Living in Santa Clara or Sunnyvale puts you an hour from some of the most beautiful coastline in the world — and much of it welcomes dogs. Whether your pup is a wave-chaser, a sand-digger, or a driftwood-collector, a beach day is one of the best adventures you can give them.
Here are our favorite dog-friendly beaches, all within a 45- to 90-minute drive of the South Bay.
Poplar Beach — Half Moon Bay
Poplar St, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
The South Bay dog owner's default beach trip, and for good reason. It's the closest off-leash beach, it's wide and sandy, and the bluff trail above provides a gorgeous warm-up walk before you hit the sand. Dogs are welcome off-leash on the beach itself year-round.
Tip: The south end is less crowded. Bring your own water — there are no fountains on the beach.
Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
5000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacifica, CA 94044
A favorite for dogs who love big waves and wide open space. The north end of the beach, past the surfers, is where most dog owners go. The beach is backed by dramatic bluffs and the Mori Point trail, which offers a spectacular on-leash hike with coastal views.
Tip: Combine the beach with a hike up Mori Point for a full morning adventure.
Fort Funston — San Francisco
Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
Legendary among Bay Area dog owners. Perched on dramatic coastal bluffs, it offers off-leash access on the beach and most of the bluff trails. The sand staircase down to the beach is steep but manageable, and the beach stretches for nearly a mile. On any given Saturday, you'll see dozens of dogs sprinting and body-surfing.
Tip: The bluff trails have sandy, unstable edges. Keep dogs back from the edge. The water is cold — bring towels for the car.
Carmel Beach — Carmel-by-the-Sea
Scenic Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
If you're willing to make a day of it, Carmel Beach is dog paradise. No leash restrictions at all — dogs are welcome off-leash at all times. The white sand, turquoise water, and Monterey cypress backdrop make it feel like a postcard. Carmel is famously dog-friendly, with water bowls outside most shops.
Tip: A 90-minute drive, so it's a weekend trip. Combine it with a walk through Carmel's downtown.
Beach Day Essentials
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1
Fresh water and a bowl
Salt water causes vomiting and diarrhea if dogs drink too much. Offer fresh water frequently.
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2
Towels
At least two — one for drying, one for the car seat.
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3
Leash
Even at off-leash beaches, keep one handy for parking lots, bluff trails, and overexcited moments.
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4
Rinse water
A gallon jug for rinsing sand and salt from paws and coat before the car ride. Salt irritates skin.
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5
Shade
A pop-up tent or umbrella if staying more than an hour. Dogs [overheat faster than you think](/blog/summer-heat-safety-tips/).
Ocean Safety
Sneaker waves are real on the Northern California coast. Never turn your back on the ocean.
Cold water saps energy fast. Most dogs are fine wading, but sustained swimming in 50-degree water is risky.
Kelp and debris can tangle around legs. Watch dogs who venture past the surf line.
If you need someone to tire your dog out closer to home between beach trips, our dog walking service covers parks and trails throughout Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. Get in touch — we'd love to hear about your dog's favorite beach.
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