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Pacific City Historical Marker: Echoes of a Bygone Era

Discover the echoes of Pacific City, a 1920s amusement park dream, at Coyote Point Recreation Area, offering history, recreation, and stunning bay views in San Mateo.

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The Historical Marker for Pacific City at Coyote Point Recreation Area commemorates a grand, yet short-lived, amusement park that once aimed to be the 'Coney Island of the West.' Built in the early 1920s, Pacific City boasted a large boardwalk, a pleasure pier, a dance pavilion, a giant Ferris wheel, and the 'Comet' roller coaster. Despite drawing massive crowds initially, the park faced challenges like strong winds and sewage-polluted waters, leading to its bankruptcy by 1923. Today, the marker serves as a reminder of this ambitious venture and the area's rich history, which includes its time as an Ohlone fishing site, part of Spanish mission lands, and a U.S. Merchant Marine training facility during World War II. Visitors can reflect on the past while enjoying the park's current recreational offerings.

A brief summary to Historical Marker: Pacific City

  • 1603 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, Shoreview, California, 94401, US

Local tips

  • Visit the Coyote Point Marina to watch boats and windsurfers, especially on windy afternoons.
  • Explore the Promenade Trail for scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and SFO airport; great for plane spotting.
  • Check out CuriOdyssey, a science museum and zoo within Coyote Point, perfect for families with children.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Peninsula Avenue exit (417B). Head east on Coyote Point Drive for about 1.1 miles. Enter Coyote Point Recreation Area. There is a vehicle entry fee of $6, payable via electronic pay stations that accept credit cards and cash. Follow the road towards the Coyote Point Marina; the historical marker is located west of the parking area across Coyote Point Drive from the golf course.

  • Public Transport

    Take Caltrain to the Burlingame station. From there, it's approximately a 30-minute walk to Coyote Point Recreation Area. Alternatively, from the Burlingame station, you can take a taxi or ride-share service to the park entrance. The vehicle entry fee of $6 still applies upon entering the park. Once inside, follow signs towards the marina; the historical marker is located west of the parking area across Coyote Point Drive from the golf course. A short taxi/ride-share from the Burlingame Station to the park entrance will cost approximately $15-$20.

  • Walking

    If you are already near Coyote Point Drive, you can walk to Coyote Point Recreation Area. Head towards Coyote Point Drive, and follow the road signs directing you to the park. The park entrance is located at 1701 Coyote Point Drive. Depending on your starting location, this could be a pleasant 30-45 minute walk, allowing you to enjoy the local scenery. Note that the vehicle entry fee of $6 applies to all visitors, even those arriving on foot or bicycle.

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Discover more about Historical Marker: Pacific City

The Historical Marker: Pacific City, nestled within the scenic Coyote Point Recreation Area, stands as a poignant reminder of a grand vision that briefly transformed this bayside location into a bustling amusement park in the early 1920s. Pacific City, as it was known, aspired to rival the likes of Coney Island and Atlantic City, promising a vibrant entertainment hub for the burgeoning population of the San Francisco Bay Area. The seeds of Pacific City were sown by local civic leaders who envisioned a recreational paradise stretching across 90 acres, from Peninsula Avenue to Burlingame Avenue, and from the bay shoreline to Coyote Point. Construction commenced in 1922, with a budget nearing one million dollars – a substantial sum for the time. The park's attractions were designed to captivate and thrill visitors of all ages. A 3,200-foot boardwalk lined the sandy beach, offering panoramic views of the bay. A 468-foot pleasure pier extended into the water, housing the elegant 'Ocean Wave' restaurant at its end. The white-maple dance pavilion, touted as the largest in the West, hosted some of the best bands of the Roaring '20s. Thrill-seekers flocked to the giant Ferris wheel and the 'Comet,' a roller coaster that promoters claimed was the second largest in the USA and fastest in the West. A colorful Merry-Go-Round added to the park's festive atmosphere. Pacific City opened its gates on July 1, 1922, and was an immediate sensation. An estimated 27,000 visitors flocked to the park on opening day, and attendance soared to a record 100,000 on July 4, 1922. By November, cumulative attendance reached a million, a remarkable feat considering the Bay Area's population at the time. However, the park's success was short-lived. Despite its initial popularity, Pacific City faced a number of challenges. Strong winds often swept across the open space, making conditions uncomfortable for visitors. More significantly, the waters of the bay were becoming increasingly polluted with sewage, creating foul odors that discouraged attendance. Burlingame's city officials hadn't anticipated the park's huge popularity and rapid growth. Also, in the previous decade, the city's population had swelled from 1,566 residents to 4,000. The city had neglected to provide adequate sewage disposal, allowing raw sewage to flow into the bay. By the close of 1923, Pacific City's lights went out, and the owners declared bankruptcy. The dance pavilion remained as a roller-skating rink until it was demolished in 1946. The last vestige of Pacific City, The Pleasure Pier, was removed in the mid 1950's. The dream of the 'Coney Island of the West' had faded, leaving behind only memories and the historical marker that stands today. The area's history extends far beyond its brief stint as an amusement park. Originally an island used by the Ohlone Indians as a fishing site, Coyote Point was later claimed by Spanish padres for mission lands in the 1700s. After the Mexican Revolution, the Mexican government took over the area in 1830. In 1850, the island was sold to the shipping firm of Mellus & Howard, who connected it to the mainland and used it for dairy farming. The Howard family built a pier for shipping lumber and added a swimming tank and bathhouse, attracting San Franciscans on weekends. During World War II, the Knoll area was acquired for a Merchant Marine Cadet School, which operated until 1946. The buildings were then sold to the College of San Mateo, which used the site as its first campus until 1963. The present CSM campus, in the hills of San Mateo, offers a jaw-dropping view of the bay and was dedicated on December 8, 1963, with an enrollment of 5,000 students (8,163 today). Today, Coyote Point Recreation Area offers a diverse range of activities, including picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, bicycling, jogging, fishing, boating, and sailing. Kids will love the giant, castle-and-dragon-themed Magic Mountain Playground and CuriOdyssey where they can get up-close to wild animals and enjoy hands-on science exhibits. Stroll along the beach promenade, visit the marina and its breakwater, or explore the saltwater marsh. See shorebirds, colorful boats, windsurfers, and planes from the San Francisco International Airport. The Pacific City Historical Marker serves as a reminder of the area's vibrant past, inviting visitors to reflect on the dreams and challenges that have shaped this unique bayside location. While the amusement park is long gone, the spirit of recreation and enjoyment continues to thrive at Coyote Point, making it a destination for those seeking natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a glimpse into California's rich history.

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