I Ate at the World’s Most Scenic Taco Bell, and the Setting Totally Outshined the Menu

By no means did this look like your average Taco Bell, but instead, an enigmatic cousin who has the surf report on their Apple Watch and clumps of sand on their car floor mats.

Okay, I know what you're thinking: the words "most scenic" and "Taco Bell" probably don't have any business being in the same sentence. Personally, I've seen most of the Taco Bells in my lifetime along an interstate or off a main road. But not sitting in a cove cut-out, Linda Mar Beach in Northern California, complete with a full bar and heated patio. Sounds pretty dreamy, right? Welcome to the world's most scenic Taco Bell in Pacifica, California. I recently dined here after hiking a nearby trail, and let me just say, the experience did not disappoint. But first, a little bit of history...

History of the Taco Bell Cantina on Highway 1

Originally constructed in the late 1960s, the building began its life as an A&W before being transformed into a Taco Bell in the 1980s. It’s one of the few commercial structures that remain west of Highway 1 thanks to a unique exception. After California passed Proposition 20 in 1972, which established the Coastal Commission and restricted new development along the shoreline, this restaurant was grandfathered in. That designation preserved its coveted beachside location, making it a rare and lasting fixture on the Pacific Coast.

Its reputation started to take off in the 1990s, when Condé Nast Traveler spotlighted it as one of the most stunning fast-food locations in the world. Since then, the buzz has only grown, with social media, travel writers, and beachgoers alike turning it into a coastal icon.

The biggest evolution came in 2019, when the location was reimagined as a Taco Bell Cantina. The redesign introduced a modern, beach-friendly aesthetic: a spacious oceanfront patio, surfboard parking, a fireplace that warms both indoor and outdoor diners, and a vibrant mural by local artist Norah Bruhn. The menu also expanded to include adult beverages like wine, draft beer, sangria, and frozen cocktails known as Twisted Freezes.

In April 2025, the Cantina received yet another refresh to meet its ever-growing fan base. Upgrades included additional heated outdoor seating, a new bar setup, and an updated cocktail menu featuring tropical margaritas, as well as a ghost pepper-spiced version for the bold. These updates cemented its legacy not just as a fast-food destination, but as a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience set against the waves of the Pacific.

First Glimpse of the Taco Bell Cantina by the Sea

For starters, we arrived mid-afternoon on a Sunday, after hiking nearby Mori Point. Parking was a bit difficult to find, since people were also there for the beach, not just the tacos. After a few trips around the lot, we nabbed a spot and paid the parking, which was less than $10 for four hours.

Walking up to the Taco Bell Cantina, I couldn't help but appreciate the weathered wood's contrast with the cloudy sky and the rolling waves. It looked distinctly Northern California, but was made to withstand the saltwater whips and the rolling fog. By no means did this look like your average Taco Bell - but instead, an enigmatic cousin who has the surf report on their Apple Watch and clumps of sand on their car floor mats.

Surfboards and Beachgoers

I was surprised to see how many surfers peppered the parking lot. It made me appreciate the gesture of being able to ride a wave in, shake off the sand, and then literally walk up the beach to grab a taco and a beer. And that was exactly what people were doing. It was almost as if this experience was an extension of the water and the waves. It was a place of respite after a day spent enjoying nature.

Oceanfront Patio Vibes: High‑Tide Dining and Whale Watching

I mentioned above the remodel in April, to which the Taco Bell Cantina installed patio heating, which to me was a genius move. After scouring the patio for a table for eight, we secured one right underneath the heat lamps, which provided the perfect amount of warmth on a particularly cold day. The temperature hit a high of 68 degrees that day, and with a light mist and rolling fog, it almost felt like snuggling up to a fireplace after spending an afternoon in the snow.

Cocktails at the Coast: Twisted Freezes, Margaritas, and Local Brews

My favorite part about this Taco Bell Cantina was the fact that it had a full bar. That's right, you could walk up and order an IPA draft, an espresso martini, or a Jack and Coke with ease. But perhaps the highlight was the concept of a Twisted Freeze, a play on Taco Bell's famous slushy drinks but made into adult beverages. Served in a small or a large yard-style, the Baja Blast Twisted Freeze was a clear fan favorite among everyone inside and lounging on the patio. I had to try it, of course, because when in Rome, right? And I was pleasantly surprised. While it really is just a normal Baja Blast filled with a shot (or two if you're wild) of vodka, there was a nice nostalgia to the concept of leveling up a childhood favorite drink into something a bit more edgy. 7-11, are you listening?!

The Food Differential: What Makes This Taco Bell Cantina Stand Out

The key difference between a Taco Bell Cantina and a regular Taco Bell lies in the atmosphere, service model, but most importantly, the expanded menu offerings that cater to a more social, dine-in experience. While most core menu items are the same between both locations, Cantinas sometimes offer exclusive or locally inspired items, especially if they fit the upscale or touristy vibe. Examples may include:

• Shareable appetizers like nachos or loaded fries
• Customizations or limited-time offerings tied to events or locations

The Pacifica Cantina, for example, includes surf-friendly walk-up windows and beach-themed touches that complement the food and drink options.

I ordered way more than I should've, thinking I'd split some items with the table, but ended up taking a lot home. My favorites were included, like the Crunchwrap Supreme and soft bean and cheese burrito supreme. I saw some tables with nachos, which I had never seen before. Interestingly enough, the nacho cheese was an addition to the soft bean and cheese burrito, rather than the cheddar shreds that it usually comes with, and it was a welcome surprise. I ended the meal with some cinnamon twists, which were the perfect bookend to the experience.

Final Thoughts on Taco Bell Cantina

Taco Bell Cantina = Elevated Taco Bell.

Think of it as a fusion between your favorite fast food chain and a casual neighborhood bar—perfect for relaxing, socializing, or enjoying tacos with a beach view and a frozen cocktail in hand. I would definitely come back here, maybe on a weekday, so that it wouldn't be as crowded. (The line for the two bathrooms was very long the entire time we were there.) And maybe I would even spend an afternoon at the beach, enjoying catching some waves and some sun, before hitting the patio bar for a cold draft beer and an Avocado Ranch Crispy Chicken Burrito.