“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment.” -- Robert Falcon Scott
What did you do this weekend? You know I asked because I really wanna tell you what I did! I was lucky enough to visit an off-leash dog beach in Santa Cruz. I had business down there, and took my doggy friend, Lucie, with me for the drive. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: we live in an amazingly gorgeous place, and we are also within easy driving distance of beautiful beaches. Lucie and I had such a good time that I was inspired to put aside the other blog I was writing (don't worry, it will come later), and share the best places to enjoy beach life with your pooch. You're welcome!
Lucie and I went to Mitchell's Cove Beach in Santa Cruz. Located on West Cliff Drive, it's just a few minutes drive from the wharf and the boardwalk, but civilization is the furthest thing from your mind when you are there. There is a set of tall stairs that leads down to a perfect little area of dog paradise. Surrounded by boulders, rock walls, and water, there's a natural “fence”, if you will. Lucie couldn't get off her leash fast enough! She was thrilled to find other dog friends to chase. She climbed boulders, dug in the sand and laid in it, chased dog friends, and chased my kids. Epic fun. I was happily surprised that she didn't get in the water, but there were certainly pups that decided getting wet was a good idea! By the time we left an hour later, I had one happy, tired dog, and a big smile on my face. One thing to remember about Mitchell's Cove is that there are specific off-leash hours for dogs; before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. I confess that 10 o'clock came and went, and dogs were still romping off their leashes. The dog owners were the only ones on that stretch of beach, and no one was being disturbed. That being said, I am not condoning breaking the rules. Let it be known that I am a law-abiding citizen! My research on Mitchell's Cove also revealed that the off leash hours are not always followed by visitors. My suggestion? Get there during the off leash hours, and use your best judgment and consideration during your visit. But definitely visit Mitchell's Cove Beach.
One of the most well-known hiking and off-leash beaches in the area is at Fort Funston in San Francisco. This natural gem is located on Fort Funston Road, with parking on Skyline Boulevard. They have a 12 acre off-leash area for dogs, a long trail that requires a leash, and the best part.....an off-leash dog beach! Because of the 200-foot sandy cliffs, you will also see hang gliders, and the trails and beaches attract horseback riders. If you go to Fort Funston, be sure to bring your energy, because it's a long, strenuous hike down to the beach. Of course, on the upside, after you are done playing and taking in the scenery at this gorgeous place, you will surely have a tired dog! .
All beaches in Pacifica, California require a leash except for Esplanade Beach. Never been to Pacifica? That makes 2 of us, but it's southwest of San Francisco, and directly south of Daly City. The beach is located at 100 Esplanade Avenue, right near an apartment complex. I researched Esplanade Beach online and it is reminiscent of Mitchell's Cove where I took Lucie, with a staircase, boulders, and natural rock “walls”. Esplanade Beach would be a great place to go in the Spring and Summer months. During the Winter, it suffers from storms, apparently. The undertow is too strong for swimming, so if your dog is a swimmer, this is a beach to skip. However, if your dog likes to run and play on the sand and is happy with just dipping his feet in the water, Esplanade would be of great interest. Before you go, check to make sure it's not high tide, because then the entire beach will be under water or at least wet. I don't know about you, but cold water? Not for me! I'd like to sit on a blanket in the warm sand and soak up all the beauty that is California.
If your dog is not good off-leash or you are not comfortable with letting your fur baby run around untethered, there are plenty of beaches that allow on-leash dogs. I'll list just a few, but you can check out the first link below for a full list. One of my favorite getaway cities in the area is Half Moon Bay, and there are several dog friendly beaches there, including Montara Beach and Poplar Beach. Reviews on Montara Beach boast of its beauty, but complain about the lack of trash cans for poop bags. That's a faux pas in my book. Poplar Beach is also beautiful, but if you don't like crowds, may not be for you. It's quite the happening place! If you're in Santa Cruz like I was, you can always hit up Twin Lakes State Beach with your dog on-leash. This is one of my favorite places to take the kids, and it's dog-friendly. Although popular, it's big enough to not be too crowded on the sand, although parking might be an issue. Getting there in the morning is a good idea. If you're up for a little longer drive, you can head out to Del Monte Beach in Monterey. This lovely beach features a boardwalk trail through the dunes, and a picnic area if you'd like to take lunch for you and your dog. New Brighton State Beach in Capitola not only allows on-leash dogs, but is a great place to go camping, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. Something for everyone! Like I said, you can't really throw a rock without it landing on a great California beach to take your dog.
After reading this, I'm sure you're planning your next day trip to the beach to include your dog, right? Tails Up Pet Care has been known to offer dog play groups to the beach during the warm season, as well. I mean, how could we resist? Maybe we'll see you there sometime...
