Dog-friendly Santa Cruz: Things to do in Santa Cruz with a dog

With its scenic beaches, redwood trails, and laid-back vibe, dog-friendly Santa Cruz is a great place to explore with your pup. And if you’re looking to stay a little longer, house sitting in Santa Cruz is a great way to experience the city while caring for some adorable locals. Whether you’re a local or a Santa Cruz sitter, here’s your guide to the best dog-friendly spots in town!

Dog-friendly beaches, Santa Cruz

If your pup loves the feeling of sand between their paws and the salty breeze in their fur, here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches Santa Cruz has to offer. 

Mitchell's Cove Beach

This is one of the few spots in Santa Cruz where dogs can run free – just make sure you visit before 10 AM or after 4 PM for off-leash hours. Keep an eye on tide schedules, as high tide can shrink the beach quite a bit.

Location: Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Lighthouse Field State Beach 

Just north of the lighthouse on West Cliff Drive, this area is a dream for leashed dog walks with stunning ocean views. While dogs aren’t allowed on the beach itself, the surrounding trails and open spaces offer plenty of room to roam and sniff.

Location: Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Seabright State Beach

This wide, sandy beach is nestled between the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor, making it a prime spot for a leashed stroll with ocean views. Head toward Walton Lighthouse for some gorgeous photo ops.

Location: Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

Twin Lakes State Beach

Right next to the Santa Cruz Harbor, this long stretch of beach is perfect for watching the sunset with your pup by your side. Dogs must stay on-leash, but there’s plenty of space for a scenic walk along the shoreline.

Location: California 95062, United States

Manresa State Beach

Located south of Santa Cruz in Watsonville, Manresa State Beach offers a seemingly endless stretch of sand for leashed walks. It’s a bit quieter than some of the more central beaches, making it a great pick for dogs who prefer fewer crowds.

Location: 1445 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States

New Brighton State Beach

This peaceful cove beach is a great spot for a picnic with your pup on a leash, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or seals! There are also restrooms and a campground nearby.

Location: California, United States

Palm Beach State Park

For pups who prefer a less crowded beach, Palm Beach State Park in Watsonville allows furry friends on the leash between the beachfront Pajaro Dunes residences. 

Location: Palm Beach State Park Entrance Station, 2660 Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States

Dog-friendly restaurants, Santa Cruz

Whether you’re craving burgers, seafood, or island flavors, hit up one of these dog-friendly restaurants, Santa Cruz. 

Betty Burgers

This local favorite is known for its no-fuss comfort food, featuring juicy burgers, huge servings of fries, and malt shakes. The outdoor patio is spacious and pup-friendly, making it the perfect spot to grab a quick bite.

Location: 1000 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

Harbor Cafe

Classic American fare is served in this laid-back, beachy restaurant, which has a roomy dog-friendly patio. 

Location: 535 7th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

The Crêpe Place

As the name suggests, sweet and savory crêpes are the stars of the show here, but we also love the lush outdoor garden where dogs are welcome.

Location: 1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

West End 

Located in the Westside district, this lively gastropub serves up creative dishes alongside an impressive selection of craft beers. Their dog-friendly outdoor seating makes it easy to kick back with your furry friend while sipping on a local brew.

Location: 334 Ingalls St d, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Aloha Island Grille

Dreaming of a little island escape with your furry friend? Head to the outdoor decking of Aloha Island Grille, which serves traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, including kalua pork, poke bowls, and spam musubi. 

Location: 1700 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

Zelda’s on the Beach

Nothing beats a meal with a view, and located right on the beach in Capitola, Zelda’s sure delivers. Grab a table on the dog-friendly patio and enjoy the sea breeze with your pup as you dig into fresh seafood.

Location: 203 Esplanade, Capitola, CA 95010, United States

Pono Hawaiian Grill

This fun hangout serves poke, plates of seafood, and tropical cocktails, and furry friends are welcome both inside and out.

Location: 120 Union St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Dog-friendly activities, Santa Cruz

There’s a whole range of dog-friendly adventures waiting for you in Santa Cruz, both on land and in the ocean!

West Cliff Drive

Stroll along the 3-mile coastal road with Fido on a leash, stopping to take in views of the Pacific Ocean and cooling off at dog-friendly beaches along the way. Keep an eye out for surfers and maybe even some sea otters!

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open daily

Location: West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Stroll along Pacific Avenue

Window shop your way down Santa Cruz’s historic shopping street with your furry friend by your side. Many stores welcome well-behaved pups inside, so you can browse while Fido gets all the attention.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Open daily

Location: Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Venture Quest

Rent a kayak and paddle out into Monterey Bay for a one-of-a-kind adventure with your pup. Along the way, you might spot dolphins, otters, sea lions, and – if you’re lucky – even a humpback whale! Just be sure your dog is comfortable on the water before setting off.

Cost: Kayak rental from $40

Date and time: Seasonal opening times vary; check website for details.

Location: Municipal Wharf #2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Dog-friendly hikes, Santa Cruz

Hiking and dogs go hand in hand – just make sure to keep your furry family member on the leash where required and bring plenty of water.  

Uvas Canyon County Park

Get out into nature on this beautiful wooded walk, which winds through creeks, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Heads up – cell service can be patchy once there, so be sure to book your parking pass in advance.

