This area of Coyote Point County Park has a long history as a recreation site. As far back as the 1890s, this sandy strip was used as a bathing beach. But in the 1920s, local promoters decided to step things up a notch.
Local chambers of commerce backed the construction of Pacific City, a grand amusement park set to rival those of Southern California. A 3,200 foot boardwalk was constructed along the beach, along with a 500 foot pier that sheltered the 'Ocean Wave', an old ferry steamer converted to restaurant. In addition to the beach, the park boasted a roller coaster, a dance pavilion that could fit 2,000 couples, a bathhouse with 1,000 changing rooms, baseball fields, a running track, and a series of fashion, cultural and children's events. Thousands of tons of extra sand were hauled in from Monterey Bay.
Pacific City opened on July 1, 1922, and drew 100,000 visitors on Independence Day. Other large gatherings included a 70,000 member Woodsmen of the World event. All in all, Pacific City's first year drew 1,000,000 visitors.
It wasn't enough. Part of the facility burned down. 1923 was a cold year. The city of Burlingame started dumping odorous sewage into the sheltered cove. Attendance plummeted, and Pacific City was bankrupt before the end of its second year.
Little remains of the one-time amusement enterprise. Some of the concrete footings and broken pilings in the sand may date from that era, but otherwise renovations for the current park have removed all sign. A historical plaque (see waypoint) gives more details of Pacific City. The marshlands visible on the photo have since been filled, and host the current golf course.
Access notes: Coyote Point Park charges admission during the summer, and on weekends year round. You can park for free along the waterfront road north of the park and follow the Bay Trail to the hide.