Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is one of those places where you can actually ride a steam train through old-growth redwoods with your dog alongside you, which is pretty rare. The narrow-gauge tracks wind through second-growth forest with those impressive wooden trestles overhead—it’s genuinely beautiful, especially if you go when the light filters through the canopy.

Most people take the Bear Mountain route, which ends at a picnic area where you can get off and eat lunch with your dog. There’s nothing fancy about it, but that’s kind of the point. You’re sitting in the shade of big trees with fresh air and your dog can stretch after being on the train. Pack your own food and water since options are sparse up there.

The Beach Train is another option that follows the San Lorenzo River all the way down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It’s a pleasant ride for dogs—they’ll be on the train the whole time, so no walking required. Just keep in mind that while dogs ride fine, they can’t actually enter the amusement park at the boardwalk, so this works best if you’re just looking for a scenic trip.

Roaring Camp runs special events throughout the year—Halloween trains, Christmas events, that kind of thing—and these can be fun, though you’ll want to confirm ahead of time what the specific pet policies are for any special event you’re interested in. Peak season and certain themed rides sometimes have different rules.

The whole operation has real history to it. These tracks used to haul redwoods out of the forest back in logging days, so there’s actual substance here beyond just being a tourist attraction. Your dog will probably enjoy the novelty of the train itself—the sounds, the motion, the smell of the steam engine. Just bring a towel or blanket to sit on if you want to keep your dog from getting soot on you during the ride.