Prior to moving to London in January 2019, David and I lived in Daly City, California for two and a half years. During that time, we spent a lot of time enjoying the variety of outdoor activities the Bay area has to offer.
After adopting our puppy, Spark, from a dog rescue in Los Angeles in 2017, we continued to go on outdoor adventures almost every weekend, but now we had to find activities that were dog-friendly.
Spark is a natural adventurer and loves joining us for hikes, walks, camping trips, and car rides, so we weren't about to leave her behind.
The following activities are in order of their proximity to San Francisco, starting with our favorite nearby day hikes and continuing further out to longer weekend trips.
Pacifica
Pacifica is an adorable seaside town about fifteen miles outside of downtown San Francisco. While Pacifica is known for being foggy and cool, on a sunny day there isn't a prettier place to be.
Nor is there anywhere in the San Francisco region where the old Northern Californian vibe is more alive today.
A surfer's haven, Pacifica's beaches are lovely and dog-friendly too! If there's a sunny or warm day in the forecast, grab your pup and head to Pacifica for a day at the beach—you won't regret it!
In addition to its beaches, Pacifica is also home to a variety of small businesses such as a quaint tea shop and walk-up barbecue restaurant located in an old railcar. We've also enjoyed some wine at A Grape in the Fog, a lovely little wine bar near the main drag.
Devil's Slide Trail
This is a unique and completely free trail along what used to be part of Route 1. Not only are there beautiful views of the Pacific, but the 3.1-mile trail also provides a glimpse into California history.
The name Devil's Slide comes from the cliffy area's historic propensity for landslides and subsequent road closures. Although it was only constructed in 1936, by 1940 the then-Route 1 had already suffered extensive damage in a landslide.
Subsequent landslides through the next few decades sparked debate amongst locals about alternate route options. Many area residents lobbied for the creation of a safer route.
In 2013 this wish came to fruition when Route 1 was replaced by a set of tunnels that now route traffic behind the landslide-prone cliffs. A year later the Devil Slide Trail was opened as a pedestrian walkway along the cliffs.
The trail is paved but cracked in areas due to landslide activity. It's dog-friendly but dogs must be on leash at all times—for their safety as much as anything as the trail's location overlooks a cliff.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a must-see town if you're in the Bay area. Not only is it home to its namesake, a rounded sapphire-blue bay, but it's also home to the famous world surfing competition, Mavericks, as well as a variety of local businesses and outdoor activities.
One of our favorite Spark-friendly activities in HMB is the Pumpkin Festival in October. This is a crazy time to visit Half Moon Bay as it is very congested and it will honestly take you a while to get in and out, but it's worth it.
We took Spark there—and bought pumpkins at the dog-friendly Farmer John's pumpkin patch (very cute but, as with most things at the festival, also very pricy). Whether you buy pumpkins or not, this is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon and embrace the fall season.
Calmer Half Moon Bay activities include hiking—we love the Quarry Park hike and Mavericks Hike (and so does Spark!), walking around the docks, and heading to a brewery or distillery.
We love the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company. This is an adorable seaside microbrewery with a dog-friendly patio. Make sure to put your name on the list ASAP then you can always walk around the area while waiting for a table.
Patio heaters keep the outdoor tables comfortable on breezier days. I don't even drink beer but I really enjoy this place due to their wide selection of ciders, cocktails, and yummy gluten-free food.
Last, but not least, is the Moss Beach Distillery. Actually located in Moss Beach (but on the way to Half Moon Bay from the city, this really is a gem of a Northern Californian find. Now a restaurant, the building was once a speakeasy during Prohibition.
It also has a famous ghost—the Blue Lady—whose namesake drink, I might add, is delicious. Bring your pooch and enjoy the fireside outdoor seating—they even have a dog menu!
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a beautiful city a couple of hour's drive from San Francisco. Known for its famous wharf, the city has plenty of activities to offer.
We particularly enjoy the drive to Santa Cruz along the coastline. Stop and take in the beautiful views along winding Route 1. Once you've made it to Santa Cruz, head to the Pier or the nearby beach and take in the sea lions and other wildlife.
Then stop by Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing—a microbrewery with a comfy and dog-friendly outdoor patio located in a large warehouse-style building.
The brewery has an arrangement with the bakery next door so you can order a combination of yummy snacks—burgers, sandwiches, brunch favorites, etc.—whilst sipping on a beer flight or one of the brewery's many cider options.
What are your favorite dog-friendly Bay Area activities? We'd love to hear them—please leave your suggestions in the comments below!
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