Sonoma County Regional Parks maintains six public access trails throughout The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala along the dramatic Sonoma Coast. The Pebble Beach Coastal Access Trail is the most popular of these routes—a short 0.27-mile path that cuts through fragrant Monterey pine forest before opening onto the bluffs above the Pacific.

The trailhead parking areas sit right off Highway 1, making this an easy stop if you’re driving the coast. Once you’re on the path, you’ll move through a mix of coastal scrub and wind-sculpted trees, with the ocean views building as you get closer to the bluffs. The actual pebble beach below is where things get interesting—the cove has that mix of smooth rocks and sand that gives the spot its name, and the setting feels removed from the busy highway just behind you.

Your dog will have room to explore, though you’re moving on a defined trail rather than having open run of the place. The bluff-top meadows along the way show seasonal wildflowers, and on clear days you can see pretty far down the coast. It’s the kind of walk where you can go at your own pace—people do it as a quick 15-minute stroll or linger longer taking in the scenery.

The trail works year-round, though winter storms can make the bluff views especially dramatic (and windy). Summer brings the calmest conditions and the most other visitors. Parking can fill up on nice weekends, so arriving early or going on a weekday gives you a better shot at a spot. Bring water for your dog since there’s nothing available on the trail itself, and keep an eye on the tide if you’re interested in heading down to the actual beach.