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Santa Cruz Blog

Santa Cruz Blog

Santa Cruz Blog

Cruz your way to a wine heaven

Santa Cruz County is home to more than 70 small-production wineries and tasting rooms, many of them dog-friendly. Follow the Organic Wine Trail or the Corralitos Wine Trail for a relaxed afternoon of sipping with your pup at your side.

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There are many ways to camp

Not a tent person? California glamping has you covered, from safari-style canvas tents at Inn Town Campground in Nevada City to Airstreams at AutoCamp near Yosemite, the Russian River, and Santa Barbara. Many welcome dogs.

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Silicon Valley through a DogTrekker lens

Silicon Valley hides a wine region in plain sight. The Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail links 34 family-owned wineries near Gilroy, many welcoming dogs. At Kirigin Cellars, bring a tennis ball for fetch between tastings.

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Cruz the mountain wine roads with your pup

Santa Cruz County's mountain wineries offer far more than a beach-town reputation suggests. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation and Corralitos Wine Trail feature a dozen dog-friendly wineries along winding roads, pouring pinot noirs and chardonnays kissed by coastal fog.

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Best dog-friendly hikes in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County is packed with dog-friendly hikes. Walk through redwoods along the Pipeline Trail at Henry Cowell, find a hidden koi pond at Pogonip Open Space, or hop aboard the Roaring Camp steam train with your well-behaved pup.

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Enchanted dog-friendly hiking in Santa Cruz

Byrne-Milliron Forest in Santa Cruz County combines hiking with outdoor art, featuring sculptures of sprites and goddesses along the trails. Dogs with solid recall can go off-leash, and nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods and Nisene Marks offer even more trail options.

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Linger longer at a patio table with your pup

Santa Cruz serves up dog-friendly patio dining with ocean views and cozy outdoor heaters. Try the Crow's Nest Beach Market on the harbor, grab a Spicy Cowboy at colorful Snap Taco downtown, or find your own favorite along the coast.

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Redwoods, railroads, beaches and more

Santa Cruz County delivers 29 miles of coastline with 15 dog-friendly beaches. Start at Mitchell Cove, the top dog beach, then cruise Highway 1 for more sandy stops. Head inland to Henry Cowell Redwoods for a steam train ride.

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Paws and pillows

Santa Cruz has dog-friendly hotels for every budget. The boutique Hotel Paradox is steps from downtown, Chaminade Resort offers on-site trails and dog menus, and Ocean Echo Inn puts you blocks from the beach. All welcome your four-legged travel companion.

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Waves away with your dog on the Central Coast

California's Central Coast is loaded with dog-friendly cabin and cottage lodging, from Santa Cruz and Monterey to Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Here are favorite retreats for you and your pup along this scenic stretch of coastline.

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Hideaway finds in the Santa Cruz mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to certified organic vineyards and dog-friendly tasting rooms with stunning views. From Cooper-Garrod above Saratoga to Alfaro near the coast, you and your pup can sip and savor all year long.

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