you won’t see it for long. Keep going past the entrance and you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the pacific coastline. It’s free to use, but the rugged, primitive landscape might not be suitable for young kids.

Kids love Frontierland Park in Park Pacifica. This hillside play place features a massive green space next to an elaborate children’s play area. Every year on Independence Day, this park comes alive with games, races, activities and food as part of the city’s beloved annual celebration.

The neighborhoods of Pacifica offer a quality of life that residents are willing to pay for. Nothing here comes cheap, with median rent for a one-bedroom apartment sitting at just under $2,000 per month. A gallon of gas costs the same in the Edgemar and Pacific Manor neighborhoods as it does in downtown San Francisco, which means it’s still more than 9 percent higher than the U.S. average.

Ride the bus for about $2, or grab a day pass for around $5. Stop off for a beer at most places, and you’ll only leave with around $5 less than you came with. Of course, there are plenty of places where that prices goes up substantially — particularly as you head into the heart of San Francisco.

You can find nearly a dozen shopping centers in Pacifica without even trying too hard. The Pacific Manor Shopping Center serves as epicenter to an entire shopping district where dozens of shops, grocery stores and restaurants make their home.

If you’re in the area on a Wednesday from May to December, head to Rockaway Beach for the Pacifica Farmers' Market. The market features unbelievably fresh produce, artisan foods and locally made goods.

Show stoppers and conversation starters are for sale at Vintage Cove on Palmetto Avenue where antique hunters and shabby-chic lovers make regular treks to see what new treasures have appeared. Take your time in this special little shop. You never know what interesting items you might find.

Stephanie Hamilton makes jewelry inspired by the sea. Based in Pacifica, you can find her work at boutiques and galleries — and even museums, around the Bay Area. No two pieces are alike, and she will even make a custom design just for you. Watch her work at her Beach Boulevard studio, and see how adeptly she translates the language of the seaside into what she does.