Set the scene in Santa Cruz County

An exuberant canine, outfitted in a jazzy tropical shirt, lounges delightfully in front of a nostalgically designed vintage car. Ideal for pet owners looking for fun and unique activities to enjoy with their dogs. - Dogtrekker

Wilder keeping it super cool in Santa Cruz. Photo by Celeste Cesena.

Just a short hop south of the Bay Area, Santa Cruz County is diverse and exceedingly dog-friendly. Read more.

Cruise control in Santa Cruz wine country

Dog by wine barrel in Santa Cruz wine country

The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, known primarily for producing pinot noir and chardonnay, is one of the oldest in the state. Close to 100 wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled in nooks and crannies throughout Santa Cruz County, and dogs are welcome at many of them. DogTrekker.com has created a designated wine trail as you drive in on Highway 1 from the north. Read more.

Off-leash beaches for chasing waves

Three off-leash dogs frolicking at the beach.

For water-loving canines, nothing beats fetching a bright yellow tennis ball from the surf and romping full speed ahead on a sandy beach. But while there’s plenty of sand to share with your leashed pup along California’s 840 miles of coastline, you should know before you go where dogs are and aren’t allowed to run off-leash. Here are a few of our favorite off-leash beaches.

Have dog, will travel to santa cruz

Have dog, will travel. And you know a great place that you and your four-legged friend will love? Santa Cruz! From dog-friendly beaches and redwood hikes to restaurants and resorts, Santa Cruz County has a ton to offer for people and their pets. Find out more about the best places to visit in Santa Cruz County with your pooch! Read more.

Santa cruz: as much about wine as beaches

Photo credit: Richard Masoner/Cyclelicious (CC) For many visitors, Santa Cruz County is as much about wine as it is about beaches. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, known for a cool climate that produces superior pinot noir, is one of the oldest in the state. More than 70 wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled through the county’s hills and towns, and dogs are welcome at dozens of them. The foothills outside Soquel are a good place to center a visit. At Hunter Hill, high above town, you’ll sip wine at a redwood bar while enjoying views overlooking the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. With Poetic Cellars, on 33 redwood-studded acres, comes a romantic theme supplemented by ocean views. Near the coastal enclave of Aptos, Nicholson Vineyards is relaxed, dog-friendly and unusual in that the rustic tasting room is right in the middle of the vineyard. Alfaro Family Vineyards, in the Corralitos area, likewise has a super-relaxed vibe—plus it’s not far from Corralitos Market and Sausage Company, a regionally famous deli and great spot for lunch. Read more.