A little more than 28 miles south of San Francisco, CA, is the gorgeous town of Half Moon Bay. Known for its charm, beauty, and magnificent location between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Mountains, Half Moon Bay is a traveler’s delight. Surfers from around the globe make their way to the area for the spectacular conditions, and the beaches are truly stunning. The town is well known for its delicious cuisine, locally made wine, quaint shops, and laid-back southern California vibe. If you’re planning a visit to Half Moon Bay with your dog in tow, you might wonder which beaches are dog friendly in and around the town. Lucky for you, we’ve listed eight of the best dog-friendly beaches in and near Half Moon Bay. Three are in Half Moon bay, while the other five are close by.
Top 8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Half Moon Bay, California
- Montara State Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍8302 Pacific Coast Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: Parking fee $2.00 per hour
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
Your dog must be on a leash at all times
Leashes can’t be more than 6 feet in length
The water is freezing most of the year
Collecting shells is not allowed
This beach is popular with surfers
Trails from Montara State beach lead to McNee Ranch
There’s no water available anywhere on the beach
- Pillar Point Harbor
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🗺️ Address: 📍1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: Parking fee $2.00 per hour
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
Leash laws here are strictly enforced.
There’s an excellent fishing pier nearby
The beach is enclosed in a sea wall and very safe for dogs of all sizes
Lots of places to see, things to do, and restaurants nearby
Many people come to this beach with their dogs
There’s a boat launch nearby if you come with your boat
- Poplar Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍152 Poplar St, Half Moon Bay, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: Parking fee $2.00 per hour
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
Both dogs and horses are allowed on the beach
There are several restaurants within walking distance
Many people let their dogs off-leash, but there’s a fine if you get caught
It’s a steep walk down to the beach and up to the parking lot
Porta-potties available for humans, but no water for dogs
You can park without paying, but the local police do check and give tickets if you don’t
- Bean Hollow State Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍12119 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
There are two parking lots to use this beach, but only one is dog-friendly
Swimming can be risky because of rip currents and cold water
There’s no collecting of anything allowed, including shells and driftwood
No water for dogs is available, but there are porta-potties
The views from the beach are spectacular, and it’s very clean
Lots of tide pools make walks with your dog interesting
- Esplanade Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍360 Esplanade Ave, Pacifica, CA
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: None
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
One of the biggest beaches in the area with lots of room to run around
The beach is closed on Sundays and Tuesdays
The trails down to the beach provide great exercise and beautiful views
The only off-leash beach near Half Moon Bay
Off-leash area is at the north end of the beach
The water is cold and runs fast, so be careful with smaller dogs
- Fort Funston Beach
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🗺️ Address: 📍206 Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 am until 9:00 pm
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
Reviews call this the best beach in the area for dogs and fun
The hike down and back up from the beach is a bit much for some dogs
Very popular dog beach with lots of dogs on most days
Off-leash is allowed if your dog is well-trained with voice commands
It can get cold quickly, so bring a jacket with you
Bring lots of water because they don’t offer any on the beach
Views from the trails are spectacular
- Ocean Beach
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A post shared by Gert&Mac – coupla SF aussies 💙 (@sfgertie_and_mac)
🗺️ Address: 📍1095 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 am until 9:00 pm
💲 Cost: None
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
Times and rules for off-leash are confusing, so be careful
The sunsets here are some of the best in California
Parking, like anywhere in the area, gets full quickly
There’s no water on the beach for dogs to drink
Lots of stuff washes up, so be careful your pup doesn’t eat anything harmful
It’s a very popular dog beach, especially on the weekend
- Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
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🗺️ Address: 📍1416 9th St, Pacifica, CA
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 am until 10:30 pm
💲 Cost: $7.00 for 4 hours
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
The most popular beach in the entire area
Most locals say that if you have a leash in your hand, you’re OK
There are some spots for food and water very close by
Very popular beach for surfing and boogie boarding
The rip currents are strong, so be careful swimming
There are many rocks on parts of the beach
Final Thoughts Only three beaches on our list are actually in Half Moon Bay, while the other five are all close enough to visit. Every beach except one has strict leash rules, but from the online reviews, it seems that well-behaved dogs (and their humans) don’t have too many problems. Whichever beach you choose, have a fantastic time in Half Moon Bay! When the sun’s out and the sky’s blue, there’s no better place to be with your favorite canine in all of Central California!
