Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach is peaceful gem tucked into a cove between two rugged headlands about 15 minutes south of San Francisco. It is smaller and more enclosed than nearby Pacifica State Beach, and the headlands on either side give it a more dramatic feel. Rock formations sit just offshore and waves break against them constantly, which makes for strong foreground material at any time of day. The beach faces west, so sunset lines up directly over the water creating amazing colours and the perfect spot to experiment with long exposure photography. Fog is common here. Pacifica is sometimes called the fog capital of California, and when it rolls in low over the headlands and across the water the whole scene shifts. Overcast and foggy conditions pull out the texture in the cliffs and darken the water, which works well for moody long exposures. To the south, the Pedro Point Headlands have trails with elevated views back over the beach and out toward San Pedro Rock, a jagged sandstone and shale formation accessible only at low tide. To the north, Mori Point offers a bluff top walk with views along the coast in both directions, and in spring the hillsides fill with wildflowers. The beach itself is easy to get to. There is parking along the road behind the beach and a handful of restaurants sit right on the waterfront. It is open from dawn to dusk year round. (Pacifica, California, USA)
