If you're a dog owner looking for a beach day in the Bay Area, Half Moon Bay is a great option. Many of the beaches in Half Moon Bay are dog-friendly, but it's essential to know which ones allow your furry friend.
Some popular dog-friendly beaches in Half Moon Bay include Venice Beach, Francis Beach, and Dunes Beach. These beaches offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and are perfect for a day out with your dog.
Before heading out, make sure to check the beach rules and regulations, as some may have specific restrictions or requirements. For example, Venice Beach requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
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Dog-Friendly Beaches
If you're looking for a beach to soak up the sun with your furry friend, Half Moon Bay has got you covered. There are two dog-friendly beaches to choose from.
Miramar Beach is a popular spot, especially since it's right next to a seafood restaurant with a huge outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. You can access the beach via Magellan or Medio Avenue and score some free street parking.
Here are the dog-friendly beaches in Half Moon Bay:
Just a heads up: at Bean Hollow State Beach, there's only one dog-friendly parking lot, and swimming can be a bit tricky due to rip currents and cold water.
Best to Bring
When planning a day at the dog-friendly beach, it's essential to bring the right gear to ensure a fun and safe experience for both you and your furry friend.
Pack a leash, as it's usually a requirement for dog-friendly beaches, and consider bringing a portable water bowl and a refillable water container to keep your dog hydrated.
A towel or two is a must-have for drying off after a swim or a romp in the sand.
Don't forget to bring a waste bag to clean up after your dog, as it's a considerate thing to do and helps keep the beach clean.
If you're planning to eat with your dog, bring a portable bowl and some of their favorite treats, as I've found that a delicious meal can be a great way to cap off a day at the beach.
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Wavecrest
Wavecrest is a great spot for dog owners who want to let their furry friends run free. The Half Moon Bay Wavecrest Dog Park is completely enclosed and well maintained with wood chips.
This dog park is located in a quiet country area, which makes it perfect for a relaxing day out with your dog.
Down the road from the dog park is Cameron's English Pub, a very dog-friendly restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat while your dog gets some exercise.
The dog park is located at 400 Wavecrest Rd, making it easy to find and get to.
Bean Hollow State
If you're planning a trip to Bean Hollow State Beach with your furry friend, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, there are two parking lots available, but only one is dog-friendly, so make sure to use that one.
You'll need to be careful with your dog's safety, as swimming can be risky due to rip currents and cold water.
There's no water available for dogs, but you will find porta-potties on site.
The views from the beach are truly spectacular, and it's always a pleasure to see a beach that's so clean.
One of the best parts of visiting Bean Hollow State Beach with your dog is the opportunity to explore the many tide pools along the shore.
Here are some key details to keep in mind when visiting Bean Hollow State Beach with your dog:
- One dog-friendly parking lot available
- No water available for dogs
- Porta-potties available
- Tide pools along the shore make for interesting walks
- Beach is very clean
- Swimming can be risky due to rip currents and cold water
Miramar
Miramar Beach is a dog-friendly spot in Half Moon Bay, where your furry friend can run free.
Accessing the beach is relatively easy, with options to park on Magellan or Medio Avenue, where you can find free street parking.
Miramar Beach is the only off-leash dog-friendly beach in Half Moon Bay, making it a top choice for dog owners.
If you're looking for a place to grab a bite with your pup, Miramar Beach Restaurant is right next door, with a huge outdoor patio that welcomes dogs.
You can dine with your dog at the restaurant's outdoor patio, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
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Top 8 in California
California is a paradise for dog owners and their furry friends, with its stunning coastline and numerous dog-friendly beaches.
San Onofre State Beach is a must-visit, with its 3 miles of coastline perfect for a leisurely walk with your pup.
San Diego's Coronado Dog Beach allows dogs off-leash, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Santa Cruz's Cowell Beach has a designated off-leash area, providing a safe space for dogs to run and play.
Half Moon Bay's Francis Beach is a hidden gem, with its scenic views and dog-friendly trails.
Monterey's Del Monte Beach has a dog-friendly section, where your pup can enjoy the sand and surf.
Santa Barbara's Leadbetter Beach has a dog-friendly area, perfect for a relaxing day out with your furry companion.
Laguna Beach's Main Beach has a designated off-leash area, making it a popular spot for dog owners.
Restaurants and Dining
Half Moon Bay has plenty of dog-friendly restaurants to choose from, both on the coast and in downtown.
If you're looking for fresh seafood, head to Miramar Beach Restaurant or Sam's Chowder House on the coast - they're both super popular and worth getting there early for.
The Barn on Cabrillo Highway has covered outdoor seating and a garden area, serving up yummy burgers and fries.
Cameron's Restaurant, Pub & Inn is an English-style gastropub with a quirky red double-decker bus and a spacious patio that's a favorite with dog parents.
