After summer crowds thin out, California's Central Coast is ideal for a dog-friendly getaway. From Santa Cruz cottage rentals and KOA campgrounds to retro motels in Pacific Grove and cabin-style inns in Carmel, options abound for you and your pup.
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The Santa Cruz SPCA opened a modern facility in 2020 with spacious animal habitats, indoor and outdoor play areas, and rooms for community programs. The shelter also offers pet food assistance, youth education, and training resources for new pet owners.
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Santa Cruz County keeps getting more dog-friendly. Dogs can now hike a 7-mile route at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, romp at Ozzi Memorial Dog Park near Capitola, and hang out at the Heart of Soquel Park.
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Santa Cruz County's fog-kissed climate produces excellent pinot noir and chardonnay, and many wineries welcome dogs. Follow DogTrekker's wine trail itinerary or visit Alfaro and Nicholson on the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic wines and relaxed patio tasting.
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Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches. Walk West Cliff Drive's coastal path, explore Seabright and Davenport beaches on-leash, and choose from dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, inns, and cottages for your stay.
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Santa Cruz County is home to more than 100 wineries, and many welcome dogs in their tasting rooms. From Bonny Doon Vineyard in Davenport to the Surf City Vintners collective, it is a great Highway 1 wine tour.
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Just seven miles from Santa Cruz, Felton offers dog-friendly steam train rides through redwoods at Roaring Camp Railroads, trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the quirky Bigfoot Discovery Museum.
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Looking for something offbeat in Santa Cruz County? Walk meditation trails at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, hike through 300 acres of redwood forest at Chaminade Resort, or refuel at Dharma's vegetarian restaurant. Dogs are welcome at all three.
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Santa Cruz County 29-mile coastline has 15 dog-friendly beaches, from Seabright and Manresa to Davenport and Lighthouse Field. Add a stroll along West Cliff Drive and dog-welcoming hotels for a full coastal getaway.
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South of San Francisco, spring turns the hills green and the trails inviting. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers 17 acres of off-leash fun, while the Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop near Morgan Hill delivers waterfalls, footbridges and lush scenery.
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San Mateo County's GGNRA lands offer scenic coastal walks with your dog, from the dramatic headlands at Mori Point in Pacifica to the sweeping ridgeline views atop Sweeney Ridge. Both on-leash and off-leash areas remain open under current rules.
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Santa Cruz County pairs gorgeous coastline with a growing wine scene, and many tasting rooms welcome dogs. Follow the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic pinots, visit MJA Vineyard, or stop at Bonny Doon on a scenic Highway 1 cruise.
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