Bookshop Santa Cruz, located in the heart of downtown near Pacific Avenue, is a cherished independent bookshop that’s been serving the community since 1966. The Coonerty family owns it, with Ryan Coonerty—a former mayor and current city councilman—leading the operation. What makes it particularly welcoming for people with dogs is that it’s situated in downtown Santa Cruz, where local initiatives have made dogs welcome on the streets and in many businesses.

When you walk in with your dog, you’ll find a genuinely relaxed atmosphere. Dogs can wander the aisles at your side or settle near your feet while you browse through the shelves. The space has that classic independent bookshop feel—the scent of paper and ink, narrow aisles packed with everything from new releases to classics, and the kind of selection you don’t find in chain stores. Your dog will likely encounter other customers doing the same thing, so it’s a casual, unstressed environment where nobody’s going to fuss about a well-behaved dog being there.

The bookshop also hosts regular events like author readings and book signings throughout the year. These tend to be pretty relaxed affairs where people bring their dogs without issue, though you might want to check what’s scheduled before showing up with yours—some events might draw larger crowds.

The location itself is convenient. You’re right in downtown, so after you’ve picked out your books, there are several nearby spots to hang out. The Santa Cruz Wharf and beach are within walking distance if you want to continue your outing, and there are other dog-friendly cafes and shops nearby where you can grab coffee or lunch without leaving your dog behind.

The staff is used to seeing dogs come through and generally treats them like any other customer. It’s not a big deal here—just another person with their dog browsing for something good to read.