The California Coastal Trail (CCT) is all about connection. When completed, the incredible pathway will span over 1,230 miles from Oregon to Mexico, linking coastal towns and existing trails to create one continuous route along the West Coast. With approximately 70% of the California Coastal Trail now finished, you'll find a mix of pathways including primary routes, secondary trails, beachfront access, and dedicated bike paths. Whether you’re looking for an easy afternoon stroll or a challenging thru-hike, prepare your outbound hound for an amazing adventure along the Pacific Coast on the pet-friendly sections of the CCT. You and your pooch can even pair stretches of the coastal trail with sections of the Pacific Coast Highway.
California Coastal Trail
Posted by Billy Francis
Head to the Trailhead
Plot your course on the pet-friendly patio at Chetco Brewing Company, just north of the starting point on the border of Oregon and California. When you cross into California to begin your adventure, get your first taste of the CCT along stretches of sandy shoreline like the windswept Clifford Kamph Memorial Park and the epic dunes at Tolowa Dunes State Park.
Bigger is Better
The greatest wonders in the world have a tendency to be giant. Take a detour off the trail to Trees of Mystery and SkyTrail. Here, you’ll find two massive Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues standing guard outside the Trees of Mystery, one of Northern California’s most unique dog-friendly destinations in the heart of Redwood National Park. Measuring up to 20 feet in diameter, the ancient trees are impressive to behold. Walk among 2,000-year-old behemoths with majestic monikers like The Brotherhood, Cathedral, and Elephant. When you’re finished staring up at giants, soar above the towering forest canopy on a 10-minute ride on the SkyTrail Gondola.
Continue taking in the scenic views on a 25-mile drive north along the Redwood Highway to the Anchor Beach Inn in Crescent City. The hotel offers designated rooms for guests traveling with fur kids.
Eureka!
Hammond Coastal Trail is a section of the CCT that connects Arcata and Clam Beach. Start with a leashed walk along Mad River Beach, then enjoy off-leash fun at Clam Beach County Park from October through February. This trail is rated as easy and welcomes hikers of most levels. Nearby Humboats Kayak Adventures gives you and your pooch a chance to get out on the water in Humboldt County.
Around 60 miles south of Eureka, you and your pooch will discover the Lost Coast Trail in the King Range National Conservation Area. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on this 25-mile rugged coastal path, which is reserved for more experienced explorers. Stop for a picture next to Punta Gorda Lighthouse and bask in gorgeous wildflowers as far as the eye can see during spring.
You don’t need to stray far from the trail for a good night’s sleep. Inn of the Lost Coast is located one mile from a dog beach and offers treats for tired pups at check-in.
‘Frisco’s Calling
The area surrounding San Francisco is perhaps the most iconic and recognizable section of the California Coastal Trail. Lands End Trail is a moderate coastal pathway that begins at Sutro Baths, the remains of an extravagant public bathhouse that opened in 1896, and leads to one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t forget to pause at Baker Beach, one of the best dog beaches on the West Coast. After a day of play, make your way to Park Chalet for delicious food on the expansive lawn. Before you leave the area, share a sunset walk on Fort Funston Beach with the close-knit coastal canine community.
Spend the night three blocks from Golden Gate Park at Blake & Sara’s Ocean Beach Pad.
Stop Halfway at Half Moon Bay
The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail was once the Ocean Shore Railroad, but has been repurposed to allow dogs and their owners a chance to enjoy the shoreline. The wide pathway leads to Poplar Beach, offering glimpses of a world-famous surf destination known as Mavericks. Surf dogs should look out for adrenaline junkies trying to catch waves up to 80 feet high during the winter months. If you’re feeling peckish after all that hiking, get a taste of England and a picture of Fido next to a London double-decker bus at Cameron's Restaurant.
Aristocrat Hotel BW Signature Collection welcomes dogs to enjoy a comfortable stay in Half Moon Bay, just a short walk from the beach.
Cruise Around Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is blessed with a bounty of beautiful beaches to explore with your pooch along the California Coastal Trail. Start your tour of these sandy spots at Its Beach, where pups can roam off leash before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Then, make your way to West Cliff Drive and walk along the cliffs. Conclude your tour of Santa Cruz beaches at Twin Lakes State Beach and wash off in the outdoor showers provided. End your day with the catch of the day at Aldo's in Santa Cruz Harbor.
Drift away to ocean sounds at Casablanca On The Beach. Here’s looking at you, Fido.
Keep Calm and Carmel On
Pay a visit to Carmel, one of the best pet-friendly beach towns in America. Let Fido loose at Carmel Beach, where swimsuits are mandatory but leashes aren’t. After playing on the golden sand and meeting other “sight-sniffers,” embark on some retail therapy together at Carmel Plaza and snap a memorable photo at the shopping center’s Fountain of Woof. In the evening, enjoy a meal for you and your furry foodie at SUR at the Barnyard. The Bark Bites menu at this popular pet-friendly restaurant includes Beggin’ Strips for an “appuptizer” and mains that include a medium rare beef patty, shredded chicken breast, applewood bacon slices, grilled prawns and more!
When it’s time to call it a night, settle in at Cypress Inn, Doris Day’s pet-friendly paradise in Carmel.
Explore the American Riviera
Beyond a stretch of coast that is not yet a part of the CCT lies Santa Barbara. Check out the town’s most popular spot for four-legged visitors, Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach), a clean and quiet stretch of sand where dogs can play off leash in the surf. A little wander along the coast will lead you to Douglas Family Preserve, a 70-acre off-leash area full of winding hiking trails and hidden beaches. If you want to get off your feet for a while, Golden Limo Santa Barbara offers private dog-friendly winery tours, so you can taste the region’s world-renowned wines with your pooch by your side.
Guests can enjoy beautiful views of Santa Barbara from the pet-friendly rooms at Blue Sands Inn.
Make It Big in L.A.
There’s more to Los Angeles than glitz and glamor. It’s also a super pet-friendly stop along the California Coastal Trail. Rosie's Dog Beach is located along Ocean Blvd and welcomes dogs to play off leash. After meeting the famous furry residents, enjoy a Gondola Getaway together through the canals of Naples. Further down the coast in Huntington Beach, you’ll find Huntington Dog Beach, a beloved destination for four-legged beach bums. More active water dogs might want to try their paw at surfing with a class from Good Kharma Surf Instruction. Refuel afterward with a burger at Woody's Diner.
Keep the beach vibes going with a reservation at Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort.
You Made It!
San Diego is the last stop before the California Coastal Trail comes to an end just north of the Mexican border. Keep the coastal fun going at The Original Dog Beach, arguably the most famous canine hangout in the state. Providing off-leash fun along a huge stretch of sand, this beach is a must-visit. Follow it up with a trip to nearby Fiesta Island Park for a romp along the coastal trails together. Next to the bay, you can see the iconic sculpture of the Unconditional Surrender at Tuna Harbor Park. Reenact the famous image with Fido jumping into your arms and follow it up with a toast to an awesome trip at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station.
Enjoy breakfast on the balcony as you bid farewell to the CCT at this gorgeous beach house near the ocean.