Santa Cruz has several parks where your dog can run off-leash, and honestly, the variety means there’s something for different situations and moods. DeLaveaga Park is one of the biggest draws—a service road leads into the Lower DeLaveaga area, and the trails wind through some really nice scenery. It’s open sunrise to sunset, so you can go early to avoid crowds or later in the day when it’s quieter. Bring water since you’ll be out there for a while.

Frederick Street Park is smaller and more contained, with a split rail fence marking the off-leash area. It’s good if you want something quick and close to town, and you’ll usually run into other regulars there, which is nice if your dog likes socializing. Grant Street Park is another option with a clearly marked off-leash section, though it’s a bit less scenic than DeLaveaga.

Pacheco Dog Park is fully fenced, which some people prefer if their dog doesn’t have rock-solid recall. Mitchell’s Cove Beach is worth a trip if your dog likes water—there’s off-leash time before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., so you get the beach with fewer people around. The sand is soft and the water’s calm compared to some California beaches.

Ocean View Park and University Terrace Park both have designated off-leash areas open sunrise to sunset, though Ocean View has the better views if that matters to you.

A few spots are off-limits: dogs aren’t allowed at the Wharf or Cowell Beach, so skip those. And obviously, keep your dog under control even in off-leash areas and bring bags for cleanup.

The nice thing about Santa Cruz is you’re not stuck going to the same park every time. You can rotate depending on whether you want a long hike, a quick run, or some beach time.