Featured Image Credit: LyAn Voyages, Unsplash
A little more than 28 miles south of San Francisco, CA, is the gorgeous town of Half Moon Bay. Known for its charm, beauty, and magnificent location between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Cruz Mountains, Half Moon Bay is a traveler’s delight. Surfers from around the globe make their way to the area for the spectacular conditions, and the beaches are truly stunning. The town is well known for its delicious cuisine, locally made wine, quaint shops, and laid-back southern California vibe.
If you’re planning a visit to Half Moon Bay with your dog in tow, you might wonder which beaches are dog friendly in and around the town. Lucky for you, we’ve listed eight of the best dog-friendly beaches in and near Half Moon Bay. Three are in Half Moon bay, while the other five are close by.
Top 8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Half Moon Bay, California
1. Montara State Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by BEAU 🐾🏕 (@beauthereddoodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍8302 Pacific Coast Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: Parking fee $2.00 per hour
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
Your dog must be on a leash at all times
Leashes can’t be more than 6 feet in length
The water is freezing most of the year
Collecting shells is not allowed
This beach is popular with surfers
Trails from Montara State beach lead to McNee Ranch
There’s no water available anywhere on the beach
2. Pillar Point Harbor
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Chicken and Waffles (@goprochicken)
🗺️ Address: 📍1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: Parking fee $2.00 per hour
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
Leash laws here are strictly enforced.
There’s an excellent fishing pier nearby
The beach is enclosed in a sea wall and very safe for dogs of all sizes
Lots of places to see, things to do, and restaurants nearby
Many people come to this beach with their dogs
There’s a boat launch nearby if you come with your boat
3. Poplar Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Atlas & Anu | Golden State Explorers (@itsatlasthegolden)
🗺️ Address: 📍152 Poplar St, Half Moon Bay, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: Parking fee $2.00 per hour
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
Both dogs and horses are allowed on the beach
There are several restaurants within walking distance
Many people let their dogs off-leash, but there’s a fine if you get caught
It’s a steep walk down to the beach and up to the parking lot
Porta-potties available for humans, but no water for dogs
You can park without paying, but the local police do check and give tickets if you don’t
4. Bean Hollow State Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Carbon Polacek (@bigcarbs)
🗺️ Address: 📍12119 Cabrillo Hwy, Pescadero, CA
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: No
There are two parking lots to use this beach, but only one is dog-friendly
Swimming can be risky because of rip currents and cold water
There’s no collecting of anything allowed, including shells and driftwood
No water for dogs is available, but there are porta-potties
The views from the beach are spectacular, and it’s very clean
Lots of tide pools make walks with your dog interesting
5. Esplanade Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bear_Life_143 (@bear_life111018)
🗺️ Address: 📍360 Esplanade Ave, Pacifica, CA
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 am until sunset
💲 Cost: None
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
One of the biggest beaches in the area with lots of room to run around
The beach is closed on Sundays and Tuesdays
The trails down to the beach provide great exercise and beautiful views
The only off-leash beach near Half Moon Bay
Off-leash area is at the north end of the beach
The water is cold and runs fast, so be careful with smaller dogs
6. Fort Funston Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kitsu (Kiki) (@kitsumame)
🗺️ Address: 📍206 Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 am until 9:00 pm
💲 Cost: N/A
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
Reviews call this the best beach in the area for dogs and fun
The hike down and back up from the beach is a bit much for some dogs
Very popular dog beach with lots of dogs on most days
Off-leash is allowed if your dog is well-trained with voice commands
It can get cold quickly, so bring a jacket with you
Bring lots of water because they don’t offer any on the beach
Views from the trails are spectacular
7. Ocean Beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gert&Mac – coupla SF aussies 💙 (@sfgertie_and_mac)
🗺️ Address: 📍1095 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 am until 9:00 pm
💲 Cost: None
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
Times and rules for off-leash are confusing, so be careful
The sunsets here are some of the best in California
Parking, like anywhere in the area, gets full quickly
There’s no water on the beach for dogs to drink
Lots of stuff washes up, so be careful your pup doesn’t eat anything harmful
It’s a very popular dog beach, especially on the weekend
8. Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Millie 💗 (@millie_themini_doodle)
🗺️ Address: 📍1416 9th St, Pacifica, CA
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 am until 10:30 pm
💲 Cost: $7.00 for 4 hours
🐕 Off-Leash Allowed?: Yes
The most popular beach in the entire area
Most locals say that if you have a leash in your hand, you’re OK
There are some spots for food and water very close by
Very popular beach for surfing and boogie boarding
The rip currents are strong, so be careful swimming
There are many rocks on parts of the beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by BEAU 🐾🏕 (@beauthereddoodle)
A post shared by BEAU 🐾🏕 (@beauthereddoodle)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
- Your dog must be on a leash at all times
- Leashes can’t be more than 6 feet in length
- The water is freezing most of the year
- Collecting shells is not allowed
- This beach is popular with surfers
- Trails from Montara State beach lead to McNee Ranch
- There’s no water available anywhere on the beach
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Chicken and Waffles (@goprochicken)
A post shared by Chicken and Waffles (@goprochicken)
- Leash laws here are strictly enforced.
