Family rail odyssey, Santa Cruz

Family Rail Odyssey, Santa Cruz – Dec. 1-2 & 8-9 Put your dog on a leash and your kids in their festive best for Dec. 1-2 or 8-9 ride on Roaring Camp Railroad’s daytime steam train to Bear Mountain. Read more.

It’s a dog’s life in santa cruz wine country

Dog and person on surfboard in Santa Cruz

Oh, the carefree life of a winery dog. It ranks high on our list of reincarnation fantasies. Yet in Santa Cruz County, which is home to over a dozen dog-friendly wineries, you needn't wait until the next go-round to enjoy a breezy life of leisure. Read more.

Mitchell’s Cove, Santa Cruz County

Dog and person at Mitchell's Cove in Santa Cruz County

• Mitchell’s Cove, Santa Cruz County. This pretty city beach just off West Cliff Drive allows leashed dogs at any time, while leash-free romping is permitted between sunrise and 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to sunset.

Swirl, sip and savor at Santa Cruz’s dog-friendly wineries

Dog next to Sant Cruz Dog-friendly winery sign

First-time visitors to Santa Cruz County usually have beaches in mind. But once they discover wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, one of the oldest in the state and known primarily for pinot noir and chardonnay, they’ll be herding their four-legged buddies into some of the dozens upon dozens of winery tasting rooms sprinkled throughout the county. DogTrekker.com has rounded many of them up in a wine-trail itinerary heading north to south on Highway 1. Read more.

Santa Cruz County’s offbeat bounty

Dog in front of Land of Medicine Buddha in Santa Cruz County

So you’ve been there, done that in Santa Cruz County, and now it’s time for something new. If you’re of a contemplative turn of mind, Land of Medicine Buddha, a privately owned “center for healing and developing a good heart” in Soquel, is sure to enchant and delight. While its focus is on group and personal retreats, the active Buddhist community welcomes pet owners to enjoy its scenic hiking trails ($5 donation requested; no public access on Saturdays). Read more.