Central Coast
Head out on The Original Road Trip and explore California’s Central Coast—350 miles of the world's most dramatic coastline. This incomparable region stretches from
Santa Cruz County, south of the San Francisco Bay Area, to Ventura County just north of Los Angeles. Along the way, you'll pass through Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Rosie at Storrs Winery in Corralitos. Photo by Visit Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County is synonymous with sand and surf, but the county has an impressive variety of other gorgeous landscapes, too. Cruise inland for sprawling redwood forests, dozens of mountain wineries, and nearly that many microclimates. Out here, you and your canine companion can sip and chill, with wine for you and water for your pup. The highly regarded Santa Cruz Mountains appellation is one of California’s oldest.
Check out some of our favorite dog-friendly wineries while you’re in the area. more »
Maya heads into the surf at Sunny Cove Beach. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
If you and your pup don't live on the coast, you probably crave some surf and sand from time to time. Start at Mitchell's Cove, the number one dog beach in Santa Cruz. It's the first strand up the coast from the lighthouse on West Cliff Drive, where you can walk for miles with your leashed dog. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) along the Santa Cruz County coastline for 29 more miles of beautiful beachfront, including 15 beaches that welcome pups.
Here’s your complete guide to the region’s dog-friendly beach scene. more »
Henri at Four Points Sheraton. Photo by Visit Santa Cruz County.
Tucked conveniently close to towering redwoods and coastal adventures, Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a welcoming favorite among four-legged guests and the humans who follow. From here, it’s a short trip to the Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can ride the rails with your pooch. Or, head over to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and West Glenwood Open Space Preserve for paw-friendly hiking trails.
After a full day of activities in Scotts Valley, swing by 5030 Restaurant & Lounge for California small plates and pints brewed just down the road. Looking for other overnight options? Here are a few more of Santa Cruz County’s best dog-friendly hotels. more »
Photo by Beachcomber Hotel Group.
The Beachcomber’s neighbor, Surf & Sand Lodge, promises laid-back luxury set to a soundtrack of crashing waves. The property offers accommodations with fireplaces, private balconies, Pacific views and plenty of room to stretch your legs.
Like all Beachcomber Hotel Group properties, Surf & Sand Lodge has earned the California Hotel & Lodging Association’s Clean + Safe certification for its health and safety measures. more »
Photo by Beachcomber Hotel Group.
Tucked above Pudding Creek Beach on a scenic stretch of California’s North Coast, the Beachcomber Motel is a true blufftop gem.
The budget-friendly, pooch-friendly property features spa services, beach cruiser rentals, outdoor firepits, kitchenettes in select rooms, and custom pet suites that open directly onto the property’s Beachcomber Dog Park. Expect a laid-back atmosphere, just minutes from downtown Fort Bragg and surrounding attractions. more »