STORIES ADOPT A DOG

Sun sand, and tail waggin’ good times

By: DogTrekker Staff
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.
Maya heads into the surf at Sunny Cove Beach.
Photo by Dave Kendrick.

If you and your pup don’t live on the coast, you probably crave some surf and sand from time to time. Start at Mitchell’s Cove, the number one dog beach in Santa Cruz.

It’s the first strand up the coast from the lighthouse on West Cliff Drive, where you can walk for miles with your leashed dog. 

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) along the Santa Cruz County coastline for 29 more miles of beautiful beachfront, including 15 beaches that welcome pups. Here’s your complete guide to the region’s dog-friendly beach scene.

 
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.

Pawsh on the mountain: A dog day out at Chaminade Resort

Chaminade Resort & Spa is rolling out the red carpet for Pawsh Retreat, a tail-wagging good time on Sunday, August 24, 2025. From 11 a.m....
Read More

Paw-some events for the dog days of summer

With summer in full swing, pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California. Lucky dogs can join their people for incredible winery events, block parties, baseball...
Read More
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.

Surf and sand in Santa Cruz

California’s original surf town, Santa Cruz is equal parts beachy and woodsy with legendary surf breaks on the coast and
Read More
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.

California coasting with your dog

Summer in California means sandcastles, swimming, shoreline walks, and patio dinners at sunset – all with your dog in tow. As we look ahead to...
Read More
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.

Surf towns and sand on the Central Coast

California’s Central Coast is a sun-splashed adventure hub, especially during the dog days of summer. Start your voyage in
Read More
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.

Pets welcome here: Santa Cruz (video)

From towering redwood groves to the surf-friendly shores of Santa Cruz County, California, see what makes this quintessential beach town so pet-friendly with Pets Welcome...
Read More
SEE MORE STORIES

© 2025 DogTrekker.com