Sun, sand, Santa Cruz

A small dog with a soft coat of black and white fur stands on the wet sand at Santa Cruz, gazing intently at the ocean. The gray clouds above cast a muted light over the scene, while gentle waves lap against the shore. The dog's leash rests on the ground, tracing lines in the sand as water gently sweeps in and retreats.

Harley on a Santa Cruz beach. Photo by Jennifer Martin.

Jennifer M. sent in this fabulous picture of her best friend, Harley, playing on the beach in Santa Cruz. Thanks for sharing Jennifer!

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.

Downtown dogs in Santa Cruz

A black French bulldog stands attentively on a sidewalk. Tiles form the pavement beneath its paws, while a bicycle wheel peeks into view. Its leash is secured by a person wearing jeans and vibrant sneakers. Explore downtown's lively scene with your canine companion at your side.

As we reported last year, the City of Santa Cruz had a longstanding ban on dogs, even the leashed, licensed and well-behaved, from its downtown area, causing painful surprise to many visitors. We're pleased to report that in response not only to the local dog community but merchants who complained that they were tired of losing tourist business to more dog-friendly towns like Carmel, the city government lifted the ban on a trial basis last summer and, when all went well, made the new policy permanent. Read more.

Sun sand, and tail waggin’ good times

A pure white canine proudly standing on a sun-kissed beach, soft sand sinking beneath its paws, with the rhythmic dance of ocean waves playing in the background. Nearby, a figure strolls leisurely along the water's edge, making this an ideal setting for dog-lovers seeking leisurely activities with their pets. - Dogtrekker

Maya heads into the surf at Sunny Cove Beach.
Photo by Dave Kendrick.

If you and your pup don't live on the coast, you probably crave some surf and sand from time to time. Start at Mitchell's Cove, the number one dog beach in Santa Cruz. Read more.