Bay Front Inn

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) along the Santa Cruz County coastline, and you’ll be tempted by 29 miles of beaches (15 of them dog-friendly) along the way. Only one, Mitchell’s Cove, is legally leash-free, and then only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. But no worries: there are plenty of other strands to explore provided you keep a tether stretched between you. more »

Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) along the Santa Cruz County coastline, and you’ll be tempted by 29 miles of beaches (15 of them dog-friendly) along the way. Only one, Mitchell’s Cove, is legally leash-free, and then only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. But no worries: there are plenty of other strands to explore provided you keep a tether stretched between you. more »

You’re never far from the water when following the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) through Santa Cruz County. The curvy coastline is studded with 29 miles of beaches providing lots of options for DogTrekkers. Fifteen strands are dog-friendly, and one, Mitchell’s Cove, is legally leash-free during daylight hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. more »

More than 50 pet-friendly lodgings—something for every style and budget—are sprinkled across the Santa Cruz County landscape. They run the gamut from camping cabins to luxury inns to vacation rentals where you can spread out like at home. If you’re up for a splurge, the AAA Four-Diamond Chaminade Resort & Spa, a woodsy, 156-room boutique retreat fresh from a $7.9 million makeover, pampers with luxury rooms and 3 miles of hiking trails on 300 mountaintop acres overlooking Monterey Bay. more »

Variety is the name of the game when it comes to dog-friendly lodging in Santa Cruz County. Many DogTrekkers appreciate the spread-out comfort and conveniences (including a kitchen) that come with a vacation rental home, dozens of which can be found in Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos and other coastal communities. Those who’d rather be pampered to the max have options such as Chaminade Resort & Spa, a four-diamond, 156-room property on 300 mountaintop acres overlooking Monterey Bay. Not only are guest rooms dog-friendly; so is the “pooch patio” at Linwood’s Bar & Grill, which boasts a doggie menu featuring “yappetizers,” “faux paw entrees” and “doggie drinks.” Too over the top? Get down to earth at the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA, where Bowser can lodge in your cabin or campsite and two-legged kids can enjoy a heated pool, campfire circle, excursion-train rides, miniature golf and a bounce house. more »