Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Capitola: Off-Leash & On-Leash Places to Go

If you’re planning a beach trip in Capitola, California, there’s no reason your dog should miss out. Though there is only one dog-friendly beach in Capitola itself, fortunately, there are plenty of beaches nearby in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Aptos, and Davenport—some of which are less than a 10-minute drive away. Read on to find out what your options are for a beach trip with your pooch in and around Capitola.

divider-paw

The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Capitola, California

1. New Brighton State Beach, Capitola

🗺️ Address:	📍1500 Park Avenue, Capitola, CA, 95010
🕐 Open Times:	8:00 AM to sunset
💲 Cost:	$10 parking fee, bus parking fees $50 and $100 depending on the number of passengers
🐕 Off-leash allowed?	No

Popular camping spot for tents and RVs
Hiking trails along forested bluffs
Stunning views of Monterey Bay
Pacific Migrations Visitor Center in the campground which includes a park store
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times

2. Seabright State Beach, Santa Cruz

Sandwiched between the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor
Views of boats around the Santa Cruz Harbor and Walton Lighthouse
Dogs must be kept on a leash
Bonfires are permitted in fire rings provided by State Parks
Free parking available

3. Mitchell’s Cove Beach, Santa Cruz

Off-leash hours before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM, at other times dogs must be kept on a leash
Famous for its low congestion and quieter vibes
You may be able to spot migrating gray whales, other sea animals, and birds
Lighthouse Field State Beach (another dog-friendly beach) is nearby
Heads-up—this beach may not be accessible during high tide

4. Lighthouse Field State Beach, Santa Cruz

Lighthouse State Beach is the Uypi Tribe’s (an Ohlone Tribe) homeland
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet
Hiking, biking, and running trails are available
Great spot for glimpsing sea lions and Monarch butterflies
Free parking available

5. Manresa State Beach, Watsonville

🗺️ Address:	📍1445 San Andreas Road, Watsonville, CA, 95076
🕐 Open Times:	8:00 AM to sunset
💲 Cost:	$10 parking fee, $50 and $100 fee for bus barking depending on the number of passengers
🐕 Off-leash allowed?	No

Sweeping cliff, sand, and sea views
Tent camping is an option from mid-May through October, but unfortunately, RVs are not permitted
Keep an eye out for wildlife including white-crowned sparrows, California gray whales, sea otters, dolphins, and brush rabbits
Be careful not to disturb Western Snowy Plover nests—this is a federal law violation

6. Twin Lakes State Beach, Santa Cruz

🗺️ Address:	📍East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
🕐 Open Times:	Sunrise to sunset (day-use area)
💲 Cost:	Free parking in the off-season, summer parking permit required
🐕 Off-leash allowed?	No

Schwan’s Lake, which is adjacent to the park, is the place to go if you’re a fan of birdwatching
The downtown Santa Cruz small craft harbor is located approximately in the center of Twin Lakes Beach
Dogs are required to remain on a leash
You can purchase a summer parking permit from the kiosk across from the beach
Schwan Lagoon is a hiking trail within Twin Lakes Beach

7. Its Beach, Santa Cruz

Dogs are permitted at all times on a leash, and you can let your dog off the leash before 10:00 AM and after 4:00 PM
A great beach for exploring, birdwatching, and surfing
There’s a rock arch on the north end that you can check out at low tide
The lighthouse contains the Santa Cruz surfing museum

8. Rio Del Mar State Beach, Aptos

🗺️ Address:	📍Rio Del Mar, Aptos, CA, 95003
🕐 Open Times:	8:00 AM to sunset (day-use area)
💲 Cost:	Free parking in the town center, $10 for platforms area parking
🐕 Off-leash allowed?	No

Dogs are required to remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet
If you enjoy a casual stroll and taking in some views, check out the promenade
Aptos Creek ends at Rio Del Mar Beach and forms a lagoon in summer
Convenient location with nearby restaurants and markets
Keep an eye out for whales, sea lions, dolphins, and various birds

9. Seacliff State Beach, Aptos

🗺️ Address:	📍State Park Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003
🕐 Open Times:	8:00 AM to sunset
💲 Cost:	$10 parking fee, $50 and $100 for buses depending on the number of passengers
🐕 Off-leash allowed?	No

A popular beach for swimming and picnicking
RV access to the campground
The USS Palo Alto concrete ship is at the end of the pier
Dogs are allowed on this beach on a leash no longer than 6 feet

10. Davenport Beach, Santa Cruz

Dogs are allowed on Davenport beach but not on nearby Scott Creek beach
At the base of the cliffs, you might be able to spot shallow caves and unusual rock formations
Moderately congested
A good spot for whale and bird watching
Check out the tide pools on the south side

divider-dog

Conclusion

So, if you’re planning a getaway in Capitola and/or its surrounding areas, we hope this guide has helped you pick out where you’d most like to go with your canine companion. When visiting any of these beaches, we recommend double-checking the rules on taking dogs with you in case of any future changes. Also, don’t forget to pick up after your dog before you leave to help keep the beaches clean and pleasant places for everyone.

Featured Image Credit: Carolina García, Pixabay