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Top 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches in & Near Santa Cruz, CA (2025 Update)

Written by: Ed Malaker

Last Updated on January 7, 2025 by Dogster Team

Santa Cruz, California, is an incredible city with many beaches for surfing and swimming. It’s also home to magnificent state parks. If you are considering visiting the area with your dog, you will be happy to know there are several places in and near Santa Cruz where you can take your pet to cool off and have fun.

Top 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches in & Near Santa Cruz, CA

1. Twin Lakes State Beach

️ Address: 995 Live Oak Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Plenty of room to run or walk
  • Swimming with lifeguard
  • Bathrooms available
  • Lighthouse nearby

2. It’s Beach

️ Address: Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Open Times: 7 AM to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Close to a lighthouse
  • Plenty of room to run
  • Specific area of Lighthouse Field State Beach where dogs can be off-leash
  • Access to water

3. Seabright Beach

️ Address: Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Open Times: 6 AM to 10 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Swimming and surfing
  • Plenty of room to run
  • Sailboat races and nearby lighthouse

4. Natural Bridges State Beach

️ Address: 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Open Times: 8 AM to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Amazing rock formations
  • Plenty of parking
  • Picnic areas

5. Lighthouse Field State Beach

️ Address: 700 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States
Open Times: 7 AM to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Surfing museum
  • Large area
  • Includes It’s Beach, where dogs can be off-leash
  • Surfing and swimming

6. Mitchell’s Cove Beach

️ Address: Santa Cruz, CA
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Plenty of parking
  • Large beach
  • Access to water
  • Friendly pet owners

7. Hooper Beach

️ Address: Capitola, CA 95010
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Metered street parking
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Fishing pier
  • Access to water
  • Clean beach

8. Black’s Beach

️ Address: Twin Lakes, CA 95062
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Metered street parking
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Benches to sit on
  • Close to the lighthouse
  • Lifeguard for swimming
  • Not too crowded

9. Palm Beach State Park

️ Address: 2660 Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Restrooms
  • Water fountains
  • Several shaded trees

Summary

There are several dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz, California, including Twin Lakes State Beach, which has plenty of room to walk and run, and Seabright Beach, which provides space for your dog to play and is also great for swimming and surfing. While many beaches require you to keep your pet on a leash, a few will let dogs run free in certain areas or at specific times.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: sharkolot, Pixabay

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