Half Moon Bay is one of the most dog-friendly coastal destinations within striking distance of San Francisco. Roughly 28 miles down the coast on Highway 1, this quiet, fog-kissed town offers four miles of on-leash state beach, a paved coastal trail, a fenced off-leash dog park, old-growth redwood trails, and — crucially — a legitimate cluster of restaurants and breweries that actually welcome dogs at their outdoor tables.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a dog-friendly day trip or weekend in Half Moon Bay: exact beach and leash rules, the best trails by difficulty, every restaurant and brewery with confirmed dog-patio access, the local dog park, and a sample day itinerary.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay State Beach — The Definitive Leash Policy
Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on-leash (6-foot maximum leash) at all times. No off-leash access anywhere on the state beach.
Half Moon Bay State Beach is four connected beach sections managed by California State Parks, stretching roughly four miles from north to south:
- Francis Beach — 1 Francis Beach Road. Most developed section with campground, flush restrooms, showers. $15/vehicle day-use fee.
- Venice Beach — Venice Beach Road access. Less crowded. Free roadside parking.
- Dunes Beach — Young Avenue access. Wide dune corridor. Free roadside parking.
- Roosevelt Beach — Mirada Road access in El Granada. Northernmost section, closest to Miramar. Free roadside parking.
Parking: Day-use parking at Francis Beach is $15/vehicle. The other access points have free roadside parking but fill on sunny weekends by 11 AM. Arrive before 9:30 AM to guarantee a spot.
Miramar Beach — Understanding the Off-Leash Confusion
Dog Policy: Dogs ON-LEASH. Miramar Beach is NOT an official off-leash zone.
This is the most searched and most misunderstood dog policy question on the San Mateo Coastside. Despite widespread claims online — including from well-known travel sites and Yelp reviews — San Mateo County requires dogs to be on a 6-foot leash at all county beaches, including Miramar Beach. The off-leash use that occurred here historically was informal and not officially sanctioned.
The only fenced off-leash area in Half Moon Bay proper: Smith Field Dog Park on Kelly Avenue (see below).
Miramar Beach is genuinely beautiful with easy access. It connects directly to the Coastside Trail, making it a good starting point for a longer walk. Free parking along Mirada Road.
Mavericks Beach (Pillar Point) — Wave-Watching with Your Dog
Dog Policy: Dogs on-leash permitted on the Pillar Point Bluff Trail above the beach.
Mavericks is internationally famous as one of the most powerful big-wave surf breaks in the world. For dog owners, it's an exceptional destination for wave-watching without getting near dangerous surf. From the Pillar Point Harbor parking area, walk north along the trail that climbs the bluff above the harbor. This path gives you elevated views directly over the Mavericks break.
The trail loops approximately 2 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain. Parking is free and ample at Pillar Point Harbor.
Dog-Friendly Trails Near Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail
Distance: 8 miles one-way (paved, flat)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Policy: On-leash required
The Coastside Trail is the backbone of dog-friendly outdoor access in Half Moon Bay. This paved, 8-mile multi-use path runs parallel to Highway 1, connecting the state beach sections, residential neighborhoods, Pillar Point Harbor, and Surfer's Beach. Flat, wide, and stroller-friendly. Most dog owners use it for 2–4 mile out-and-back walks rather than the full 8 miles.
Pillar Point Bluff Trail
Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy (minimal elevation gain)
Dog Policy: On-leash required
One of the most rewarding short coastal hikes in San Mateo County. The trail begins at the harbor parking area and climbs the low bluff above the harbor, curving north to overlook the open ocean and the Mavericks break. On a clear day, you can see south to Santa Cruz and north toward Montara.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Distance: Multiple trails from 1 to 12+ miles
Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous
Dog Policy: Dogs on-leash permitted on all trails
Main Trailhead: 4700 Higgins Canyon Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Purisima Creek Redwoods is the best forest hike within 10 minutes of downtown Half Moon Bay. The Purisima Creek Trail descends from the upper trailhead into the canyon, passing through second-growth and old-growth redwoods with creek crossings on wooden bridges.
Best Route for Dogs: Purisima Creek Trail from the Higgins Canyon Road trailhead to the first creek crossing and back — approximately 3 miles, minimal elevation gain.
Mori Point Trail (Pacifica — 10 Minutes North)
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Dog Policy: On-leash required (GGNRA)
Technically in Pacifica but close enough to be a natural addition to any HMB trip. The trail climbs low coastal bluffs with expansive views of the Pacific. Free street parking on Bradford Way.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Address: 390 Capistrano Road, Princeton-by-the-Sea, CA 94018
Phone: (650) 728-2739
Dog Policy: Dogs welcome on the large outdoor patio and deck areas. Water bowls available on request.
Half Moon Bay Brewing Company is the definitive dog-friendly dining destination on the San Mateo Coastside. The brewery sits directly on Pillar Point Harbor, and its sprawling outdoor patio — one of the largest dog-welcoming patios on the Northern California coast — looks out across the harbor to the open ocean.
The food menu is serious: crab cakes, fish and chips, clam chowder, wood-fired pizzas. The craft beer program ranges from coastal-inspired IPAs to the flagship Half Moon Bay Amber.
What to Know: The patio can fill fast on sunny weekend afternoons. Arriving before noon or after 3 PM improves your chances of immediate seating.
Sam's Chowder House
Address: 4210 N Cabrillo Hwy (Highway 1), Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 712-0245
Dog Policy: Dogs welcome on the outdoor patio and waterfront deck area.