Length: 10 km

Location: 8515 Croy Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, United States

DeLaveaga Park

This 1,200-acre park is packed with trails of varying difficulty, making it a great choice for both short walks and longer hikes. Your pup will love weaving through the maze of paths, but keep an eye out for mountain bikers who also use the trails.

Length: Varies

Location: 855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, United States

Moran Lake County Park

This short but stunning 3 km trail runs along East Cliff Drive, offering uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. There are restrooms and even an outdoor shower for rinsing off sandy paws.

Length: 3km

Location: 22775 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

For a true Northern California hiking experience, explore the dog-friendly trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The towering redwoods provide plenty of shade, and some trails even run alongside the river. Trails vary from easy to challenging, so there’s something for every hiking duo.

Length: Varies from 1 – 16km 

Location: Felton, CA 95018, United States

Dog-friendly cafes, Santa Cruz

Nothing beats a good cup of coffee – except maybe enjoying it with your pup by your side! Santa Cruz is full of dog-friendly cafes where you can sip your latte, soak up the atmosphere, and relax with your four-legged friend.

Verve Coffee Roasters

A staple in the Santa Cruz coffee scene, Verve is known for its high-quality coffee, airy interior, and buzzing atmosphere. Dogs are welcome, making it a great spot to grab a seasonal drink and soak up the vibes.

Location: 1540 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

The Abbey Coffee Lounge

This cozy cafe serves strong coffee and tasty pastries, and it has a welcoming dog-friendly patio. The walls are lined with local art, and the friendly staff make it a great place to relax, work, or people-watch with your pup.

Location: 350 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Cafe Brasil

Start your day with Brazilian-inspired dishes and fresh juice while your dog relaxes on the pet-friendly patio. Known for its colorful decor and legendary breakfast menu, this place is a must-visit for brunch lovers.

Location: 1410 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States 

11th Hour Coffee

This light-filled cafe is packed with plants, light, and comfy seating. Alongside their creative coffee flavors, they also have a dog-friendly terrace.

Location: 1001 Center St #1, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Cat & Cloud Coffee 

Grab a specialty coffee and order a pupachino for your furry friend! This laid-back cafe offers outdoor seating where you and your pup can enjoy the Santa Cruz sunshine together.

Location: 3600 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

Dog-friendly bars, Santa Cruz

Wondering what to do after sunset? Good news – Santa Cruz has even got dog-friendly bars, so you and your pup can enjoy a night out together!  

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing

This microbrewery serves organic ales in a relaxed, pet-friendly setting. Leashed dogs are welcome both inside the Taproom and out in the Beer Garden, so you’re free to enjoy a pint with your pup anywhere you like.

Location: 402 Ingalls St #27, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Seabright Brewery

Head to this local brewery to try craft beers and classic pub fare as your furry friend chows down on something tasty from the doggy menu. 

Location: 519 Seabright Ave UNIT 107, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States

Parish Publick House 

Complete with burgers, craft beer, a pool table, and outdoor seating for dogs, this lively spot is a great place to enjoy a laid-back evening with your pooch pal.

Location: 841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Tips for pet parents 

Traveling to Santa Cruz with a pooch pal in tow? Here are a few tips to remember:

Know the beach rules

Santa Cruz has several dog-friendly beaches, but not all allow off-leash play. Mitchell’s Cove Beach allows off-leash fun before 10 AM and after 4 PM, while others require leashes at all times. Always double-check the latest regulations before heading out.

Watch out for tides & rip currents

Santa Cruz beaches can have strong currents and rising tides that quickly reduce space on the sand. If your dog loves to splash in the waves, be cautious of sudden drop-offs and rip currents.

Respect the local wildlife

From seabirds to sea lions, Santa Cruz is home to lots of wildlife that curious pups might want to chase. West Cliff Drive, Wilder Ranch, and the Santa Cruz Harbor are common spots where dogs may encounter sea otters, pelicans, or even seals.

Plan ahead for your vacation

If you’re off on an adventure and can’t bring Fido, why not get a verified, in-home sitter to care for them while you’re away? Best for pets and approved by vets; your furry family member will enjoy 24/7 care and attention from a pet-loving sitter.

Tips for pet sitters

If you’re pet sitting in Santa Cruz, here’s how to make sure you and the pup you’re caring for have a great experience. 

Choose the right adventure for each pup

Some dogs love beach runs, while others prefer quiet hikes. If you’re pet sitting, pick activities that match the dog’s personality.

Plan ahead for outdoor dining

Many restaurants, breweries, and cafés in Santa Cruz are dog-friendly, but it’s always good to call ahead – especially during busy weekends. 

Be mindful of sand & heat

Santa Cruz can get warm in the summer, and hot pavement or sand can burn sensitive paws. If taking a pup out for a walk, aim for cooler morning or evening outings and stick to grassy or shaded trails.

Explore Santa Cruz by house and pet sitting

If you’re looking for a unique stay with adorable pets, why not try house sitting in Santa Cruz? If waking up to ocean views, taking a pup for a morning walk along the beach, and discovering local hotspots sounds like a bit of you, click on the link below.

Useful resources

• How to live rent free via house sitting
• 8 dog cafes in NYC (that actually allow dogs inside)
• Southern California: Pet-friendly guide