In downtown Half Moon Bay, San Benito House, Half Moon Bay Coffee Co., It's Italia, Café Capistrano, and Pasta Moon are all great options for a delicious meal with your pup.
Sam's Chowder House has been voted the best seafood in the Bay Area, and their pet-friendly outdoor patio has stunning ocean views.
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Hotels and Accommodations
Coastside Inn is a dog-friendly hotel in Half Moon Bay, located centrally and within walking distance to the state beach on Kelly Ave.
You can also stay at the Harbor View Inn, a dog-friendly hotel that's walking distance to the Princeton Harbor with restaurants and bay views.
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The Half Moon Bay Inn is a boutique hotel/inn on Main Street in the heart of downtown HMB, which is a 5-minute drive inland from the coast. They have a $50 additional fee for pets per stay.
If you're looking for beachfront hotels that welcome dogs, the Harbor View Inn at Pillar Point Harbor is a more affordable option with spectacular ocean views. They provide free breakfast and WIFI and allow dogs only on request with additional fees.
The Ritz-Carlton at Half Moon Bay is a 5-star resort that sits atop a bluff overlooking the ocean and is the ultimate in luxury coastal retreat. They only allow dogs with a weight limit of 40 lbs. per dog and a maximum of two dogs per room.
The pet fee at the Ritz-Carlton is a steep $150 non-refundable cleaning fee per stay, plus an additional $20 per night dog boarding fee. However, they do donate a portion of these fees to the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Half Moon Bay has some amazing dog-friendly hiking trails, and the Coastal Trail is a must-visit. This trail is part of the California Coastal Trail that runs from Mexico to Oregon and passes through San Francisco.
The Coastal Trail hugs the coast and runs from the HMB Golf Links in the south to Pillar Point Harbor in the north, offering stunning views of bluffs, sandy beaches, and wildflowers in the spring. Dogs should always be on leash since it's shared with pedestrians, hikers, and bikers.
To access the trail, park at the Poplar beach parking lot and head northbound on the trail, which is more scenic and takes you to many dog-friendly beaches along the way.
Fun Things to Do
Half Moon Bay has some of the best dog-friendly beaches in California. You can spend a fun weekend there with your furry friend.
If you're looking for a unique adventure, consider going kayaking with your dog. Half Moon Bay Kayak allows dogs to ride along in your kayak and provides canine life jackets for all size dogs.
Half Moon Bay's coastal trail is perfect for walking your dog with scenic views. You can also stroll through the charming downtown area with your furry friend by your side.
If you're planning a dog-friendly itinerary, be sure to include a delicious meal and some quality outdoor time.
Hiking
If you're looking for a dog-friendly hiking spot in Half Moon Bay, the Coastal Trail is a must-visit. This trail is part of the California Coastal Trail that runs from Mexico to Oregon.
The Coastal Trail in Half Moon Bay is a paved path that hugs the coast, offering stunning views of bluffs, sandy beaches, and beautiful vistas. It's a great place to stroll, jog, bike, or hike with your dog.
To access the trail, park at the Poplar beach parking lot and head northbound towards Pillar Point. You'll need to pay for parking, but the scenic views are well worth it.
Spring is a great time to hike the Coastal Trail, as wildflowers bloom along the bluffs, adding a pop of color to the already stunning scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Mavericks beach Half Moon Bay?
Dogs are allowed on Maverick's Beach in Half Moon Bay, but must be kept on a leash
Are dogs allowed at Martin's Beach?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach at Martin's Beach.
Are dogs allowed on the coastal trail in Half Moon Bay?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the coastal trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
Are dogs allowed at Pillar Point Half Moon Bay?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay, CA, where they can swim and play with kids in a safe, enclosed area.
Sources
- Sam’s Chowder House (samschowderhouse.com)
- Half Moon Bay Coffee Company (hmbcoffeeco.com)
- Esplanade Dog Beach in Pacifica (californiabeaches.com)
- Fort Funston Doggie Beach (bringfido.com)
- Half Moon Bay Wavecrest Dog Park (yelp.com)
- Half Moon Bay Kayak (hmbkayak.com)
- Harbor View Inn (awin1.com)
- Read their pet policy here. (ritzcarlton.com)
- Sam’s Chowder House (samschowderhouse.com)
- Montara, CA 94019 (goo.gl)
- 4000 Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (goo.gl)
- Poplar St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (goo.gl)
- 12119 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA (goo.gl)
- 1095 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA (goo.gl)
- Share to FaceBook (facebook.com)
- Half Moon Bay (visithalfmoonbay.org)
- Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (miramarevents.com)
- small parking lot at Coral Reef Ave & Sevilla Ave (goo.gl)
- Sam’s (g.page)
- Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (hmbbrewingco.com)
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