Central Coast
Head out on The Original Road Trip and explore California’s Central Coast—350 miles of the world's most dramatic coastline. This incomparable region stretches from
Santa Cruz County, south of the San Francisco Bay Area, to Ventura County just north of Los Angeles. Along the way, you'll pass through Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Engineer in-training on Roaring Camp Railroad. Photo by Visit Santa Cruz.
Roaring Camp Railroads, based out of Felton in Santa Cruz County, provide more than just a dog-friendly ride. The company’s Redwood Forest Steam Trains roll on a narrow-gauge track once used to haul giant redwood logs from the forest. They cruise now on 75-minute trips from Roaring Camp to Bear Mountain, where a picnic stop and hiking trails await.
There’s also a Beach Train that makes 3-hour excursions along the San Lorenzo River to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park (sorry; it’s not dog-friendly). more »
Maya chasing the sun at Pismo Beach, SLO. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
California’s Central Coast starts in dog-friendly Santa Cruz County and winds some 350 miles south to Ventura County, just north of L.A. Yes, the famous coastal Highway 1 provides lots of mesmerizing scenery (and dog-friendly beaches) along the way, but there’s so much else to see and do that you might prefer to make base camp with your four-legged friend and just chill for a few days somewhere along the route. more »
Water dog at the Little River Inn. Photo by Brendan McGuigan.
Ah, Mendocino! This Northern California county’s beautiful stretch of coastline is a perfect place to retreat to in summertime, especially when the Central Valley is a bit warmer (don’t forget a sweatshirt—you may need it). And you can’t choose a more beguiling place to stay than super dog-friendly Little River Resort & Spa, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. As far as water and your dog goes, check out their popular Water Dog package. more »
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. more »
Henri at Four Points Sheraton. Photo by Visit Santa Cruz County.
Tucked conveniently close to towering redwoods and coastal adventures, Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a welcoming favorite among four-legged guests and the humans who follow. From here, it’s a short trip to the Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can ride the rails with your pooch. Or, head over to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and West Glenwood Open Space Preserve for paw-friendly hiking trails.
After a full day of activities in Scotts Valley, swing by 5030 Restaurant & Lounge for California small plates and pints brewed just down the road. Looking for other overnight options? Here are a few more of Santa Cruz County’s best dog-friendly hotels. more »