Its Beach

Its Beach

West Cliff Dr. at Auburn
Santa Cruz, California 95060
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This is the first beach up the coast from the lighthouse on West Cliff Drive.

Totally surrounded by cliffs, it's a secluded beauty. Broad in summer, narrow or nonexistent in winter, it draws many dog enthusiasts and has a mellow vibe.

Dog hours are limited, however, and there's lots of local growling about those who don't respect the before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. rules.

Leashes are required, but you're not likely to see many.

The difficult part about getting here is the long, steep staircase leading down the bluff to the sand.

Help us keep this beach beautiful and dog-friendly:
• Always follow the posted rules
• Respect natural marine life and habitats
• Be aware of tides and currents
• Pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints

dogtrekker.com, dog friendly, beach

Cruz The California Coast
Beach Time! Photo Credit: Visit Santa Cruz County
Beach Time! Photo Credit: Visit Santa Cruz County
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 »
Mitchell’s Cove, Santa Cruz County
We found a cave! Photo Credit: @phantompoodleparti
We found a cave! Photo Credit: @phantompoodleparti
• Mitchell’s Cove, Santa Cruz County. This pretty city beach just off West Cliff Drive allows leashed dogs at any time, while leash-free romping is permitted between sunrise and 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to sunset. more »
Kissing the Santa Cruz Coast
Photo Credit: @mrkobeandme
Photo Credit: @mrkobeandme
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 »
Hugging the Coast in Santa Cruz County
Beach time for Ranger, Mitchell
Beach time for Ranger, Mitchell's Cove. Photo Credit: @rangerthedogo
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 »
Catch a Wave
Rocky at Mitchell
Rocky at Mitchell's Cove Beach. Photo Credit: @little_rocky_balboa
Whatever your motivation for coming to Santa Cruz County, sooner or later you and your pup will want to chase some waves and get some sand between your toes. With 29 miles of coastline, there are lots of places to go, including 15 strands that welcome leashed dogs and one, Mitchell’s Cove, that is legally leash-free before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. more »
Chasing Surf With Your Dog in Santa Cruz County
Dog at the lighthouse in Santa Cruz
Photo credit: lostintheredwoods (CC)
Santa Cruz County’s curvy coastline is studded with some 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 »
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