Dog-friendly road trip: Highway 1 and Santa Cruz

Dog and people running on the beach in Santa Cruz

Photo by Visit Santa Cruz.

It’s no secret that California Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) is considered one of the most scenic routes in the country. Read more.

Dog daze of summer!

Photo by Gabriella Clare Marino.

Use DogTrekker.com to finds beach websites, park phone numbers and directions.

Best dog-friendly hikes in Santa Cruz County

Photo by Stephen Leonardi.

Henry Cowell is a must. Locals and visitors alike love the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Henry Cowell has it all. For hikes with the pup, use the main park entrance off Highway 9 and access the Pipeline Trail. Read more.

Enchanted dog-friendly hiking in Santa Cruz

If you’re traveling down the coast, Santa Cruz County is a natural stop-over spot. And Byrne-Milliron Forest is a must-do with your canine companion. Yes, the views are great, but what sets this Land Trust of Santa Cruz County property apart are the sculptures and other works of art scattered about the trail. You’ll see sprites, goddesses and other smile-inducing installations as you walk. Read more.

Hideaway finds in the Santa Cruz mountains

If you appreciate all things organic, mark your calendar for Saturdays and Sundays in September, when the Organic Wine Trail of the Santa Cruz Mountains showcases certified organic vineyards and practices. Of eight member wineries, four have tasting rooms (three of them dog-friendly) with regular weekend hours, while the others are appointment-only. Read more.