Mitchell's Cove Beach

If you are looking for a dog-friendly beach in Santa Cruz, Mitchell's Cove is a nice spot to let your best friend take a walk. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the mornings and evenings, and they are allowed on-leash at all times. While it is not the most popular beach in the area, the low congestion makes the beach a great place to explore. Located on West Cliff Drive, the beach is right off the sidewalk that follows the contours of the rocky beach cliffs. 

The beach is a great spot for glimpsing the migrating gray whales as they traverse the coastline each year. Other sea life and various birds are common as well. In early spring, sea vegetation washes ashore, and at times the smell can become overwhelming. The city of Santa Cruz cleans this up before the busy tourist season. Check the tide charts, as this beach is sometimes not accessible during high tide.