Pacifica doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Tucked between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay along Highway 1, this laid-back coastal town offers dramatic cliffs, off-leash beach access, and some genuinely great food — all without the crowds you’d fight at most Bay Area coastal destinations. It’s about 30 minutes south of San Francisco, 20 minutes north of Half Moon Bay, and under an hour from most of the South Bay, making it one of the most accessible coastal day trips in the region.

Pacifica also happens to be one of the most dog-friendly towns on the Peninsula. Four beaches welcome dogs, one of them fully off-leash, and the trail network throughout town is almost entirely dog-friendly. Here’s how to spend a full day here with your pup.

Stop 1: Esplanade Beach 

Start your morning at Esplanade Beach — the only off-leash beach in Pacifica and one of the best kept secrets on the entire Peninsula. The beach sits below a steep coastal bluff along Esplanade Drive, accessed via a set of switchback trails and stairs at the north end of the street near the Lands End Apartments. The walk down is part of the experience, with sweeping Pacific views on the descent.

The beach itself has a Fort Funston energy — wide, windswept, and unpretentious — but smaller and far less crowded. On a sunny weekend morning it fills up fast, so arriving early is the move. A few practical notes: street parking on Esplanade Avenue is free, and the beach can get narrow at high tide, so check the tide chart before you go. Ruby loved every second of this one.

Address: Esplanade Dr, Pacifica, CA 94044 Leash rules: Off-leash Parking: Free street parking on Esplanade Ave

Stop 2: Soul Grind Coffee 

After the beach, head to Soul Grind Coffee for breakfast. This is Pacifica’s most popular coffee spot, and the line out the door on a weekend morning is a reliable sight — but don’t let it deter you. The line moves, the bagel breakfast sandwiches are worth it, and the outdoor seating is generous enough that you’ll have no trouble finding a spot with Ruby.

Pro tip: order ahead online to skip the wait entirely.

Address: 300 Reina Del Mar Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044 Dog-friendly: Yes — ample outdoor seating Order ahead: Available online

Stop 3: Hike Mori Point, Devil’s Slide, or Both 

Pacifica has two standout trails and, depending on your energy level, you can do one or both.

Mori Point

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Mori Point is a 2.6-mile loop trail with a modest 400-foot elevation gain and payoff views that far exceed the effort. The trail winds up along coastal bluffs to a point overlooking Sharp Park Beach, the Pacifica Pier, and on clear days, the whole sweep of coast toward Half Moon Bay. Spring is the best time to visit — wildflowers are in bloom and gray whale sightings from the bluff are possible. For a shorter route, start the hike from Fairway Drive rather than the main Hwy 1 trailhead, which cuts the distance and skips the busiest section of the parking area.

Dogs must be leashed on all Mori Point trails.

Address: 110 Mori Point Rd, Pacifica, CA 94044 (main trailhead off Hwy 1) Distance: 2.6-mile loop Leash rules: On-leash required

Devil’s Slide Trail

The Devil’s Slide Trail is a 1.3-mile paved out-and-back along what was once a notoriously dangerous stretch of Highway 1 — a section of road so prone to landslides it was eventually closed and converted into this trail. The engineering history adds something to the experience, but mostly this trail is just flat-out stunning. Exposed cliffside views of the Pacific in both directions, telescopes at the overlooks, interpretive panels, and enough benches to stop and stare whenever you want.

For the best experience, park in the south lot — you’ll have more trail options and can check out the old military bunker at the south end before heading north along the trail. Dogs must be leashed.

Address: South trailhead: near the intersection of Hwy 1 and Verde Rd, Pacifica Distance: 1.3 miles one way (2.6 miles round trip) Leash rules: On-leash required

Stop 4: Lunch at Taco Bell Cantina or Humble Sea Brewing 

Two very different options — choose based on your vibe.

Taco Bell Cantina

Yes, it’s a Taco Bell. But this Taco Bell sits on a bluff overlooking Linda Mar State Beach with some of the most absurdly good coastal views of any restaurant in Pacifica. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor patio tables, and the Cantina menu is a step up from a standard location — this one also serves alcohol. If you want a quick, cheap, views-for-miles lunch with your dog, this is it.

Address: 200 Rockaway Beach Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044 Dog-friendly: Yes — outdoor patio Note: Leashed dogs at patio tables only

Humble Sea Brewing

If food is your priority, Humble Sea is the call. We loved the fish and tots, and the sour beers are excellent. The outdoor seating area has a laid-back neighborhood energy that feels distinctly Pacifica — no fuss, great craft beer, and a staff that’s genuinely welcoming to dogs. It can get busy on weekends, so head here right after your hike before the lunch rush.

Address: 911 Kimball Way, Pacifica, CA 94044 Dog-friendly: Yes — outdoor seating Must-order: Fish and tots, sour beers

More Pacifica Beaches 

If you have time after lunch or want to swap the morning itinerary, these beaches are worth knowing about:

Linda Mar State Beach (Pacifica State Beach) — The most popular and most accessible beach in Pacifica, a three-quarter-mile crescent of sand that’s a local favorite for surfing and sunset walks. Dogs must be leashed, but the beach is wide and beautiful and pairs perfectly with a patio seat at the Taco Bell Cantina. Free parking in the lot off Hwy 1.

Rockaway Beach — A walkable stretch of sand anchored by a small village of restaurants and shops with a breezy beach-town feel. Dogs must be leashed. This is the area to explore if you want to do a little browsing between stops — the seawall promenade is a nice leashed stroll.

Sharp Park Beach (researched, not personally visited) — A darker-sand beach on the north end of town, accessible via a coastal trail that parallels the Sharp Park Golf Course. Dogs are reportedly allowed off-leash at the far end of the beach. Worth checking current access conditions before visiting as this area can shift seasonally.

More Eats + Breweries to Know 

Pedro Point Brewing (researched, not personally visited) — Pacifica’s original brewery, with over a dozen beers brewed on-site and a dog-friendly outdoor area. Known for live music and food pop-ups on weekends. A good stop if Humble Sea is packed.

Puerto 27 (researched, not personally visited) — A Latin American restaurant with a modern twist and about a dozen dog-friendly outdoor tables. Highly rated for ceviche and small plates — a solid dinner option if you’re extending the day.

A Grape in the Fog (researched, not personally visited) — A wine bar a block from the beach with dog-friendly outdoor seating. Boutique wine selections by the glass or bottle. A nice wind-down option for the end of the day.

Getting There

Pacifica is approximately 30 minutes south of San Francisco via Hwy 1 or I-280 to Sharp Park Road, and about 20 minutes north of Half Moon Bay via Hwy 1. Parking is generally free throughout town, with paid lots at some trailheads.

If you’re making a coastal loop out of it, Pacifica pairs naturally with a stop in Half Moon Bay to the south — check out our Dog-Friendly Guide to Half Moon Bay for ideas.

Have a Pacifica spot we missed? Drop it in the comments — we update our guides regularly.