Half Moon Bay, a charming coastal town just 30 miles south of San Francisco, is a dreamy small town boasting natural beauty and outdoor adventure. It’s especially perfect for dog parents looking for a pet-friendly getaway. One of the most iconic places to stay in this scenic area is The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, a five-star resort that welcomes four-legged guests with open arms. From its oceanfront location to its thoughtful pet amenities, here’s everything you need to know about a dog-friendly stay at this stunning and luxurious property.

Getting to Half Moon Bay & The Ritz-Carlton

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Northern California, Half Moon Bay is easily accessible from San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and beyond. The scenic drive along Highway 1 offers breathtaking ocean views, charming roadside stops, and plenty of places to stretch your pup’s legs. Once you arrive, you’ll find The Ritz-Carlton perched atop a dramatic bluff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The setting alone is enough to make you feel like you’ve escaped to a tranquil, luxurious retreat.

If you’re coming from San Francisco, Pacifica is a great place to stop if you’re looking to kill some time. You can hike along the coast at Mori Point, romp in the sand at Esplanade Beach– the only off-leash dog beach in the area, and grab lunch at the most scenic Taco Bell Cantina which has a dog-friendly patio that is always crowded.

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay’s Pet Policy

One of the best things about The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is its commitment to making your pup feel just as pampered as you. The resort’s pet policy welcomes up to two dogs weighing a max of 40 lbs per room with a non-refundable pet fee of $250 per stay. While this is the most dog-friendly policy, if your dog meets these parameters it’s worth a visit. There are some restrictions on where dogs can roam inside the resort, but there are plenty of outdoor spaces and dog-friendly amenities to make the stay enjoyable.

Dog-Friendly Rooms & Amenities at The Ritz-Carlton

When staying with a dog at The Ritz-Carlton HMB, you’ll be in the residence area of the property that is separated from the main hotel. This is a two-story building with many of the rooms featuring a private balcony or patio with a fire pit and either a golf course or partial coastal views. The rooms are spacious with a large bathroom off the entry and a spacious bedroom connected to the terrace or patio.

There’s a wardrobe for your clothes, a mini bar area with a mini fridge, a beverage fridge with a coffee station, a few seating options with a TV, and some rooms feature a fireplace. Right outside the residence is a grassy area with a dog waste station, a walking path to pick up the coastal trail, and even the nightly bagpiper comes by for viewing from your patio.

In-Room Pet Menu: One of the highlights for furry guests is the resort’s dedicated in-room pet dining menu. Curated for canine companions, the menu includes gourmet meals that are both nutritious and delicious, ensuring your pup gets to dine in style. Your pup can taste test filet mignon, salmon, and chicken bowls accompanied by desserts like banana peanut butter cake and cookies. The meals come in branded bowls and are served on a tray just like room service.

Dog Bed & Bowls: The resort provides plush dog beds and food and water bowls to ensure your pup is as comfortable as you are. Ruby is typically uninterested in hotel dog beds, but she absolutely loves the velvety, plush bed at The Ritz.

Ample Green Space: The beautifully manicured grounds offer plenty of green space for your dog to explore, sniff, and enjoy. There are also waste bins on site and bags are provided.

Easy Access to the Coastal Trail & Dog-friendly Beach: The resort sits along the famous California Coastal Trail, which runs through the property and stretches for miles along the coast and offers stunning ocean views, making it perfect for long walks with your pup. You can pick up this trail all along the property and in one direction it leads to the dog-friendly beach.

Dog-Friendly Dining: The Ocean Terrace

While dogs aren’t allowed inside the resort’s formal dining rooms, they are warmly welcomed at The Ocean Terrace, the hotel’s beautiful outdoor dining space. This scenic patio overlooks the Pacific and offers cozy fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and a casual yet refined menu featuring coastal-inspired dishes. You can sip on a glass of wine while enjoying fresh seafood, all while your pup lounges beside you, soaking in the salty ocean breeze. The staff is accommodating and often provides water bowls for canine guests.

Exploring The Coastal Trail & Nearby Dog-Friendly Beach

One of the biggest perks of staying at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay with a dog is the easy access to the California Coastal Trail. This paved, cliffside path runs directly past the resort and stretches for miles in both directions, offering spectacular ocean views and plenty of opportunities for your pup to explore.

A short walk along the trail will lead you to a public dog-friendly beach, where your pup can run through the sand, chase waves, and enjoy the fresh coastal air. While dogs are required to be on a leash, it’s still a fantastic spot for some off-the-beaten-path fun.

Even if you’re not staying at the resort, there is public parking on-site and visitors can take advantage of walking the property grounds and enjoying the dog-friendly beach.

Other Dog-Friendly Activities in Half Moon Bay

Beyond the resort, Half Moon Bay offers a wealth of dog-friendly experiences. Some of the best things to do include:

• Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail: As mentioned, this scenic trail is perfect for long walks with your pup beyond The Ritz-Carlton property.

• Poplar Beach: One of the most popular off-leash beaches in the area where dogs can run freely.

• Downtown Half Moon Bay: Stroll through charming Main Street, where many shops and cafes welcome dogs.

• Mavericks Beach: Another beautiful beach known for its iconic surf break, and while dogs must be leashed, it’s still a great place to explore. There’s also a great coastal trail along the bluff of the beach.

• Wine & Beer Tasting: Some local wineries and breweries, like Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., allow dogs on their patios.

• U-Pick Sunflowers & Pumpkin Patches: If you’re visiting in September or October, stop by Andreotti’s for their U-Pick Sunflower Field and explore the many pumpkin patches in the pumpkin capital of the world.

Final Thoughts: A Five-Star Stay for You & Your Pup

A stay at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay with your dog is the epitome of luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re enjoying the resort’s pet-friendly amenities, dining at The Ocean Terrace, strolling along the Coastal Trail, or playing at the nearby beach, you and your pup will feel completely pampered. If you’re looking for a refined yet dog-friendly escape on the California coast, this resort is truly one of the best options available.