Santa Cruz: waves, wine and wilderness—plus woof, of course!

Dog running along a Santa Cruz County beach

Summer is here! What better way to celebrate than by hitting “cruz” control and having some fun? Load up your pup and visit sunny Santa Cruz County, the coastal destination with all kinds of adventures for you and your furry best friend. From running through the surf on a sun-streaked beach to chilling out at a local winery or brewery, and from hiking in the redwoods to dining on a pet-passionate restaurant patio, Santa Cruz County has it all. Best of all, you could win a Let’s Cruz DogCation® getaway! Explore our favorite dog-friendly destinations in Santa Cruz County: Win a Let’s Cruz DogCation! Your home base for fun Sun, sand and tail-waggin' good times Mountain wineries that lead the pack Read more.

Your home base for fun

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. Read more.

Walk, wag and wine taste through Santa Cruz County history

DogTrekkers tell us they like to look through the destinations we cover through a historical lens, and Santa Cruz County has it all. From the impeccably restored 19th century Victorians to old lime kilns that helped build San Francisco, Santa Cruz County has many unique and historical treasures waiting to be discovered, enjoyed, and sniffed – sniffed? Yes! Bring the pup along as you walk, wag, wine taste, and more through Santa Cruz County history. Here are some historic destinations for you and your dog to explore: Take a walk in the historical downtown district Hike to the lime kilns at Pogonip All aboard a historic train through the redwoods Wine taste at a historic winery Other historical points of interest Read more.