Top 9 Dog-Friendly Beaches in & Near Santa Cruz, CA (2026 Update)
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.
The 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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Ed Malaker is a seasoned writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs covering everything from tools to guitars, and pets to fitness. When Ed isn't writing, he is usually making DIY projects around the house or working in the garden.
