Seacliff State Beach in Aptos is worth the drive mainly for one thing: the SS Palo Alto, a concrete ship that ran aground in 1930 and now sits at the end of the pier like some kind of maritime time capsule. Walking out to see it with your dog is genuinely interesting, and the pier itself is sturdy enough for a comfortable stroll even when you’ve got a nervous dog on leash.

The beach itself spreads out wide and sandy, and dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash no longer than six feet. The water’s cold—this is Northern California after all—so unless your dog is a serious swimmer, they’ll probably just wade around the edges while you walk the shoreline. The salty air and new smells keep most dogs entertained enough, and there’s something about the rhythm of the waves that makes the whole experience feel appropriately calm.

Picnic tables are scattered throughout, so you can actually sit down with food and water while your dog rests in the sand beside you. The views of Monterey Bay are genuinely nice, especially on clearer days when you can see across the water. There’s also a visitor center on-site with information about local marine life and the beach’s history if you want to take a break from walking and learn something.

The trails around the bluffs offer more exploration beyond just the beach itself. They’re good for mixing up your route if you visit more than once. Bring extra water for your dog since the beach doesn’t really offer shade, and the sand gets hot. Pack waste bags—the beach has bins but it’s good to be prepared. Check in about any seasonal changes to the pet policy before you go, since beach regulations can shift. It’s a solid half-day destination, especially if you want to combine the beach walk with lunch at one of the restaurants in downtown Aptos.