8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is the perfect spot for a sunny beach day with your pup in tow! With miles of rolling sand dunes and vast stretches of ocean shoreline, there are plenty of options for a perfect beach outing with a doggo.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet, isolated spot to walk your dog in peace or a more popular beach where they can socialize with other dogs while staying at your pet- friendly Santa Cruz vacation rental, you’ll have no issue finding the perfect Santa Cruz beach for both of you.

At Seabright State Beach, your pup can take in the breathtaking ocean views as they totter around on their little paws. Alternatively, Twin Lakes State Beach offers seclusion – ideal for those that prefer a peaceful day with their furry friend.

From on-leash strolls to total freedom, there are many options for your best friend to get outside and enjoy Santa Cruz’s beaches. In this post, we’ll cover the top eight dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz and dive into what makes each one special.

Mitchell’s Cove Beach

Photo Credit: photravel_ru
  • Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  • Dog Policies: Dogs can play off-leash from sunset to 10 am and from 4 pm to sunset and on a leash at all other times.

If you plan on bringing your dog to Santa Cruz, you’ll find it to be very pet friendly. You’ll want to put Mitchell’s Cove on your and your pooch’s list of places to play.

This south-facing beach is located below the bluffs between Woodrow and Almar Avenue and runs perpendicular to West Cliff Drive. Mitchell’s Cove Beach is lovely, and while it’s not as popular with sunbathers and swimmers, it’s very popular with dog owners and surfers, so why not do both?

One of the biggest draws of Mitchell’s Cove is its liberal off-leash policy at certain hours. Dogs can play off-leash from sunset to 10 am and from 4 pm to sunset.

While dogs are still allowed on the beach between 10 am and 4 pm, they must be kept on a leash during those hours.

Due to its dog-friendly policy, you can almost always find dogs playing at Mitchell’s Cove, making this a great beach to socialize your dog. Just be sure to visit during low tide because the beach is almost nonexistent during high tide, and the waves come all the way up to the cliffs.

Lighthouse Field State Beach

Photo Credit: Light and Vision
  • Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  • Dog Policies: Allows dogs at all hours, as long as they are kept on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet.

Lighthouse Field State Beach is located below West Cliff Drive, just on the northern side of Lighthouse Point.

While the main beach area is popular with beachcombers and boogie boarders, it’s best known for being one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz.

Lighthouse Field State Beach is also a great dog beach because it has natural walls and only one entrance that provides clear boundaries for where the dogs can stay.

In addition to being a beautiful, dog-friendly beach, it is conveniently located on the other side of the famous Santa Cruz surf spot Steamer Lane and just below the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

Seabright State Beach

Photo Credit: Sundry Photography
  • Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  • Dog Policies: Allowed any time, so long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Located just east of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Seabright State Beach is another excellent dog-friendly beach in Santa Cruz. Seabright Beach is a long, sandy beach with plenty of space for dogs to run around and play fetch.

The waves are relatively calm, making it a great spot for swimming and paddling in the water. Plenty of picnic areas and fire pits make it comfortable for not just your dog but also you!

Dogs are allowed on the beach at any time at Seabright, so long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. In addition, there is great access to waste bags and trash cans, making it easy for owners to clean up after their pets.

Manresa State Beach

Photo Credit: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz
  • Location: Rio Del Mar, CA
  • Dog Policies: Allowed all day long as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Located about 13 miles south of Santa Cruz, Manresa State Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline that is, for the most part, reliably uncrowded.

The beach boasts beautiful, wide expanses of sand, with views of the Pacific Ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see. The water can be quite cold, but it’s still popular for surfing, paddle boarding, and swimming.

Dogs are welcome all day long at Manresa State Beach if they’re kept on a leash. There is also plenty of space for dogs to run around and play in the sand and water without feeling too crowded by fellow furry friends.

Overall, Manresa State Beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz. With its stunning views, ample space for dogs to play, and overall welcoming attitude towards pets, consider taking your dog to play at Manresa.

