Pelican Bluffs Preserve and Coastal Trail sits on 73 acres just south of Point Arena, where you get dramatic white cliffs dropping down to the ocean and a Bishop pine forest that feels genuinely remote despite being right there on the Mendocino coast. The trails wind through a working landscape where endangered Point Arena Mountain Beavers live, along with rare plants you won’t see elsewhere, which makes walking here feel like you’re actually in something special rather than just another coastal park.

Dogs need to be leashed, but the trails are wide enough that your dog won’t feel cramped. The coastal views are legitimately stunning—you’re up on those white cliffs looking straight out at the water, and on clear days you can see for miles. There’s a creek running through the preserve too, so depending on the season and which trail you choose, you might get some shade and water sounds mixed in with the ocean backdrop.

The hikes range from short and easy to more involved, so you can calibrate based on what your dog handles well. A lot of people come for the ridgeline trails that hug the bluffs—those give you that constant view without needing to be in peak hiking shape. The Bishop pine forest section offers a complete change of scenery, cooler and quieter, which is nice if it’s a hot day or you want to break up the walk.

Parking is limited and can fill up on weekends, so getting there early matters. The preserve is managed by the Mendocino Land Trust, and they maintain pretty good trail conditions. Bring water for your dog since the preserve is fairly exposed on the bluff sections, and the shade under the pines doesn’t cover the whole route.