One of the most consistently dog-welcoming spots on the coastside. The sprawling property has multiple outdoor seating areas with ocean views. The famous lobster roll — split-top bun, chilled claw meat — has been cited as one of the best in California. Wait times can reach 45–60 minutes on weekends; arrive before noon.
Hop Dogma Brewing Co.
Address: 459 Prospect Way, El Granada, CA 94018
Phone: (650) 560-7785
Dog Policy: Dogs welcome inside the taproom and in the outdoor area — genuinely the most dog-enthusiastic venue on the coastside.
Hours: Wednesday–Friday 3 PM–9 PM, Saturday–Sunday 12 PM–9 PM
The name says it all. Hop Dogma is a small-batch craft brewery in El Granada that is genuinely, enthusiastically dog-friendly — dogs are welcome inside the taproom, not just relegated to the patio. The beer quality is excellent: 6–8 rotating taps with West Coast IPAs, hazy IPAs, and Belgian-influenced styles. Treats are usually available at the bar.
Cameron's Inn
Address: 1410 S Cabrillo Hwy (Highway 1), Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 726-5705
Dog Policy: Dog-friendly outdoor beer garden area.
A quirky British pub with decades of Half Moon Bay history. The outdoor beer garden is reliably dog-welcoming. Menu leans British: fish and chips, Scotch eggs, shepherd's pie. Cash-friendly, relaxed pace throughout.
Pasta Moon
Address: 315 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 726-5125
Dog Policy: Outdoor patio — call ahead to confirm current dog policy, as this can vary seasonally.
One of the more upscale dining options in Half Moon Bay with housemade pastas, roasted meats, and a thoughtful wine list. Always call ahead before bringing your dog.
Half Moon Bay Dog Park (Smith Field)
Address: Kelly Avenue at Railroad Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Hours: Dawn to dusk, seven days a week
Admission: Free
The Half Moon Bay Dog Park at Smith Field is the only designated off-leash fenced dog park within the city limits of Half Moon Bay. The park provides separate fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs. Surface is a mix of packed dirt and gravel. Basic amenities include waste bag dispensers and trash cans. Bring your own water bowl — there is no fountain within the enclosure.
Seasonal Activities
Lemos Farm (Fall Pumpkin Season)
Address: 12320 San Mateo Road (Highway 92), Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Phone: (650) 726-2342
Dog Policy: Well-behaved dogs on-leash permitted on farm grounds. Confirm current season policy before visiting.
Open: Primarily September through October for pumpkin season
Tens of thousands of pumpkins blanket the fields, wagon rides operate on weekends, and the farm fills with families and dogs. Call ahead to confirm, as policies vary by event day. Weekday mornings in September or early October will be far more relaxed than peak fall weekends.
Sample Day Itinerary
7:30 AM — Leave San Francisco via I-280 South, then Highway 92 West.
8:15 AM — Arrive at Half Moon Bay State Beach (Roosevelt Beach or Miramar access for free parking). Walk north or south along the Coastside Trail for 30–60 minutes before crowds build.
9:30 AM — Drive to Pillar Point Harbor. Walk the Pillar Point Bluff Trail (2 miles, on-leash). Ocean views and a close look at the Mavericks break.
11:30 AM — Visit the Half Moon Bay Dog Park at Smith Field. Let your dog burn off remaining energy in the off-leash enclosure.
12:30 PM — Lunch at Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (390 Capistrano Road). Secure a spot on the dog-friendly patio, order the clam chowder, and enjoy the harbor view.
3:30 PM — Head to Hop Dogma Brewing Co. (459 Prospect Way, El Granada) for an afternoon pint. Dogs welcome inside.
6:00 PM — Begin return to San Francisco via Highway 1 North to Highway 35, or via Highway 92 East to I-280.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Half Moon Bay dog friendly?
Yes — Half Moon Bay is very dog friendly. Dogs are allowed on-leash at Half Moon Bay State Beach, Miramar Beach, and along the Coastside Trail. The city has a fenced off-leash dog park at Smith Field. Multiple restaurants and breweries — including Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Sam's Chowder House, and Hop Dogma Brewing — welcome dogs on their outdoor patios.
Q: Is Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay off-leash?
No. Miramar Beach is NOT an official off-leash beach. Despite some online claims to the contrary, San Mateo County requires dogs to be on a 6-foot leash at all county beaches, including Miramar Beach. The only fenced off-leash area in Half Moon Bay proper is the Smith Field Dog Park on Kelly Avenue.
Q: Where is the Half Moon Bay dog park?
The Half Moon Bay Dog Park is located at Smith Field Recreation Area, Kelly Avenue at Railroad Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019. Free, fenced, off-leash, with separate areas for large and small dogs. Open dawn to dusk daily.
Q: What are the best dog-friendly restaurants in Half Moon Bay?
The most reliably dog-friendly restaurants are Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (large waterfront patio), Sam's Chowder House (outdoor deck, ocean views), Hop Dogma Brewing Co. in El Granada (dogs welcome inside the taproom), and Cameron's Inn (British pub with outdoor beer garden). Always call ahead to confirm current policy.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Hop Dogma Brewing?
Yes. Hop Dogma Brewing Co. in El Granada is one of the most genuinely dog-welcoming establishments on the coastside — dogs are permitted inside the taproom, not just on an outdoor patio. The staff are dog people and treats are often available at the bar.
Q: How far is Half Moon Bay from San Francisco?
Half Moon Bay is approximately 28 miles south of San Francisco, typically a 35–50 minute drive via Highway 92 West from I-280. On clear weekends, Highway 1 can get congested — plan to leave San Francisco before 10 AM to avoid traffic.