- There’s an excellent fishing pier nearby
- The beach is enclosed in a sea wall and very safe for dogs of all sizes
- Lots of places to see, things to do, and restaurants nearby
- Many people come to this beach with their dogs
- There’s a boat launch nearby if you come with your boat
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Atlas & Anu | Golden State Explorers (@itsatlasthegolden)
A post shared by Atlas & Anu | Golden State Explorers (@itsatlasthegolden)
- Both dogs and horses are allowed on the beach
- There are several restaurants within walking distance
- Many people let their dogs off-leash, but there’s a fine if you get caught
- It’s a steep walk down to the beach and up to the parking lot
- Porta-potties available for humans, but no water for dogs
- You can park without paying, but the local police do check and give tickets if you don’t
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Carbon Polacek (@bigcarbs)
A post shared by Carbon Polacek (@bigcarbs)
- There are two parking lots to use this beach, but only one is dog-friendly
- Swimming can be risky because of rip currents and cold water
- There’s no collecting of anything allowed, including shells and driftwood
- No water for dogs is available, but there are porta-potties
- The views from the beach are spectacular, and it’s very clean
- Lots of tide pools make walks with your dog interesting
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Bear_Life_143 (@bear_life111018)
A post shared by Bear_Life_143 (@bear_life111018)
- One of the biggest beaches in the area with lots of room to run around
- The beach is closed on Sundays and Tuesdays
- The trails down to the beach provide great exercise and beautiful views
- The only off-leash beach near Half Moon Bay
- Off-leash area is at the north end of the beach
- The water is cold and runs fast, so be careful with smaller dogs
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kitsu (Kiki) (@kitsumame)
A post shared by Kitsu (Kiki) (@kitsumame)
- Reviews call this the best beach in the area for dogs and fun
- The hike down and back up from the beach is a bit much for some dogs
- Very popular dog beach with lots of dogs on most days
- Off-leash is allowed if your dog is well-trained with voice commands
- It can get cold quickly, so bring a jacket with you
- Bring lots of water because they don’t offer any on the beach
- Views from the trails are spectacular
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Gert&Mac – coupla SF aussies 💙 (@sfgertie_and_mac)
A post shared by Gert&Mac – coupla SF aussies 💙 (@sfgertie_and_mac)
- Times and rules for off-leash are confusing, so be careful
- The sunsets here are some of the best in California
- Parking, like anywhere in the area, gets full quickly
- There’s no water on the beach for dogs to drink
- Lots of stuff washes up, so be careful your pup doesn’t eat anything harmful
- It’s a very popular dog beach, especially on the weekend
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Millie 💗 (@millie_themini_doodle)
A post shared by Millie 💗 (@millie_themini_doodle)
- The most popular beach in the entire area
- Most locals say that if you have a leash in your hand, you’re OK
- There are some spots for food and water very close by
- Very popular beach for surfing and boogie boarding
- The rip currents are strong, so be careful swimming
- There are many rocks on parts of the beach
Final Thoughts
Only three beaches on our list are actually in Half Moon Bay, while the other five are all close enough to visit. Every beach except one has strict leash rules, but from the online reviews, it seems that well-behaved dogs (and their humans) don’t have too many problems. Whichever beach you choose, have a fantastic time in Half Moon Bay! When the sun’s out and the sky’s blue, there’s no better place to be with your favorite canine in all of Central California!
Featured Image Credit: LyAn Voyages, Unsplash
