Looking for dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz? We’ve put together a list of great options, from small beach getaways to popular tourist destinations. And of course, your dog is welcome to come along. Click the map below for more information on each location, and scroll down to learn about the best dog-friendly beaches of Santa Cruz.
7 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Santa Cruz
- Seabright Beach
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Its Beach
- Moran Lake Beach
- Pleasure Point Beach
- Santa Cruz Harbor
- Sunny Cove
1. Seabright Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAun1MrC1wa/?tagged=seabrightbeachsantacruz
- a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and bonfires, Seabright is a Santa Cruz favorite (open until 10 PM)
- if you’d rather not drive out of town, this beach can be reached from the boardwalk at low tide
- dogs must be leashed
2. Twin Lakes State Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQPVVTHjXAy/?tagged=twinlakesstatebeach
- a popular destination for swimming and picnicking, this beach has plenty of sand for playing
- if you’re used to the other California’s weather, wear layers, because the temperature is prone to quick changes
- dogs must be leashed
2. Its Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BafaVX_gP-6/?tagged=itsbeach
- a sweet little beach with adjacent walking trails, popular with beach-combers and surfers
- at low tide, explore the rock arch at the north end of the beach
- dogs are allowed off-leash before 10 AM and after 4 PM, but can use the beach anytime while leashed
4. Moran Lake Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUS-gzNlEQN/?taken-at=1030797982
- play on the beach with your pet, or walk the trail around Moran Lake
- note that there are restrooms near the lake, but not near beach access points
- dogs must be leashed
5. Pleasure Point Beach
- a small beach popular with the locals, ideal for picnicking and surfing
- come at low tide if you want some sand to play on
- dogs must be leashed
6. Santa Cruz Harbor
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaEqs0QjetW/?taken-at=1630053617288179
- a popular, centrally located beach ideal for surfers, sunset views, and people-watching
- if you’re into volleyball, beach players are known to let a newcomer have a match
- dogs must be leashed
7. Sunny Cove
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ1J-kNAS7t/?tagged=sunnycove
- a relatively secluded and deep, sandy cove surrounded by sandstone bluffs
- parking can be tricky, since this neighborhood has instituted permit programs that discourage beach parking even on weekends
- dogs must be leashed
We hope you and your dog have a blast hitting the beach while you’re in Santa Cruz. But, if you’re too busy to give your pet some much-needed exercise, Rover is here to help.
