The Edgewater Beach Inn and Suites sits on Beach Hill in Santa Cruz with direct views across the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It’s one of the few hotels in town that genuinely welcomes dogs without making you feel like you’re bending the rules. The rooms are straightforward and clean — nothing fancy, but they have what you need after a day outside: decent beds, decent showers, a place to rinse sand off your dog without stress.

The location is the real draw here. You’re literally steps from Santa Cruz beaches where dogs can actually run around, which is rare in this town. West Cliff Drive runs right past the hotel, and that’s your ticket to miles of coastal walking. My dog loved the path — it hugs the cliffs, you get ocean air the whole way, and there are benches if you want to just sit and watch the water. The redwood trails in the nearby mountains are about 15 minutes away if you want something more shaded and forested.

The courtyard and patio areas give you and your dog somewhere to decompress between outings. It’s nice to have that space, especially if the weather turns and you need a break from exploring. Santa Cruz has a decent number of dog-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, so you’re not limited to eating in your room.

The inn’s website has details about their dog policies — what they allow, any fees, what amenities they have on hand — so check that before booking to know exactly what you’re working with. The staff can also point you toward spots that work well for dogs, which saved me from wandering around trying to figure out where to take my dog for dinner.

If you’re using Santa Cruz as a base for exploring the coast and nearby parks, this is a solid choice. You won’t be paying premium prices, and your dog actually gets to enjoy most of the reason you came here in the first place.

Edgewater Beach Inn is the walk-to-the-wharf pick in our Bay Area two-hour spring getaways guide — the simpler Santa Cruz dog-friendly option right by the beach and the pier.