The Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail hugs the Bodega Bay coastline with a steep half-mile descent that rewards you and your dog with views of hidden coves and dramatic rock formations rising from the water. The walk down takes you through coastal scrub and ice plant, and the beach at the end is genuinely quieter than other nearby spots—you’ll often have it mostly to yourselves.

Dogs need to stay on a six-foot leash, which gives them room to investigate tide pools and sniff along the shoreline without wandering into trouble. The sand here is darker and more compact than some Northern California beaches, good for easy walking. If you want more of a workout, there’s a moderate to strenuous 1.9-mile loop option that climbs back up through different terrain.

The trailhead has two parking areas—Pinnacle Gulch itself and Shorttail Gulch nearby—so you’ve got options depending on how you want to approach the hike. A parking fee applies, which is standard for this stretch of the Sonoma Coast. There are no restrooms or water fountains on-site, so bring what you need. The trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

One thing to keep in mind: the trail can be muddy after rain, and the descent is steep enough that you’ll feel it in your legs coming back up, especially if you’re not regularly doing elevation gain. The wind can also pick up significantly once you’re down at beach level, even when it’s calm up top. Bring water for both of you and maybe a jacket. If you’re visiting during pupping season or when harbor seals are hauled out on the rocks, keep a respectful distance and stick to your side of the beach.