The BREAKDOWN: 5 Best Dog-friendly Beaches in Santa Cruz
Hello from Bri Steel, Broker/Realtor® & Owner of Live Love Santa Cruz!
As a person who treasures each moment I spend with my two adorable dogs, I can attest for the pure joy of exploring the breathtaking Santa Cruz coastline with my furry companions. We view going to dog-friendly beaches as more than simply a pastime; it's an opportunity to create treasured memories with our four-legged family members. Here's my personal list of the top 5 dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz, each boasting its own unique charm and amenities.
So pack some treats and prepare yourself and your furry friends for an exciting journey along Santa Cruz's sun-kissed coastline. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on these paw-some destinations.
Located just west of the famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Mitchell’s Cove Beach is a hidden gem perfect for a peaceful stroll with your pup. This beach welcomes leashed dogs year-round, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
Additionally, dogs can be off-leash during designated hours before 10 AM and after 4 PM daily. This is a fantastic chance for you and your furry buddies to make lifelong memories while enjoying the freedom during these specified hours. Dogs are able to explore, play, and enjoy the sun and waves, all of which contribute to their overall wellbeing.
📍 Just North of Lighthouse Point and Steamer Lane on West Cliff Drive - Santa Cruz CA
Seabright State Beach, located between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, is a popular destination for dog owners, sunbathers, sunset enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors may enjoy traditional summertime activities like toasting marshmallows around fire rings or touring the adjacent Walton Lighthouse on its half-mile of sandy shoreline. During the summer, the beach provides lifeguard services, bathrooms, outdoor showers, and a mild temperature.
What's more, bringing your dog along couldn't be easier – they're welcome on leashes, and with free parking conveniently located nearby, there's no hassle involved. So capture unforgettable moments with your pup against picturesque backdrops perfect for photoshoots. Plus, don't miss Wednesday night sailboat racing at Seabright for an extra dose of excitement!
📍 East Cliff Drive at Seabright Avenue - Santa Cruz CA
Manresa State Beach was acquired by the park system in 1948. This long stretch of sand beach in Watsonville is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing and surf fishing. Pets are welcome, however for the duration of your visit, please keep them on a leash.
Enjoy meals at picnic tables perched on cliffs, take in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains, and observe wildlife including snowy plovers and marine animals like otters, whales, and dolphins. With sixty walk-in camping spots available, it's a popular hangout for nature enthusiasts and their four-legged friends.
📍 1445 San Andreas Road, Watsonville CA
New Brighton State Beach Campground is just four miles from Santa Cruz in Capitola and offers year-round beach access and coastal views. With 114 sites for tents and RVs, equipped with picnic tables, food lockers, and fire grills, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Seacliff State Beach has the SS Palo Alto wreckage and gives chances to see marine life. The campground's visitor center provides information about the history of the area, and on weekends, campfire gatherings and Junior Guards activities are held.
Dogs are welcome on leash, and fishing from the pier is allowed without a license, with Department of Fish and Wildlife limits. This is one of the best places to create lasting memories with our beloved furry friends since there’s a lot of things to do here.
📍 1500 Park Avenue, Capitola CA
Last but certainly not least, Twin Lakes State Beach beckons with its relaxing atmosphere and panoramic ocean views. You may enjoy the sun and salty breeze with your four-legged buddy by your side at this dog-friendly beach, which accepts leashed pets all year round.
Although off-leash adventures are not permitted here, the serene ambiance and breathtaking scenery provide for the perfect background for treasured memories with your canine family member. So remember to take a photo of you and your pup!
📍 East Cliff Drive at 7th Avenue - Santa Cruz CA
And there you have it - my personal recommendations for the best dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz. So prep your pup, bring some treats, grab your beach essentials, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure along the beautiful coastline!
At Live Love Santa Cruz we bring a fresh and innovative “boutique” approach to real estate in the Santa Cruz area. In the process, we make dreams come true.
Looking to sell? We will make your home SHINE. Listings like ours that are beautifully presented and professionally inspected sell faster and for more money.
Looking to buy? We help our clients write offers that WIN. We are competitors at heart and negotiators at work. We get results.
Call or email us to set up an appointment with our broker and owner, Bri Steel.
Bri Steel
Broker/Realtor® + Owner
Live Love Santa Cruz
831.200.6338
bri@livelovesantacruz.com
Bri Steel at the Live Love Santa Cruz office with her two mini Aussies Kiwi and Fiji.
