Swimming
Esplanade Beach: This beach is operated by the City of Pacifica and is closed until further notice. The stairs to the beach was washed out during a recent storm and there are currently no plans to replace them. Visit the City of Pacifica’s website, www.cityofpacifica.org, or call (650) 738-7381 for updated information.
Hiking (Off Leash)
Pulgas Ridge Open Space: More than seventeen acres of this 293-acre preserve have been designated as an off-leash recreation area. Check with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s website, www.openspace.org, or call (650) 691-1200 for more details.
Hiking (On Leash)
Milagra Ridge (GGNRA land): Enter on Sharpe Park Road in Pacifica between Highway One and Skyline Blvd, and follow the trail to the top of the hill for a terrific view of the Pacific Ocean. The hillsides are covered with ice plant and Monterey Pines, and dogs and humans must stay on trails that are bound by cables and fences to protect the rare Mission Blue butterfly’s habitat.
Sweeny Ridge (GGNRA land): You and your dog can access Sweeny Ridge from the end of Sneath Lane. Parking is available in a small, designated lot. While often very cool and foggy, on a clear day you will enjoy a great view of Crystal Springs Reservoir and a panoramic view of the Bay Area that includes Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo.
Thornewood Open Space Preserve: Located off of Highway 84, this 141-acre preserve is a good place to walk your dog on leash through woodland areas. Please don’t let your dog go swimming in Schilling Pond as swans and dogs don’t mix well.
Windy Hill Open Space Preserve: This huge preserve has more than three miles of trails you can enjoy with your dog on leash. Be careful of the foxtails that seem to stay all year round, and ring lots of water during the hot summer and fall months. You can access this area by parking at the lot off of Highway 35.
Coal Creek Open Space Preserve: There are five miles of trails through dense oak and madrone forests that will keep you and your dog cool during the hot summer months. There are two entry points along Skyline Boulevard for this preserve; visit www.openspace.org for more details.