William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach/San Simeon Cove

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 »

• San Simeon Cove, San Luis Obispo County. Tucked beneath William Randolph Hearst’s famous castle, San Simeon Cove is a jewel of a place with emerald water and ample space for dogs to romp. Off-leash dogs aren’t allowed on adjacent Hearst Memorial State Beach, so if you want to unclip, simply walk a few hundred feet to the right of the pier where signs announced the beach boundary. more »

From Ragged Point in the north to Pismo Beach in the south, the San Luis Obispo County coast is a dog-friendly wonderland loaded with things to do and places to stay with your pup. Along the 70 miles of Highway 1 that hug it, you’ll encounter everything from secluded tide pools and shimmering coves to classic SoCal beaches packed shoulder to shoulder with surfer dudes, bikini babes and dogs with jaunty bandanas around their necks. more »

Nestled under the watchful eye of William Randolph Hearst’s famous castle is San Simeon Cove, a jewel in San Luis Obispo’s crown of beaches. Emerald-green water, abundant wildlife and ample space to romp makes this dog-friendly beach a must-see for DogTrekkers. It’s worth noting that San Simeon Cove is next to Hearst Memorial State Beach, where leash laws are strictly enforced, including the parking and picnic areas. Leashed dogs are welcome on Hearst Beach, but for an off-leash adventure, simply walk just a few hundred feet to the right of the pier, where signs announce the state beach boundary. Here off-leash dogs and their humans can enjoy the sand and surf.  more »

Monterey County boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, from Watsonville in the north to famous Big Sur in the south. On the north side of the Monterey Peninsula,  several beaches run together to form Monterey State Beach, popular with guests at adjacent hotels. Make sure your canine companion is leashed when walking here, and don’t stray out of the area between Wharf No. 2 and the Seaside portion of the strand, where dogs are not allowed. more »