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/beaches/state/california/
http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/fort-funston.html
https://dogtrekker.com/yp/fort-funston-san-francisco-94101
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/esplanade-beach/
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/del-monte-beach/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542
What did you do this weekend? You know I asked because I really wanna tell you what I did! I was lucky enough to visit an off-leash dog beach in Santa Cruz. I had business down there, and took my doggy friend, Lucie, with me for the drive. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: we live in an amazingly gorgeous place, and we are also within easy driving distance of beautiful beaches. Lucie and I had such a good time that I was inspired to put aside the other blog I was writing (don't worry, it will come later), and share the best places to enjoy beach life with your pooch. You're welcome!
Lucie and I went to Mitchell's Cove Beach in Santa Cruz. Located on West Cliff Drive, it's just a few minutes drive from the wharf and the boardwalk, but civilization is the furthest thing from your mind when you are there. There is a set of tall stairs that leads down to a perfect little area of dog paradise. Surrounded by boulders, rock walls, and water, there's a natural “fence”, if you will. Lucie couldn't get off her leash fast enough! She was thrilled to find other dog friends to chase. She climbed boulders, dug in the sand and laid in it, chased dog friends, and chased my kids. Epic fun. I was happily surprised that she didn't get in the water, but there were certainly pups that decided getting wet was a good idea! By the time we left an hour later, I had one happy, tired dog, and a big smile on my face. One thing to remember about Mitchell's Cove is that there are specific off-leash hours for dogs; before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. I confess that 10 o'clock came and went, and dogs were still romping off their leashes. The dog owners were the only ones on that stretch of beach, and no one was being disturbed. That being said, I am not condoning breaking the rules. Let it be known that I am a law-abiding citizen! My research on Mitchell's Cove also revealed that the off leash hours are not always followed by visitors. My suggestion? Get there during the off leash hours, and use your best judgment and consideration during your visit. But definitely visit Mitchell's Cove Beach.
One of the most well-known hiking and off-leash beaches in the area is at Fort Funston in San Francisco. This natural gem is located on Fort Funston Road, with parking on Skyline Boulevard. They have a 12 acre off-leash area for dogs, a long trail that requires a leash, and the best part.....an off-leash dog beach! Because of the 200-foot sandy cliffs, you will also see hang gliders, and the trails and beaches attract horseback riders. If you go to Fort Funston, be sure to bring your energy, because it's a long, strenuous hike down to the beach. Of course, on the upside, after you are done playing and taking in the scenery at this gorgeous place, you will surely have a tired dog! .
All beaches in Pacifica, California require a leash except for Esplanade Beach. Never been to Pacifica? That makes 2 of us, but it's southwest of San Francisco, and directly south of Daly City. The beach is located at 100 Esplanade Avenue, right near an apartment complex. I researched Esplanade Beach online and it is reminiscent of Mitchell's Cove where I took Lucie, with a staircase, boulders, and natural rock “walls”. Esplanade Beach would be a great place to go in the Spring and Summer months. During the Winter, it suffers from storms, apparently. The undertow is too strong for swimming, so if your dog is a swimmer, this is a beach to skip. However, if your dog likes to run and play on the sand and is happy with just dipping his feet in the water, Esplanade would be of great interest. Before you go, check to make sure it's not high tide, because then the entire beach will be under water or at least wet. I don't know about you, but cold water? Not for me! I'd like to sit on a blanket in the warm sand and soak up all the beauty that is California.
If your dog is not good off-leash or you are not comfortable with letting your fur baby run around untethered, there are plenty of beaches that allow on-leash dogs. I'll list just a few, but you can check out the first link below for a full list. One of my favorite getaway cities in the area is Half Moon Bay, and there are several dog friendly beaches there, including Montara Beach and Poplar Beach. Reviews on Montara Beach boast of its beauty, but complain about the lack of trash cans for poop bags. That's a faux pas in my book. Poplar Beach is also beautiful, but if you don't like crowds, may not be for you. It's quite the happening place! If you're in Santa Cruz like I was, you can always hit up Twin Lakes State Beach with your dog on-leash. This is one of my favorite places to take the kids, and it's dog-friendly. Although popular, it's big enough to not be too crowded on the sand, although parking might be an issue. Getting there in the morning is a good idea. If you're up for a little longer drive, you can head out to Del Monte Beach in Monterey. This lovely beach features a boardwalk trail through the dunes, and a picnic area if you'd like to take lunch for you and your dog. New Brighton State Beach in Capitola not only allows on-leash dogs, but is a great place to go camping, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. Something for everyone! Like I said, you can't really throw a rock without it landing on a great California beach to take your dog.
After reading this, I'm sure you're planning your next day trip to the beach to include your dog, right? Tails Up Pet Care has been known to offer dog play groups to the beach during the warm season, as well. I mean, how could we resist? Maybe we'll see you there sometime...
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/beaches/state/california/
http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/fort-funston.html
https://dogtrekker.com/yp/fort-funston-san-francisco-94101
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/esplanade-beach/
https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/del-monte-beach/
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542
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