Few drives compare to Highway 1 along The Peninsula's coast, with ocean cliffs, sandy beaches, farm stands and harbor views around every bend. Fall is one of the best times to go: the summer fog lifts, skies turn clear and the air stays cool, which is perfect for long walks with your dog.
Pack the leash, the water bowl and plenty of treats. Here's how to spend a day (or a weekend) on the coast with your four-legged co-pilot.
Stop 1: Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
Start your trip where Highway 1 meets the sand. Pacifica State Beach, also known as Linda Mar, is a wide, crescent-shaped beach popular with surfers, and dogs are welcome on leash. Let your pup take in the salty breeze, watch the surfers catch waves and stretch your legs before heading south.
Rules: Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must clean up after them.
Stop 2: Devil's Slide Trail
Just south of Pacifica, the Devil's Slide Trail follows a retired section of Highway 1 that's now a paved path for walkers, cyclists and leashed dogs. It's about 1.3 miles each way, with dramatic ocean views, seabirds on the rocks below, and plenty of spots to pause for photos. The trail's paved surface makes it easy on paws and good for dogs of all ages.
Rules: Leashed dogs are welcome from sunrise to sunset. Pet waste stations are at both trailheads.
Stop 3: Lunch with a View in Half Moon Bay
By now, you've both earned a meal. Half Moon Bay has several patios where dogs are welcome:
- Half Moon Bay Brewing Company: A roomy dog-friendly patio overlooking Pillar Point Harbor, with water bowls, treats and even a dog menu.
- Sam's Chowder House: Clifftop dining with a dog-friendly patio facing the Pacific. Patio seating is first come, first served.
Stop 4: The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail and Poplar Beach
Walk off lunch on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, a blufftop path with miles of ocean views. Leashed dogs are welcome along the trail. Head to Poplar Beach, one of the city's beaches where leashed dogs are allowed on the sand, for a stroll along the waves.
Rules: Dogs must stay on a leash no longer than six feet.
Stop 5: Pick a Pumpkin Together
It wouldn't be fall in the Pumpkin Capital of the World without a pumpkin patch stop. Several Half Moon Bay farms welcome leashed dogs, including Arata's Pumpkin Farm, Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm and Bob's Vegetable Stand.
Stay the Night
Make it a weekend at a pet-friendly hotel on the coast. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay welcomes dogs up to 40 pounds, with dog beds, bowls and an in-room pet dining menu, and it sits right next to the Coastal Trail for sunrise walks. Costanoa is also dog-friendly - enjoy glamping or camping with your pup with several hiking activities on property.
Know Before You Go
- Some spots don't allow dogs. Dogs aren't allowed on the sand at Half Moon Bay State Beach, though they're welcome on the Coastside Trail, in picnic areas and in the campground. They're also not allowed on the grounds of Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
- Keep your dog leashed. Leash laws help protect wildlife like nesting shorebirds and marine mammals.
- Bring water and towels. Coastal weather can change quickly, from sunshine to wind and fog.
- Clean up after your dog so these spots stay dog-friendly for everyone.
Rules and hours can change. Please check with each park or business before you visit.