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Top 9 Dog Friendly Beaches in Santa Cruz, CA (2024 Update): Go Take a Dip With Your Pup!

Gregory Iacono

By Gregory Iacono

happy black dog at the beach

If you live in Santa Cruz, CA, and have a dog, you’re always looking for places to take them and have fun. The good news is that there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches on this part of the West Coast. Many of the beaches here are off-leash, too, at least for a few hours a day. If that sounds like a slice of heaven, read on to discover the nine amazing dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz, CA, below.

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The Top 9 Dog Friendly Beaches in Santa Cruz, CA

1. Davenport Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍446 CA-1, Davenport, CA 95017
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A favorite beach for windsurfers in the area
  • Small parking lot
  • There’s a strong undertow
  • Dogs must be on-leash at all times but can go on the beach
  • There is a large gravel lot near Old Coast Rd. for parking
  • The beach is an alcove

2. It’s Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍Santa Cruz, CA 95060
🕐 Open Times: Monday through Sunday from 6:00 AM–8:00 PM
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, until 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM daily
  • A tiny but delightful beach
  • Morning and afternoon are when dogs are allowed off-leash
  • Bring water and waste bags
  • The beach gets significantly smaller at high tide
  • Beautiful scenery all around and relatively calm water

3. Manresa State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍500 Oceanview Dr, La Selva Beach, CA 95076
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 AM to sunset, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: $10. Day-use fee
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, until 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM daily
  • One of the cleanest beaches in the area
  • Bring water and waste bags
  • The beach is huge and allows dogs to run free during the day
  • Be aware of rip tides and currents when in the water with your dog

4. Mitchell’s Cove Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍W Cliff Dr. Btwn Woodrow & Almar Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
🕐 Open Times: From sunrise to sunset daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, until 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM daily
  • An unfenced beach area for dogs with natural barriers
  • Pay attention to the tide before you visit; low tide is best
  • One of the best beaches in the area for exploring and meeting other dogs
  • High tide can be dangerous due to rip currents
  • Seaweed can be problematic
  • There are big rocks to climb and play on for big dogs
  • No water or waste bags are available

5. Natural Bridges State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Sunday
💲 Cost: $10. Day-use fee
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • This beach isn’t exactly dog-friendly, but dogs are allowed in the picnic areas
  • Dogs can’t use the trails but must stay in the parking lot or picnic areas only
  • Stunning beach with rock outcroppings and beautiful water
  • Not the place to come if you want to be on the beach with your dog, unfortunately, but it is amazing

6. Rio Del Mar State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍Rio Del Mar, CA 95003
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 AM to sunset, Monday through Friday
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Off-leash is tolerated with well-behaved dogs
  • Miles of sandy beach to walk and explore with your dog
  • Highly rated by the residents and dog owners who live in the area
  • Pay attention to the tide before you visit
  • Bring water and waste bags

7. Seabright State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍Santa Cruz, CA 95062
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Large, attractive beach for use with on-leash dogs
  • Plenty of room to run, walk and enjoy meeting other dogs
  • There are restrooms and showers available
  • No water or waste bags are available
  • Restrooms and showers are located near the beach’s east end
  • Friendly, well-behaved dogs are tolerated off-leash

8. Seacliff State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍State Park Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday
💲 Cost: Free, but parking is not
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs must be on-leash
  • There’s a day-use fee to park your car
  • A popular beach for dogs and owners to hang out and relax
  • Go at low tide so that the beach is bigger and the water is calmer
  • No water or waste bags are available
  • Leashes can’t be more than 6 feet

9. Twin Lakes State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍California 95062
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A small beach that’s great for short walks on leash with your dog
  • Well-behaved dogs and owners can go off-leash with caution
  • Beware of high tide and the swifter, rougher rip currents it brings
  • It’s best to go to this beach at low tide when there’s more room
  • No water or waste bags are available

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Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you’ve discovered at least one amazing dog-friendly beach in Santa Cruz, CA, on our list today! With nine of them to choose from, you should have no problem finding a place to have fun with your canine companions and barking buddies. One of the only things you should remember before you go is that very few beaches in Santa Cruz provide waste bags and water. Have fun and enjoy all of Santa Cruz’s dog-friendly beaches with your pet!


Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory

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