Dog on beach in Santa Cruz, at dog-friendly beach

Santa Cruz is bursting with fun, family-friendly parks and gorgeous beaches. Not only can you enjoy these terrific outdoor spaces, but your four-legged best-friend can too! Here’s a handy list of dog-friendly parks and beaches that are pawsitively great for the whole family!

Dog-Friendly Beaches In Santa Cruz

Feel the sand between your paws and toes.

Lighthouse Field State Beach / It’s Beach – On Leash : Beautiful sand and rocky bluffs greet the Pacific Ocean. Open from 7 am – sunset every day. Relax or take Fido for a run along the waterfront.

Mitchell’s Cove Beach – On Leash and Off Leash : Mitchell’s Cove Beach is one of the best places in Santa Cruz for dogs to run free! The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and dogs are only required to be on leashes between 10 am and 4 pm. Remember to bring a ball or Frisbee because there’s plenty of room for fun.

Seabright State Beach – On Leash : Another beautiful sandy beach conveniently located near the Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor. Light a fire in one of the park’s fire rings and watch the sunset with your best friend. Park is open every day from 6 am until 10 pm.

Twin Lakes State Beach – On Leash : This is hands down one of Santa Cruz’s most scenic beaches and perfectly located near excellent cafés and restaurants. Grab your food to-go and enjoy a seaside stroll in the squishy sand.

Off-Leash Dog Parks and Dog-Friendly Parks in Santa Cruz:

Moran Lake Park – On Leash : Go for a sunny, weekend run in this 9.2-acre regional park, featuring hiking trails, surfing, picnicking, and fishing. Open from sunrise to sunset every day.

Santa Cruz County Dog Parks – On Leash : All Santa Cruz County Parks require you to keep your dog on a leash at all times, unless in the designated Dog Parks.

West Cliff Drive – On-Leash : West Cliff drive is the perfect locale for fitness fanatics and high-energy hounds. It includes amazing ocean vistas along a three-mile path, perfect for walking and biking. This area is a Santa Cruz surfer’s paradise, attracting some of the best talents along the west coast. There’s also a ton of attraction you can check out along the way!

Designated Off-Leash Dog Parks

  • Grant Street Park
  • Pacheco Park
  • Frederick Street Park
  • Grant Street Park
  • DeLaveaga Park
  • University Terrace Park and Dog Run
  • Ocean View Park

Santa Cruz Dog Resources

City of Santa Cruz Where Can I Take My Dog?A comprehensive guide to pet-friendly on and off-leash areas in the county and their locations.

Santa cruz County Parks Santa cruz County Dog Owners Guide to enjoying parks of Santa Cruz County.

Posted by Lauren Spencer on
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