Pacifica Pier and Beach, Pacifica CA

The camera points across Pacifica Pier and the adjacent beach on the Pacific coast south of San Francisco. Operated by Chamberlin Nature, it streams live video, so you see the surf in motion rather than a timed still. The pier is the natural focus: anglers lined along the rail, surfers bobbing beyond the breakers, and the pier itself framing the sea stack near the shore. Early morning is the best time to look, when the fog often clears over the water, and winter swells bring bigger sets. Between storms the shot is a useful gauge of beach conditions before you drive over the hills from the city.