STORIES ADOPT A DOG

Dogtrekkers go Santa Cruz-in’

By: DogTrekker Staff
Australian Shepherd in a blue tropical shirt sits on pavement by a green vintage van, mouth open and tongue out.
Wilder keeping it super cool in Santa Cruz. Photo by Celeste Cesena.
Happy dog in surf at beach
Photo by Jennifer Garcia.

Santa Cruz County, located on California’s Central Coast, 65 miles south of San Francisco and 35 miles north of Monterey, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, famous Beach Boardwalk amusement park, redwoods, and eclectic community.

Now more than ever this diverse coastal county is opening its doors to our four-legged companions. Whether it’s a day at the beach, an afternoon sipping wine with your pup by your side or a hike through the redwoods, we’ve searched out all that Santa Cruz County has to offer to its canine visitors.

With 18 dog-friendly beaches, a half dozen off-leash dog parks, a variety of dog-friendly lodging and dining options, acres of dog-friendly hiking trails; let’s not leave out the 10 plus wineries welcoming your furry pals, Santa Cruz County is tail-waggin’ wonderful!

 
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

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A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

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