New Brighton State Beach

Photo Credit: Mike Brake
  • Location: Capitola, CA
  • Dog Policies: Allowed all day long as long as they’re kept on a leash.

New Brighton State Beach is located in Capitola, just a few miles south of Santa Cruz. The beach is situated in a cove, with cliffs on either side providing a beautiful backdrop for the stunning ocean views.

The sandy beach stretches for about a mile and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and, most importantly- for your dogs to romp around and play!

As long as they are kept on a leash, dogs are very welcome at New Brighton State Beach, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful beach scenery with their furry friends by their side. The beach also offers plenty of amenities, including picnic tables, restrooms, and outdoor showers.

Overall, New Brighton State Beach is a great choice for dog owners looking for a beautiful, convenient, and pet-friendly beach in Santa Cruz. With its stunning views, ample amenities, and welcoming attitude towards pets, New Brighton State Beach is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz.

Palm State Beach

Photo Credit: Alexander Komlik via Flickr CC2.0
  • Location: Watsonville, CA
  • Dog Policies: Allowed all day long as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Palm State Beach is a hidden gem amongst Santa Cruz beaches in the small beach town of Watsonville, just outside of Santa Cruz.

As one of the lesser-known beaches in the Santa Cruz area, this beautiful spot is perfect for a peaceful getaway with your furry friend. In addition, Palm State Beach is less crowded than some of the more popular beaches in Santa Cruz, which means more space for your dog to run around and play fetch, and it’s a good option for those with less socialized dogs.

In terms of amenities, Palm State Beach has paid parking, restrooms, and water available onsite. While dogs must always be kept on a leash, Palm State Beach is still a fantastic dog-friendly beach in Santa Cruz that’s well worth a visit.

Twin Lake State Beach

Photo Credit: Sundry Photography
  • Location: Santa Cruz, CA
  • Dog Policies: Allowed all day long as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Twin Lakes State Beach is located in the heart of Santa Cruz, near Santa Cruz Harbor. It is a small, uncrowded beach that is often overlooked by tourists but is beloved by locals for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views.

The beach itself is relatively narrow but stretches for about half a mile along the shore. It’s a great place to come for a quiet walk or to watch the sunset and take in the picturesque views of the adjacent lighthouse.

The water at Twin Lakes is usually calm and clear, making it an excellent spot for swimming or playing fetch with your dog.

Overall, Twin Lakes State Beach is a great choice for dog owners looking for a quiet, low-key spot to enjoy the beach with their furry friends. However, keep in mind, even though it’s one of the quieter Santa Cruz beaches, the beach is small, and parking can be difficult to find in this area.

Sunny Cove Beach

Photo Credit: sgrace via Flickr CC2.0
  • Location: Twin Lakes, CA
  • Dog Policies: Allowed all day long as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Sunny Cove Beach is another of the hidden gems of Santa Cruz, located in the East Cliff Drive area. This small, secluded beach is the perfect setting for a relaxing beach day with your pets, a calm morning walk, and swimming.

Although the beach is small, it’s one of the less frequented beaches in the area, so you’ll be able to have plenty of space for yourself. The beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and is accessed by a short, steep trail.

This seclusion is what makes Sunny Cove Beach one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz. It offers a quiet escape from the bustling crowds of larger beaches, giving dogs more space to roam and play.

While dogs must be kept on a leash, the beach allows them to run around and swim in the water. Sunny Cove Beach is by far one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz, and you won’t want to miss it!

Bring Your Pup to Stay in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a great destination for beach-goers looking to bring along their four-legged companion. Not only does it boast some of the best surfing on the West Coast, but these eight dog-friendly beaches provide an inviting home away from home for your pup.

If you plan to visit Santa Cruz, consider staying at a Beachnest vacation rental where you and your pup can comfortably relax near the sand and sea. With easy access to amazing beaches and countless activities that will keep you both entertained!