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.