Things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz County

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

When it comes to things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz County, there’s the obvious (beaches, wineries), and the not-so-obvious—like Byrne-Milliron Forest, a 400-acre Land Trust of Santa Cruz County property managed as a working forest and laced with dog-friendly trails (off-leash hiking for dogs with reliable recall is allowed). Read more.

Hang your hat—and leash

Rio Del Mar State Beach. Photo Credit: Phil King (CC) Variety is the name of the game when it comes to dog-friendly lodging in Santa Cruz County. Many DogTrekkers appreciate the spread-out comfort and conveniences (including a kitchen) that come with a vacation rental home, dozens of which can be found in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos and other coastal communities. Those who’d rather be pampered to the max have options such as Chaminade Resort & Spa, a four-diamond, 156-room property on 300 mountaintop acres overlooking Monterey Bay. Not only are guest rooms dog-friendly; so is the “pooch patio” at Linwood’s Bar & Grill, which boasts a doggie menu featuring “yappetizers,” “faux paw entrees” and “doggie drinks.” Too over the top? Get down to earth at the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA, where Bowser can lodge in your cabin or campsite and two-legged kids can enjoy a heated pool, campfire circle, excursion-train rides, miniature golf and a bounce house. Read more.

Keep Santa Cruz woofy

Woofy, a golden retriever, stands alert on the sandy beach of Santa Cruz. The sand is marked by footprints that weave around him.

Dog on Santa Cruz Beach. Photo: Don DeBold (CC) The bumper stickers read “Keep Santa Cruz Weird,” but DogTrekkers visiting this diverse coastal county might prefer to just keep it tail-waggingly wonderful. And with 29 miles of beaches studding its crenelated shoreline, Santa Cruz County has plenty of room for dogs and people to spread out. Fifteen coastal beaches are dog-friendly, and one, Mitchell’s Cove, is legally leash-free before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Read more.

Hidden gems in Santa Cruz

Two people sit on benches in Santa Cruz, gazing out at the lush, expansive landscape. The scene unfolds before them: scenic hills roll gently into a secluded valley below. In the foreground, their two dogs rest contentedly on the grass. Under a clear, sunny sky, the vibrant greenery and tranquil setting offer an idyllic backdrop for this serene moment shared with their canine companions.

Photo by Susan.

Enjoying the beautiful view. Photo by Susan Dog-friendly (and off-leash) hiking can be hard to come by in Santa Cruz, so Susan and her best friend Roobin were thrilled to discover Byrne-Milliron Forest. Miles of off-leash hiking trails, awesome giant redwoods, eye-popping vista points complete with rustic lounge chairs, picnic tables, water stations for dogs and humans and other amusing and quirky amenities.

Cruising with Cosmo in Santa Cruz County

A person dressed in black pants walks along the sandy stretch of Mitchell’s Cove, one of Santa Cruz’s scenic beaches. Their bare feet sink slightly into the sand with every step. Beside them, a small brown dog trots along, secured by a snug harness. The gentle sound of waves meeting the shore creates a calming atmosphere for this peaceful seaside walk.

On the pier at Seacliff State Beach With 29 miles of beaches studding its extensive coastline, Santa Cruz County has plenty of room for DogTrekkers. Not all strands are dog-friendly, and all but one of those that are require four-legged visitors to be leashed. But don’t let that turn you off or away: the scenery is stunning and the county is so dog-friendly in other ways that you and your tail-wagger won’t have trouble finding ways to enjoy a fall getaway. Santa Cruz city officials, who two years ago lifted a ban on dogs downtown, are now dithering about dog policies at area beaches. Meanwhile, visitors who long to get some sand underfoot can stick to the tried and true. Read more.