Pacific City is an open-air complex of shops and restaurants on the bluff directly across Pacific Coast Highway from the pier. Architecturally unremarkable but well-positioned, with a long terrace and lawn that look out over the beach. It is where locals come for a casual dinner and a cocktail with an ocean view rather than walking down Main Street.
Tenants include surf-oriented retail (Saturdays NYC, RVCA), a Lululemon, a small Trader Joe's, and a good clutch of restaurants — Bear Flag Fish Co for fish tacos and poke, Lemonade for California-deli salads, American Junkie for late-night drinks. Park in the underground garage and walk down to the beach via the lawn.