Dog-Friendly Activities in Scotts Valley, CA

Scotts Valley Bark Park is a popular place for pups to visit in Scotts Valley, CA. There are two large, separate areas; one for small dogs, and another for large dogs. The park has lots of toys, water dishes, and a play pool for the pooches. It is located in the Skypark Complex, next to soccer fields and a playground (for your non-canine family members).

Roaring Camp Railroads offers dog-friendly train rides in Felton, CA, through the California Redwoods. Located just a few miles from Santa Cruz, you and Fido can climb aboard an authentic 19th century steam train for a trip through the magnificent redwood forest. As you travel along the historic, winding narrow-gauge track to the summit of Bear Mountain, the conductor will entertain you with the history of the railroad and its locomotives, which were once used to haul giant redwood logs out of the forest. Tours are offered daily and departure times vary by season.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the dog-friendly Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Parking is available in the neighborhoods surrounding the beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers can be found at the east end of the beach.

Twin Lakes State Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Leashed pets are welcome. There are nearby outdoor showers and restrooms for your convenience.

Fido can play in the sand and watch the surfers with you at Rio Del Mar Beach, a pet-friendly beach in Aptos, CA. Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet.

Bring Fido for a hike along West Cliff Drive, a pet-friendly trail in Santa Cruz, CA. This 3-mile one-way, walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean starts at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, winds past the iconic Santa Cruz Dream Inn, Steamer Lane, and Lighthouse Point, and ends at Natural Bridges State Beach. Please keep Fido leashed.

Hapa’s Brewing Company is a pet-friendly brewery in San Jose, CA, where Fido is welcome inside and outside. Sample IPAs and other craft beers while you play a game of cornhole. Food trucks are sometimes onsite in case you get hungry; check their website for the current schedule of events.

Leashed dogs are welcome to shop with their humans at Bass Pro Shops in San Jose, CA. You'll find supplies for outdoor recreation, fishing, camping, boating, hunting, dog training and more at this pet-friendly store.

Dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly picnic areas and campsites of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, CA. Also, unlike many state parks in the area, leashed dogs can join you on a number of trails, including the Meadow Trail, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Powder Mill Fire Road. The park has been established to preserve forests and the areas next to the watershed of the San Lorenzo River, including a number of huge redwood trees.

Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos, CA is dog friendly. Bring Fido along as you explore the serene natural beauty of this park. Enjoy a scenic walking trail around the lake, stroll along shaded pathways and take advantage of the 45 acres of lush lawn.

Take Fido for a day of fun in the sun at Manresa State Beach, a dog-friendly beach in Watsonville, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll the shoreline and enjoy the waves. Please note that there is a fee for parking.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, CA, is dog friendly. This redwood forest is home to trees that stretch up to 2,600 feet into the sky above. Although logging felled thousands of trees that once stood in the area, many new trees are starting to grow back to cover the land that lay bare for so long. Dogs are only allowed on Aptos Creek Fire Road and the four single-track trails below the steel bridge. Unfortunately, dogs are prohibited beyond the gate at the Porter picnic area parking lot.

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing in Santa Cruz, CA, offers a great selection of organic, microbrewed ales. Leashed dogs are welcome both in the taproom and the beer garden, making it a perfect stop for craft beer lovers with pups in tow. Enjoy a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere just minutes from the coast.

Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad in Los Gatos, CA is pet-friendly. Committed to providing a great experience to children and adults alike, ride aboard a real steam engine as it goes through beautiful Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks. Dogs & Pets are permitted on the train as long as they are on a leash.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Greyhound Rock, a pet-friendly beach in Davenport, CA. You and Fido can enjoy the surf and the sand, as well as an observation deck, fishing and more at this beautiful coastal access point.

Bargetto Winery is a certified sustainable and dog-friendly winery in Soquel, CA. They offer a wide selection of reds, whites and reserves for visitors to try. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans in the Creekside Courtyard. Please note that the availability of this space is subject to capacity limits, seasonality and private reservation. Guests are encouraged to call to confirm availability prior to visiting. Reservations are required on weekends.

Fun for people and their dogs, Santana Row in San Jose, CA offers many outdoor, pet-friendly patios for dining along with spas, salons and outstanding shopping. This premier destination is surrounded by landscaped gardens and parks for you to enjoy with your leashed pup.

Stevens Creek County Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Cupertino, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a hike across nine miles of multi-use trails, many of which connect to Mid-Peninsula Open Space Fremont Older Preserve. Visitors will also find shaded picnic areas and an 82-acre reservoir suitable for boating and fishing.

Pet-friendly Almaden Quicksilver County Park in San Jose offers a view of California's mining era history, and springtime offers the chance to see one of the most spectacular wildflower displays of the region. There are over 34.2 miles of hiking trails for you and Fido to explore, and picnic tables are scattered throughout. Dogs must be on a six foot leash and wear proof of a current license and rabies vaccine. Owners are responsible for pet care and clean up, and aggression is not tolerated. Please note that park trails are subject to closure due to poor conditions.

Take Fido to run and play at Franich Dog Park in Watsonville, CA. The off-leash play area is separated into two sections, providing dedicated space for small and larger dogs. Franich Dog Park also features shady trees, benches and waste stations.